My core responsibility is integrating environmental considerations in macroeconomic models — such as scenario analysis on the impacts from nature loss for sovereign debt sustainability and financial stability. At S&P Global Ratings, I'm part of a team of around 30 research economists where my key role is to collaborate across divisions and develop a model assessing the sectoral macroeconomic risks countries face from nature loss. This work feeds directly into research reports and sovereign credit risk analysis, where material. I also contribute to quarterly economic forecasts and the integration of climate-related financial risks. At LSE and aside from risk analysis, I contribute to evaluating instrument design, such as the financial co-benefits of nature-linked sovereign debt instruments and use of earth observation for KPI selection and monitoring. 

These roles demand a blend of hard skills in econometrics and expertise across macroeconomic models, climate change, and risk analysis. But more importantly, I’ve found that project and expectation management skills, and the ability to communicate or ‘translate’ effectively across disciplines crucial for effectively engaging with stakeholders across the public and private sphere with varying expertise, in a way that brings them onboard and the details accessible.

Looking back, beyond the formal qualifications, the path to my current role gradually progressed from earlier roles in climate-related asset management, macroeconomic research, and public organisations. I’d say the key preparation was simply staying curious and following my interests and motivation, making it easier to keep up with industry developments and global economic or environmental trends. While academic training and initial work experience in sovereign debt asset management and UN PRI gave me crucial insights in how to analyse the drivers of sovereign risk and integrate environmental factors which I continue in my PhD, what helped me most along the way was staying active and motivated. Using free training offered by institutions such as the IMF on sovereign debt frameworks, connecting via alumni networks or faculty, and attending conferences - many offer free passes to students - were all instrumental to understand how different people and organisations in this intersection approach problems, and how the ecosystem fits together. 

Two aspects stand out for me. First, there's the analytical challenge of identifying material economic consequences from environmental changes. Tracing sectoral vulnerabilities through value chains, evaluating how sovereign bonds tied to nature or climate targets might ease debt pressures - and learning from talented colleagues in other fields such as ecology that I didn’t expect back when I studied at Sciences Po. But the most motivating part is when the research doesn’t gather dust on a shelf but is useful for collaborations with central banks, ministries of finance, or credit rating agencies. Seeing that our work is helping inform practice, having the privilege to learn from them, and overall helping society transition to a more sustainable and resilient future makes it worthwhile to me. 

The quantitative methods concentration and specifically courses such as "Advanced Econometrics: Time-Series," "Monetary Economics," and "Climate Change Economics" built the technical foundation I use daily. Relative to other universities, teaching from active practitioners made a crucial difference, for example by building an understanding of how academic macroeconomic models are practically implemented such as within central banks. Furthermore, PSIA cultivated a fundamental interdisciplinary curiosity. The variety in courses in political and economic theory taught me to navigate between disciplines and see connections I’d have otherwise missed. That skill has proven invaluable when you're constantly communicating between environmental scientists, economists, and financial analysts. 

Be proactive in seeking out opportunities, and don't be afraid of uncertainty or veering from the well-trodden path. Broaden your horizons with extracurriculars or subjects that may seem tangential to your core interests contributes to a versatility you can draw on in the future. And don’t forget to reach out to alumni and ask faculty for advice. I was genuinely surprised by how many were willing to share their perspective on their organisation and offer advice; don't hesitate to do the same.

Finding a job that truly feels purposeful may take time, and that's okay. It also took me time to learn how much a supportive team, healthy daily tasks, and an environment that sustains your wellbeing matter as much for sustainable professional development. There will likely be temporary setbacks along the way - but don’t let it discourage you from your interests.