In this short interview, Raul Enrique Zavala Sanchez shares his experience as a PhD in Economics student at CERGE-EI. Originally from Central America, he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from a university in Vilnius, Lithuania, and later earned a Master’s degree in Finance. His interest in macroeconomics grew from a desire to understand the economic challenges of his home region. After discovering CERGE-EI, he moved to Prague to pursue his goal of conducting economic research. Looking ahead, he is considering a future in academia or a research-oriented role at an international organization such as the IMF or the World Bank.

I have always been a naturally curious person. From a young age, I had a strong desire to conduct research and understand how the world works.

What motivated you to pursue a PhD in economics?

As I began considering my future, I realized that my undergraduate degree in business administration, which included courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics, really piqued my interest. These subjects fascinated me, and I thought, “If I want to pursue research, economics would be the field for me.” That’s how I decided to embark on a PhD in economics.

What specifically about macroeconomics captured your attention? Do you remember?

I recall that what particularly captivated me about macroeconomics was studying concepts like inflation, unemployment, and GDP. These are the core indicators in macroeconomics, and they are deeply relevant to the challenges faced by Latin America. As you may be aware from the media, inflation and the fluctuations in these indicators are significant issues in the region.

I began to draw connections between the theories I was learning and the real-world economic challenges in my home country, which made the subject even more compelling.

Can you describe your academic journey so far? You mentioned that you studied business administration for your bachelor’s degree in Vilnius, Lithuania. What led you to study in Europe, specifically in Lithuania, coming from Central America?

It’s an interesting story. I always wanted to study abroad, though I didn’t have a specific destination in mind. I simply decided to travel and explore Europe. I visited several countries, including Estonia and Finland, and during that time, some friends suggested that I look into Lithuania. At that point, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study, but the available English-language programs in Lithuania were mainly in business administration, so I chose that path. That’s how my journey into economics began, as I started to learn more about macroeconomic and microeconomic theories.

How did you learn about CERGE-EI and the opportunity to study economics in Prague?

While studying in Lithuania, I met several friends from the Czech Republic, specifically from Brno. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I pursued a master’s degree in finance and also worked at a bank. Despite this, my goal of doing research and eventually earning a PhD never wavered. When I decided to return to academia, a friend suggested that I explore opportunities in the Czech Republic. I researched online and discovered CERGE-EI. The faculty there looked impressive, and that’s how I ended up in Prague.

How would you describe your experience as a student, considering that you’ve experienced both the Master’s and PhD programs at CERGE-EI?

In general, I would describe my experience at CERGE-EI as both challenging and rewarding. The workload is substantial, and whether you’re in the Master’s or PhD program, there is always a lot to do. The Master’s program felt more focused on applying what you learn to real-world problems, while the PhD program has a different focus.

In a PhD, you still apply your knowledge, but it’s more about understanding the underlying mechanisms of economic systems. It’s like being a mechanic, breaking down complex ideas into smaller parts and understanding how each piece works. It encourages a critical mindset, and I find that I’m always looking for ways to improve existing theories or create new ones.

Do you have ideas for your dissertation? Are you considering research related to your region?

I’m interested in researching areas within macroeconomics and finance, particularly how the two fields intersect. I have some preliminary ideas, but I am still in the process of refining them.

What are your future plans?

I’m not entirely certain about pursuing a career in the private sector, as my passion lies in research. I would love to continue my academic journey, but I’m not sure about the part that requires teaching. I do not have much teaching experience yet. I’m also considering opportunities with international organizations, such as the IMF or the World Bank. Working in such institutions would align with my aspirations and offer valuable opportunities for further research.