Name: Ricardo Benzecry-Mancin
Programme: MPA Data Science for Public Policy, Class of 2025
Nationality: Venezuelan
Can you tell us about your background and why you chose to study the MPA-DSPP programme at SPP?
I completed my undergraduate degree in Economics in Venezuela, and my professional experience revolved around macroeconomic studies, and socioeconomic and policy research. My work was data-intensive so, through a very learning-by-doing process, I learned different programming languages (after being quite reluctant to do it during my undergrad), which is where my true interest in data science began. After struggling through the initial learning process, I was fascinated by using my newly developed quantitative skills to answer the questions that had always intrigued me. However, the more I knew, the more I found gaps in my knowledge and potential for further applications.
Studying Economics, Policy, Data Science at one of the bests universities? Seemed like the ideal next step for me. The opportunity to delve deeper into this field, which I was familiar with but didn't fully understand, with a focus on policy-related issues sounded too good to be true. But here I am!
What have been some of your takeaways from your studies?
There are some fundamental problems and trade-offs that are common across policy issues and require critical judgement beyond technical knowledge and data, both of which are essential. These are the truly challenging ones. Those where neither data nor literature can provide the “right” answer because there is not a clear one. And for these ‘questions’, professors don’t have the right answers either, but they’ll certainly equip you with tools to best tackle them. Moreover, understanding that sometimes the most significant constraints in policies are the implementation challenges, but these tend to be overlooked because they are less "intellectually appealing".
What makes you feel #partoflse?
Attending the countless events, all of which are incredibly interesting with top speakers and experts in various fields. Also, the student community makes me feel #partoflse, because you're surrounded by smart, regular people from different backgrounds and cultures who are generally interested in the same topics you are. So, you don't have to worry about being "too intense" about a topic in this context.
What are your favourite memories of student life at SPP?
There are many memories across the Welcome period, the Data Science bootcamp, Christmas, but if I had to choose one, it would be Professor Vanessa Rubio-Marquez's speech during the SPP gala in March 2024. I think that was a very memorable moment when combined with the gala, the atmosphere, the words... I even remember guests who didn't know her asking like "Who is this woman, and why am I getting emotional too?".
What’s the best thing about being a SPP student?
Regularly going to the SPP floor to study and talk to other students and professors is definitely a highlight. I also appreciate the more applied or practical mindset of the SPP when thinking about societal issues, at least relative to other departments. Moreover, I think the SPP does an excellent job of making you feel part of its community.
Who should study the MPA in Data Science for Public Policy?
For people who enjoy data-intensive analysis and policy issues (economics, health, labour, transport), I think it’s a no-brainer. However, if you don't enjoy programming or statistics, but appreciate what the intuition behind these tools can offer you at an analytical level, I believe this programme would be beneficial.
I think you can see it in our cohort. There are the data "geeks", who enjoy programming and conducting data-related tasks, and those who are more driven by the implications and the main message you get from the different tools, models, analyses.
But regardless of which one sounds more like you, I think you should be someone who is ready to not get answers to deep questions because we (as society, academia, or policymakers) don't have them. At least not yet - they are in the making.
What advice would you give to anyone who is considering studying the MPA-DSPP?
Do it! If anything I've said above resonates with you, then you will probably find great value in doing it. It's a comprehensive and flexible program, and you will likely benefit from engaging with the LSE network and students.
Do you have any practical advice for our offer holders who are preparing to join us in September?
- Take notes during class for the exams, even if they're very basic or just writing some key broad points of the class. Trust me, you will appreciate it during the exam period, as it gives you a mental walkthrough of everything you learned during the year.
- Start with the hard questions early. Try to clarify what internships you want to look for and what 'story' you are telling about yourself. You don't need to have it crystal clear but do work on it in the background.
- Don't worry too much about attending all the amazing events. Attend them as you are able, but don't stress about it, as you won't be able to make it to all of them, they won't run out, and probably no single event will change your life. Having said that, if you can go, they are usually good.
Where is your favourite place in London?
Perhaps saying it is my “favourite” place is too strong, but I think everyone should walk around Exhibition Road in South Kensington and the surrounding areas: the museums, the Royal Albert Hall, Hyde Park, etc.
Where is your favourite place on or near campus?
The Southbank is close and it’s a great walk. It has great things: cinema, theatre, food court, museums, the bridges, etc.
Can you describe your SPP experience in three words?
Challenging. Interesting. Engaging.
Ricardo is happy to connect via LinkedIn.