Wilhelm Irwe – works at the
World Bank in Washington D.C.
Wilhelm Irwe graduated from Uppsala University in 2014 with a degree in Economics. He then studied for a Master's degree in International Relations and Development Studies in Washington D.C. Today he works at the World Bank in Washington D.C. in the climate change department.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
The work is varied so it is difficult to describe a “typical” day but one of my main tasks is to oversee the climate change program in one of the World Bank's many trust funds. In a nutshell, this means that I receive and evaluate applications for funding for various World Bank projects. The financing proposals that meet our climate requirements are then recommended for funding to the fund's management. Some examples of recently approved applications include a project aimed at strengthening the resilience of national parks in Tanzania to prolonged droughts and a study to analyze Nepal's potential to offer climate insurance to small-scale farmers.
This is part of the World Bank's ambition to integrate climate change considerations into all its operations.
What was your first job after graduation?
This was my first job after my Master's degree.
How has your economics degree at Uppsala University helped you in your career?
As my master was in international development and had rather limited elements of quantitative courses, I was greatly helped by my time at Uppsala University when I had to write my master's thesis where I did a quantitative evaluation on the role of aid in building resilience to climate change in developing countries. It was largely thanks to my thesis that I got my current job and the quality of the thesis would undoubtedly have been lower without my NEK courses from Uppsala.
Why did you choose to study economics at Uppsala University?
I studied Pol.Kand at Uppsala University and after the mandatory course in NEK A, I chose to continue with NEK focus instead of political science as I had first thought. I don't really remember why I did that but I don't regret my choice.
What is your best memory from your time at Uppsala University?
Besides my 3 great years in Uppsala, where it is difficult to point out something single as my best memory, I did an internship in New York and an exchange semester in South Africa within the framework of my Pol.Kand. They both provided memories for life!
What advice would you give to current and future students of economics?
It depends very much on what you want to do with your degree and why you chose to study economics. I was interested in an international career early on, and if you are, my advice would be to take the opportunity to go abroad for internships, MFS or study exchanges. Uppsala University has many good established collaborations that you can benefit from.
It's also important to have fun and not think too much about what happens after graduation. Knowledge of econometrics and statistics is sought after, so all that stuff works out.