Konstantinos Throuvalas

Konstantinos is an Economic Advisor at the General Secretariat of the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic

Growing up in Athens, it was natural to be engulfed by the Greek debt crisis. The whole country had sadly turned into an economics 101 subject, so I promptly studied economics in university to figure things out (I was always an optimist). Like most people who graduate from econ, I first had a short spell in finance, but I did not really feel the pull. Academic economics did not allure me either: too stale. Actionable economics under political constraints, i.e. public policy, was my peculiar obsession, but I had no clue how to get on that track.

The SPP seemed like a good place to start. Indeed, I discovered some great classes, great events, great professors. Most importantly, for the first time in my life, I found my kind of people. I met a very diverse group of individuals from all around the world that had the same peculiar obsession on what was going on: in politics, in economics, in world affairs. I cherished our fun conversations. That was the real value of the program for me.

Following graduation, I landed a job at a sovereign credit rating agency. Only a few years ago, these agencies were constantly on the Greek breaking news, usually gaining notoriety for downgrading the country. Now I got to see how the sausage was made. It was a growth experience, partly because at a very junior level you get to meet senior government officials, and it was also rather refreshing to lose faith in the practical importance of econometrics. But still something was missing mentally. I was close to public policy but not in the thick of it, more like a high-minded critic from the outside.

I then found an opportunity to join the UK Foreign Office, acting as an economic adviser to his Majesty’s Ambassador to Greece. Finally, a position in government! It was a sweet but short spell. Shortly after, another opportunity came up to join the Greek Prime Minister’s economic advisory team. Unexpectedly, I ended up at the heart of the beast. I can only say it is a privilege. At the end of the day, serving in an administration teaches you humility and optimism. Most things that are worth doing are hard to do but doable.

In short, I was very lucky. I found my dream job just two years after graduating from the LSE. I want to thank the SPP because it served as a springboard to my journey. I am proud to be an alumnus and hope the best for all alumni and their unique journeys!

Konstantinos is happy to connect on LinkedIn.