Agustin Lopez Sivilat

MSc Management and Implementation of Development Projects.

Where are you from? Why did you choose to study at The University of Manchester?

I am from Argentina. I chose to study at The University of Manchester because, on the one hand, the prestige of its education level validated by the numerous international rankings. On the other hand, because of the incredible experience of living in Manchester that is a completely lively and vibrant city so well connected to student life.

For Master's level: why did you choose your particular course?

I chose this specific master's because of its practical approach. As I already had experience in the corporate sector with a set of valuable skills transferable to the international development field, I wanted a master's degree that could be a stepping stone that would help me combine my experience with my interests and focus my career.

Therefore, my dissertation supervised by Mr Paul Barry was based on exploring the current challenges faced by agricultural Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Argentina; understanding it as a model to unlock potential not only in Latin America but also in other developing regions that base their economies in agricultural activities and SMEs. I chose this field because I found it to be the perfect convergence between my previous experience and the exciting international development world, and ultimately the way I can pragmatically contribute with my knowledge and experience to the development field.

What have you done since graduating?

I am applying to job positions in the impact investment sector, where I think I can combine my experience in the corporate sector and my studies in international development, to enhance social-economic actors through investments seeking for a financial as well as a social return.

What is your best memory from your time at Manchester?

My best memory from my time at Manchester is experiencing to live with my course mates the incredible connection between the student life and the city, going out, enjoying the numerous public activities, organising multicultural meals, and more.

Do you have any tips or advice for current or prospective students?

My advice to every current or prospective student would be to attend not only every lecture but also try to attend to as many GDI lectures as possible. This is a unique opportunity to listen to top-in-their-fields' people, to broaden your understanding of development, knowing new realities and fields, and is a way of finding what you most like. So ultimately, it will help you decide where to continue your career.