Carmine Soprano

Carmine is a Development Economist at the World Bank, a UN consultant, and an academic lecturer.

I undertook the EMPA program to primarily receive advanced training in public policy analysis, formulation, and evaluation. Over the years, as a result of experience gained working in the international development industry, I had developed a keen interest in public policy as well as in political science - yet had also come to realize that I lacked any rigorous theoretical foundations.

I thus enrolled in the EMPA program with the expectation to fill my academic gaps related to public policy, as well as to gain (or refine) technical tools that would allow me to shift to a more rigorous approach in policy analysis, formulation, and evaluation. Also, I saw the program as an opportunity to refresh prior economics knowledge gained through past academic education (I am an economist by training), expand my professional role, grow my network, and explore new career options.

 The EMPA was a new and engaging learning experience from a methodological perspective. During my prior academic studies I had been only exposed to courses that relied primarily on manuals, top-down teaching, and oral exams. Instead, the EMPA was a revolutionary learning experience, as its modules: 1) relied mainly on pre-recorded lectures and/or academic papers, often paired with divulgation books which I personally found to be helpful learning companions; 2) encouraged ‘’horizontal’’ learning and class discussions, which I felt to be particularly insightful when based on classmates’ professional experience; and 3) used essays (and on-line exams) as main assessment modality. The combination of the above features ultimately granted me a very effective EMPA learning experience.

Academic rigour, a world-class faculty, and outstanding colleagues were the key highlights of my EMPA experience. I truly enjoyed the constant focus on evidence-based policy analysis during the various EMPA modules, and felt extremely privileged to be lectured by experienced teachers with an outstanding academic track record. However, the single most important area of added value during my EMPA journey was likely my own cohort, comprising incredibly accomplished professionals from 20+ countries around the world who had established themselves as recognized experts in their subject matter. Their own practical policy experience, combined with the theoretical foundations offered to us by our faculty, made for a memorable learning opportunity during our EMPA classes. I also made many friends within my cohort, and feel now very privileged to have been able to expand my network by including them in it.

Finally, EMPA was an eye-opener for me from a professional development perspective – while I still hold the same job, I am actively considering new career moves and have in the meantime also significantly grown my work as academic lecturer and independent consultant/advisor. I cannot think of a better mid-career program in public policy!

Carmine is happy to connect via LinkedIn.