Prospects

The degree programme in International Politics and Economics (IPE) shapes professional figures, such as the specialist in international economic and financial policies, the officer in charge of foreign trade relations, the analyst of international political, economic and financial data, able to operate at the highest levels in international institutions and markets, having full understanding of both the political and economic relationships between various states, governmental and non-governmental organizations and businesses. The degree programme also offers a solid base to pursue further studies in PhD programmes in Italy and abroad.

Professional profiles

Specialist in Economic policies and International finance role in a work context:

The specialist in economic policies and international finance:

• studies, describes and interprets the origin, development, functioning and logic of the systems of economic, financial and political relations among States and other actors in world politics, the ways in which economic, financial and political decisions are made, their interrelations with public opinion, the activities of governments, international organisations and firms;
• coordinates the creation, development, documentation, financing, implementation, promotion, monitoring and assessment of national, international and supra-national programmes of public significance, on such subjects as the internationalisation of production systems and international economic and financial relations among public and private actors;
• coordinates the creation, development, documentation, implementation, promotion, monitoring and assessment of enterprise-level projects on subjects relating to industrial strategy and development, direct foreign investment strategies, M&A strategies;
• collaborates actively with executives, managers, politicians and administrators in complex public and private organisations at national and international level.

Competencies associated with the role:

The specialist in economic policies and international finance:

• understands the international political, financial and economic architecture, its historical and legal origins, the way it functions; the mechanisms behind the functioning of complex organisations and decision-making processes at an international level; the characteristics of and outlook for the global governance of economic and financial processes;
• knows how to analyse and interpret the economic, financial and political context in which national and international decisions are taken, both by public organisations and by private firms and organisations;
• knows how to identify and study the impact of political risks on the industrial internationalisation strategies of firms;
• knows how to manage a public policy project and monitor its results (project management and evaluation), as well as promote its objectives to national, European and international public institutions and inform public opinion via digital communications, the worldwide web and the mass media;
• knows how to assess the legal aspects of assigned projects, interfacing with legal experts, and understands on a comparative basis the characteristics of the different legal systems and contracts needed to operate internationally;
• applies critical thinking and knows many ways to solve problems. Knows how to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of processes and solutions;
• has excellent skills when discussing, communicating and negotiating on behalf of administrations or private firms with public administrations at national or European level, and knows how to use social networking;
• is able to source, read and interpret planning documents (laws, proposals, decisions, programme descriptions, tender regulations) issued by national, European and international institutions.

Career opportunities:

Think tanks and research institutions, communications, PR and consultancy companies and firms, trade associations, non-profit organisations, local, regional and national public administrations, firms.

Foreign trade relations specialist

Role in a work context:

The foreign trade relations specialist:

• implements the marketing and export strategies of firms and ensures the efficient functioning of the sales and distribution network, with a focus on foreign markets;
• performs research into market conditions at international level, to identify opportunities for the commercial penetration of products or services in foreign markets; assesses possible political-institutional developments, identifies competitors, their prices and their selling and distribution methods;
• is able to assess the costs and benefits of collaboration and merger agreements with firms at national and international level.

Competencies associated with the role:

The foreign trade relations specialist:

• has an excellent knowledge of English and uses it routinely at work;
• has a general knowledge of the most important processes within modern companies and, in particular, the economic, financial and political issues faced by each country with which contacts are made;
• knows how to carry out empirical studies in international contexts and geographical areas, using social science methods;
• knows how to assess the legal aspects of assigned projects, interfacing with legal experts, and understands on a comparative basis the characteristics of the different legal systems and contracts needed to operate internationally;
• possess specific aptitudes and behavioural skills, including strong negotiating ability and excellent skills in the planning and organisation of work; flexible and able to adapt; strong skills in the management of human and economic resources, as well as tangible and intangible resources in general.

Career opportunities:

Private firms and trade associations, in roles dedicated to the internationalisation of the business.

Political risk specialist

role in a work context:

The political risk specialist:

• explores and analyses political, social and economic factors in specific geographical areas or industrial sectors for private firms or governments
• analyses risks and opportunities for actors of all kinds, considering the risk factors to which they are exposed in the assessment of investment strategies, and provides ideas for their management in certain geographical areas
• provides a detailed assessment of the feasibility of an actor entering a given market in a given country. The specialist provides a careful analysis of the principal political, social and economic matters that the actor should take into consideration.

competencies associated with the role:

The political risk specialist:

• understands new and complex international situations
• has in-depth knowledge of the political and economic realities in various regions; understand how and to what extent political changes might impact the economic environment in a given country
• knows how to prepare scenario and development analyses
• knows one or more foreign languages at a professional level
• knows how to carry out complex investigations of various political and economic situations in various regions
• possess specific aptitudes and behavioural skills, including strong skills in the planning and organisation of work; flexible and able to adapt.

Career opportunities:

Junior consultant for risk analysis companies; analyst for international or governmental organisations; analyst for banks, insurance companies and financial institutions; analyst for research institutions; analyst for firms that operate in high risk countries (energy sector etc.)

Continuing to study

It gives access to third cycle studies (PHD Programmes/Specialisation Schools) or second level of Professional Master's Programmes