Matthias Helble
University degree: PhD in International Economics
Job: Economist
Asian Development Bank (ABD)
How did you start your career?
I started my career as a consultant for the Development Economic Research Group
of the World Bank in 2007. I moved to Washington immediately after my PhD
defense and was excited to start working in one of the largest and leading
international organizations. I was impressed by the multicultural and intellectually
stimulating work environment. After less than a year, I left the World Bank to join the
World Health Organization as Technical Officer in Geneva.
Why did you choose to study at the Graduate
Institute?
“The training is wellbalanced in terms of
theory and practice.”
I was looking for a PhD program in international
economics in Europe and I was accepted by several
top schools in Europe. Given that I wanted to
specialize in international trade, the Graduate Institute
was my first choice. The faculty of the economics department is outstanding and
Geneva is known to host a number of international organizations and think tanks
specializing in international trade.
Why did you choose a career at the Asian Development Bank?
Before joining the Asian Development Bank Institute, I had worked for the United
Nations in Switzerland. As much as I enjoyed living in Switzerland, I was looking for
a new professional challenge in a different country. I applied to the Asian
Development Bank Institute because they had an opening which allowed me to
conduct economic research. Although Asia is becoming the centre of the global
economy, economic development greatly differs across the region. What grasped
my attention however is that Asian economic integration is underway.
In your opinion, what are the qualities necessary for a successful career at the
Asian Development Bank?
Technical skills are the first requirement for my current position. Second, it is
important to be able to work in an international environment and adapt easily to
different working cultures and style. Another necessary quality is to be a good team
player and to be able to network. Finally, the Asian Development Bank is usually
looking for people with several years of relevant professional experience.
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Did the Graduate Institute prepare you well?
The Graduate Institute prepared me perfectly for my current job. At the Graduate
Institute, the students receive a first class education in all fields of international
relations. The training is well-balanced in terms of theory and practice. In
international organisations, it is very often necessary to translate the latest economic
theory into concrete empirical research projects and actual policy proposals. In
addition, the Graduate Institute taught me how to embrace different disciplines and
develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
What advantage did the Institute give you from an intellectual point of view?
There are very few schools in the world where you are able to “breathe the same air
of internationalism”. At the Graduate Institute, intellectuals from all continents and all
disciplines of international relations gather to debate the most pressing topics in a
non-ideological way.
How did you benefit from your position at the Asian Development Bank?
My professional experience is highly enriching. I am continuously building up my
professional competencies and skills which will give me the opportunity to further
develop my career. Moreover, every day, I am learning more about Asia, about its
people, the culture, the past development and the future challenges.
CP 136 - CH-1211 Genève 21 | +41 22 908 57 00 | graduateinstitute.ch