Emmanuel Espinosa
Intern at Massachusetts Business Roundtable.
Public Policy MPPA Internship Profile
Emmanuel Espinosa
Hometown, city, and state or country: I’m from Chiriquí, Panamá.
Degree and Graduation year: Master’s in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA), Spring 2025
Where I am interning: I was an intern at Massachusetts Business Roundtable in Boston, Massachusetts.
What I did there: I interned at the Massachusetts Business Roundtable (MBR), where I engaged in various activities such as policy research, project creation and implementation, and administrative tasks. My role involved contributing to policy advocacy, legislative engagement, and participating in meetings with key stakeholders like the Secretary of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, focusing on economic development, workforce training, and public-private collaborations.
The most important thing I learned: The most important thing I learned was how public policy shapes economic and social outcomes, specifically in areas like education, workforce development, and sustainable growth. I gained insights into how policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement can drive systemic changes, which is crucial for my goal of making Panama's education system an international reference.
The most challenging part of my internship: The most challenging part of my internship, apart from the languages barrier, was navigating the complexities of policy research and legislative processes. Also, understanding the intricacies of policy implementation was daunting, especially when aiming for impactful and sustainable changes.
What surprised me the most: What surprised me the most was the level of collaboration required between public and private sectors to drive policy changes. I was also surprised by the range of issues that intersect with education policy, such as economic vitality, healthcare access, and infrastructure, all of which play roles in shaping a holistic approach to societal wellbeing.
Why I’m studying public policy: I’m studying public policy because I believed in the power of well-crafted policies to transform educational systems and improve quality of life. My goal is to apply the knowledge and skills gained to reform the Panamanian education system, making it a model of excellence on the international stage.
Future plans: My future plans include leveraging my public policy expertise to lead educational reforms in Panama. I aim to integrate international best practices, innovative teaching methods, and inclusive policies to enhance the educational landscape, making it a reference point globally.