Enzo Dominguez Prost is a second-year MPA/ID student at Harvard Kennedy School. He was accepted into the Growth Lab's 2022 Summer Internship Program and contributed to the UAE project. Our team is developing rigorous research to inform the Ministry of Economy in devising a dynamic trade policy, geared towards promoting structural transformation in the UAE and achieving sustained long-term economic growth.
Why did you apply to be a Growth Lab intern?
Before coming to HKS, I knew the Growth Lab would be the right place to connect the concepts and tools we learned during our first year in projects related to public policy, especially in topics such as international development, industrial policy, and growth.
What did you work on this summer?
I was in Dubai for 8 weeks working in the Ministry of Economy. I was involved in two projects. On the one hand, I worked on the development of a tool to automatically create offers and requests in trade negotiations in goods with any partner worldwide. On the other hand, I studied and analyzed the direct value addition of re-exports and their contribution to GDP.
"I was in Dubai for 8 weeks working in the Ministry of Economy... I worked on the development of a tool to automatically create offers and requests in trade negotiations in goods with any partner worldwide."
Enzo Dominguez Prost MPA/ID 2023
In what ways were you challenged?
The first project involved an exhausting methodology, and we needed to make many technical decisions. However, despite being technical work, I had to explain it and present it to the Minister of Economy and other authorities in a few minutes. Therefore, it was crucial to be super clear about the implications and benefits of our proposals and work.
What was your most exciting experience?
Having worked in the public sector in Argentina, this was an enriching experience. Despite many differences between the UAE and Argentina, I found many similarities that made me think and reflect on the different binding constraints that policymakers face daily.
What advice would you give future Growth Lab interns?
Before going to my internship, my project manager gave me some excellent advice: "you are the owner of your internship." I think it is 100% accurate. You need to be aware that you have only 8 weeks, and in order to start something and finish it on time, you must start thinking about your potential research questions on day 0. Do not expect to have someone telling you what to do: you should go and find the questions.
What's next for you?
I am starting my second year at HKS. In addition, I am planning to be CA in some courses and keep working and learning about international development. Ideally, my SYPA would be related to my experience in the UAE and the Growth Lab.