As Swiss national Raphaël Roman enters Year Two of the MPPGA program, he reflects on his experiences so far, the Global Policy Project ahead, and life in Vancouver. Please find the Q&A below.
Name: Raphaël Roman
Hometown: Geneva, Switzerland
Class of 2017: September 2015
Program Stream: Resources, Energy and Sustainability
Q. Tell us about your past education and work experience.
A naturally inquisitive person, I studied economics as an undergraduate, with the hope of better understanding the societal dynamics and intricacies of our current economic paradigm. I had the opportunity to join the Board of Directors of a sustainability community hub at McGill University, while delving into pressing issues such as climate change (University of Geneva) and the global fisheries collapse (UBC) as a research intern.
Q. What made you apply to—and choose—UBC’s MPPGA?
I had always thought about UBC for graduate school, given its world-leading position in fields such as natural resources conservation and sustainability. My serendipitous encounter with the MPPGA program fulfilled my aspiration to tackle global issues through a public policy lens that requires the application of both quantitative and qualitative skills.
Q. What are your areas of interest?
As you can already guess, I’m focused on the interplay between our economy and the environment, using the impetus of statistical applications and public engagement to secure the value of our ecosystem services. I’m interested in fostering a new economic system geared toward intergenerational equity and the preservation of our natural capital.
Q. What has been the best part about the MPPGA program so far?
Besides the inspiring and outstanding personalities of our small cohort family, the quality of instruction, the hands-on opportunities and the flexibility offered by the professors creates a novel experience that has exceeded my expectations. Personal engagement in the program’s co-curricular activities has also broadened my horizons.
Q. What are you looking forward to in the coming year?
Building upon the theoretical foundations we have covered in Year 1, I am looking forward to applying such knowledge in a practical and realistic way via the upcoming Global Policy Project (GP2). I’m also eager to attend my chosen stream courses, furthering expertise in my field of interest before taking steps in the real world.
Q. Where do you see yourself after graduation?
With my future graduate degree, I’m confident that I will have the capacity to push ahead with the aspirations I have seeded alongside my MPPGA pathway. I may end up working in an INGO or NGO, a Swiss embassy, a government institution, or a think tank—or applying to a doctoral program to further explore my field of expertise while engaging in public symposiums and awareness campaigns.
Q. What would you say to someone who is considering applying to the MPPGA program?
I think it’s important to have an intrinsic willingness to instigate changes at the local, national and global scale, and to be curious about and aware of what is happening worldwide on a daily basis. Taking risks and wandering beyond your comfort zone can help you inspire change and trigger effective impacts. Boldness, resilience and optimism are my core catalysts. As one of my inspiring supervisors always says: “Keep pushing!”
Q. How did you find the transition to life in Vancouver?
Coming from Switzerland, the transition has been smooth and enjoyable, particularly Vancouver’s scenery and overall quality of life. I have already enjoyed many magnificent hikes and bike trips across the province, and I’m looking forward to more.
