Panos is a Senior Policy Advisor in the International department of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Panos Asimakopoulos, MPA
From a very young age, I was fascinated with politics and international affairs. After graduating from high school, I went on to study economics in Athens University of Economics and Business and then to do a master’s in finance at Queen Mary University of London. While I was enjoying my masters and finding finance interesting, it became clear to me that I wanted to pursue a career in public policy. That is when I found out about the MPA programme at the LSE.
The MPA programme provided me not only with analytical skills, but also with practical tools, communication skills and professional experience, which have been instrumental for my career development and progression. The way the programme is structured strikes a great balance between range of topics and courses, and depth. What I found most useful though was the opportunity to meet and interact with people from all over the world with different backgrounds, experiences, and cultures - which I think is not only important for someone’s career but also for personal development more generally.
The work experience and practical skills I gained through the MPA helped me to get my first job as a blue book trainee at the European Commission and an internship as a junior economist at NATO headquarters in Brussels. After that I landed my first full time job in London as a research analyst at the capital markets think tank, New Financial. The research skills I developed through the programme were particularly useful in that role and helped me to progress fast and become head of research. After spending two years as head of research, I recently joined the FCA, the UK’s financial regulator.
At the FCA, I work as a Senior Policy Advisor in the EU strategy and engagement team which is responsible for the relationship with EU institutions and national regulators post Brexit. My role combines policy analysis and strategy development with stakeholder management and engagement. Again the experience and skills I acquired through the LSE MPA programme have proven to be very valuable.
Attending the LSE MPA programme was one of the best choices I have ever made and so far, it has been instrumental in my career. I would strongly recommend the MPA programme to anyone interested in a career in politics, public policy and international affairs; not only for the knowledge and skills that one can obtain but also for the opportunity to meet great people from all over the world.
Panos is happy to connect via LinkedIn.