Michele, Analyst at Dalberg Global Development Advisors

Coming from Italy, Michele Franchetti Pardo has graduated in International Economic Policy. He is Analyst at Dalberg Global Development Advisors 'London office, a strategy advisory form focused on social impact. 

What is your role and main responsibilities? 

Dalberg Global Development Advisors has over 30 offices around the world, mainly in the Global South. As a strategy consultant, I am staffed on projects advising organizations in the development sector (e.g., Green Climate Fund, European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, and UNICEF) to enhance their impact potential. In particular, I am tasked with collecting information and collaborating with the rest of the team to draw relevant insights to help the client reach its goals.

>How did you secure this role? 

I first heard of the company during my time at Sciences Po when the university invited Dalberg staff to present who they are and what they do. The potential for impact and diversity of projects convinced me to apply for Dalberg’s Nairobi office where I completed a remote summer internship. Following a transfer, I was eventually hired in London as an analyst in May 2021.

The recruitment process entailed a series of interviews composed of case studies and fit questions aimed at assessing the candidates’ problem-solving skills, communication abilities and drive to create impact. 

What is the most fascinating and/or surprising aspect at your role?

One aspect of the role that surprised me is how much project managers empower entry-level staff such as myself to contribute to the problem-solving efforts. Analysts are seen as the team members who are closest to the data and hence have the more granular understanding that is needed to solve the clients’ challenges.

How did your PSIA experience help you with the role? 

PSIA not only provided the networking opportunity to find Dalberg, but its comprehensive list of courses enabled me to focus on the subjects that I was most interested in while having a wider view of the development sector. This extensive selection of courses also creates opportunities to meet a diverse range of students with different backgrounds and interests that encourage knowledge sharing. 

What advice would you give to others? 

The main takeaway from my experience so far is to make the most of the breadth of professional opportunities provided by Sciences Po to take chances and live new experiences. There is plenty of time to settle for a specific career if one wishes to, but Sciences Po provides the chance to try new paths that one might not have taken into consideration before and discover new passions.

• About Dalberg Global Development Advisors
• About the Master in International Economic Policy