Curious about other MPA/ID Coffee Hours Events? Read about two MPA/ID students’ event in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Fernando Gonzalez MPA/ID 2026 and Naara Cancino MPA/ID-MBA 2027 met with prospective students in Lima, Peru to discuss the Master in Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) Program. At this event, Fernando and Naara focused their discussion on the application process, their experiences in the program, and goalsetting.
Here’s what Fernando shared about the event.
Why We Hosted a Coffee Hour in Lima
Hosting this Coffee Hours event was a great opportunity to connect with prospective applicants, share insights about the MPA/ID experience, and answer questions about the program and life at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø. We wanted to provide firsthand perspectives that could help future students make informed decisions about applying. We also wanted to give back by supporting future students, just as our mentors did for us.
Questions We Received and How We Responded
Prospective students had diverse questions, but some common themes emerged.
Admissions process: Many students were curious about the application timeline, essays, and how to showcase their quantitative skills. We emphasized the importance of a clear narrative, strong recommendation letters, and demonstration of quantitative proficiency.
Curriculum and workload: We explained that the program is rigorous but rewarding and structured. A solid foundation in math and economics helps ease the transition.
Funding and scholarships: We shared our experiences navigating ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø financial aid and external funding opportunities.
Life at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and in Cambridge: Attendees wanted to know about housing, networking, and the broader ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø community. We reassured them that the environment is supportive, collaborative, and filled with opportunities to grow.
Advice for Prospective Students
For those considering applying to the MPA/ID Program, here are some key takeaways:
Be clear about your goals. ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø looks for candidates who have a strong sense of purpose and a vision for how they will use their degree.
Strengthen your quantitative skills. If you need to improve, consider online courses or refresher programs before starting.
Engage with the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø community. Reach out to current students or alumni to understand the program’s fit for you.
Start early. The application process is demanding, so give yourself enough time to craft a compelling application.
Don’t be afraid. Taking the chance won’t leave you worse off than not trying at all.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Apart from hosting the Coffee Hour, we also used the winter break to recharge, spend time with family, and reflect on our first semester at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø. This break was a great moment to process our learnings and prepare for the upcoming challenges of the program.
We truly enjoyed meeting prospective students and sharing our experiences. If you’re considering coming to ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, we encourage you to explore all available resources and to connect with the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø community. The MPA/ID Program is a transformative journey, and we’re excited to see future cohorts bring their unique perspectives to ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø!
Fernando Gonzalez MPA/ID 2025
Fernando Gonzalez MPA/ID 2025
From Huancayo, Peru, Fernando Gonzalez MPA/ID 2025 holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Universidad del PacÃfico. Before ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, he worked as a senior economist at Instituto Peruano de EconomÃa, a leading Peruvian think tank, where he conducted data-driven analysis to inform public policy and economic development. He has worked in research, consulting, and policy advisory, focusing on solutions to support economic growth and strengthen institutional capacity. Fernando aspires to drive impactful policy changes in Peru and globally by contributing to more effective public policies through rigorous analysis.
Naara Cancino MBA/MPA-ID 2027
Naara Cancino MBA/MPA-ID 2027
From Trujillo, Peru, Naara Cancino MPA/ID-MBA 2027 is enrolled in the joint degree program with Harvard Business School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Universidad del PacÃfico and a master’s degree in sociology with honors from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. With over six years of experience in consulting, research, and the Peruvian government, her work has centered on sustainable development and climate finance. She is passionate about bridging the climate finance gap in developing countries. After graduation, she plans to work at the intersection of government and the private sector to drive meaningful progress toward this goal.
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