Home>Valeria, ESG Analyst at EthiFinance

08.10.2025

Valeria, ESG Analyst at EthiFinance

   

Coming from Mexico, Valeria moved to France in 2020. She has graduated in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action with the Enhanced Master Option and a concentration in Migrations. Since 2023, she has been working as an ESG Analyst at EthiFinance, a European financial services group that provides ESG research, credit ratings, and sustainability advisory for companies and investors. Valeria is based in Paris, but the team spans Lyon, Madrid, Granada, Hannover and Frankfurt.

What are your main responsibilities?

I analyse the sustainability claims of green, social, and sustainability bonds and loans, and I assess the extra-financial performance of European companies to help investors make informed decisions. This includes producing Second Party Opinions and Sustainability Ratings for companies—work that plays a critical role in ensuring transparency, avoiding greenwashing, and channelling capital toward projects with real environmental and social impact.

How did you prepare for this job?

Looking back, what helped me the most was taking advantage of the resources available at Sciences Po. I booked personalised counselling sessions with Sciences Po Career and reached out to alumni working in ESG to understand the skills and experiences that matter in this field. These conversations gave me clarity on what recruiters look for. 

What is the most fascinating part of your job?

What I find most fascinating about my job is the exposure to diverse sectors and projects, and the opportunity to engage with clients across roles—from ESG managers to CFOs—in companies ranging from mid-sized firms to large corporates, as well as local authorities in France and Germany. I also value working in a small, international team, which gives me full visibility of project life cycles and the chance to work in three languages every day. While climate challenges can seem overwhelming, I enjoy providing actionable insights that help investors and companies advance in their sustainability journey. 

 How did your PSIA experience contribute to the position you hold today?

Every day, I apply what I learned at Sciences Po: the ability to analyse complex global issues and translate them into practical solutions. My third-semester internship at the OECD was instrumental in bridging my human rights background with sustainability, showing me that social considerations are essential in sustainable finance. Even though my master’s was not focused on environmental policy, I learned that ESG is a multidisciplinary field where diverse perspectives are an asset. Both my courses and 3rd year experience taught me how to interpret and apply policy developments in a practical context, a skill I now use when assessing corporate strategies and sustainability frameworks. Even though my master’s was not focused on environmental policy, I learned that ESG is a multidisciplinary field where diverse perspectives are an asset. One course that left a lasting impact was Human Rights and Natural Resources with Professor Marco Pertile, which deepened my understanding of the intersection between human rights and sustainability.

What advice would you give to current students?

Early in your career, it’s easy to put pressure on yourself to have everything figured out. But as you progress, you realize you have many years ahead to grow and explore. Find a job that excites you and gives you purpose. And don’t underestimate the value of resources at your disposal—career services, networking, and alumni connections can truly shape your trajectory. Your first job is just the beginning of a long journey, and every experience adds value! 

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