Mauro Testaverde MSc Economics and Econometrics, PhD in Economics, 2012
Hi, I'm Mauro Testaverde and I studied MSc Economics and Econometrics, PhD in Economics within Social Sciences: Economics at the University of Southampton.
Southampton was immediately one of my favourite choices because its Economics Department is one of the top 10 in the UK.
Q: Why did you choose Southampton?
When I had to decide which university to study at for my Masters degree, Southampton was immediately one of my favourite choices because its Economics Division is one of the top 10 in the UK. But what really convinced me was the support and the kindness of the staff working in the programme support office. The first time I contacted them to ask for information, I realised how helpful they were and that the University of Southampton was the place where I wanted to study. I am now enrolled on the MPhil/PhD programme in Economics, which is proof that I have not regretted my choice.
Q: How did you find the academic support?
Every time I had doubts or I wanted to ask for clarification about specific topics, the academic staff were more than happy to explain what I had not understood. Questions during lectures were, in fact, welcomed, so other students in the class could get something from the answers given.
I had the privilege of benefiting of an ESRC 1+3 scholarship, which has covered the tuition fees for the last year of my Masters and for the current and the next two years of my PhD. The staff in the office first mentioned this possibility to me and thanks to them I applied. I am really grateful to these people because this money has been very important to me.
Now I am a research student, I am really happy about the frequency of meetings with my supervisors. We usually meet once a week, and through a constant exchange of ideas I feel that my research is improving steadily. The atmosphere during these meetings is always friendly and never formal. In my opinion, this is the ideal environment to develop new ideas.
Q: How did you find being an international student at Southampton?
Southampton is well known in my former university, 'La Sapienza', University of Rome. Many people have continued their studies at Southampton after graduating in Rome.
Being a city in which the university plays a central role, Southampton is a great place to combine study and social life. There are many students from all over the world, which creates a really enjoyable environment where, every day, it is possible to learn something new about other cultures.
Facing and then overcoming the personal challenges arising from everyday life in a foreign country represents a rewarding experience which helps the process of maturation of an individual, not only as a student but first of all as a person.
Q: What are your plans following graduation?
I am now a first-year PhD student. My research topic is 'The political economy of migration'. I would like to research for an international organisation like the World Bank.
For this reason, last summer, I decided to intern for the UNCTAD in Geneva. This experience made me understand even more how exciting and rewarding it is to work in this type of environment.
The level of teaching and the facilities provided at the University of Southampton provide the opportunity of accumulating skills that will be useful when entering the job market.