Oscar Antonio Rodriguez Valdiviezo
(Mexico – GLODEP cohort 2020–2022)
What is your current position/job, and how did you use GLODEP master’s experience/its courses to acquire this position?
I currently serve as a Strategy, Planning & Management Office (SPMO) Analyst within the Financial Institutions Group of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), where I support Advisory and Upstream Services across the Europe and Latin America & Caribbean regions. GLODEP directly supported my ability to obtain this position, as a master’s degree was a formal requirement. In addition, the program strengthened my analytical and strategic thinking skills, preparing me well for the expectations of an international development finance institution such as the IFC.
Why did you decide to come to study GLDOEP at Palacky University/Olomouc/Czech Republic?
Growing up in Mexico City provided me with a first-hand perspective on how inequality, governance challenges, and institutional weaknesses affect people’s daily lives. This experience deepened my interest in promoting sustainable and balanced development. That’s why I chose GLODEP; its curriculum aligns with my values and provides a solid framework for understanding these critical issues.
How was it to study in Olomouc? What were the major challenges?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our opportunities to fully experience university life in Olomouc were limited, as most classes were conducted online and our time in the city was brief. Nevertheless, the experience was highly valuable to me. The academic engagement and the brief time spent in Olomouc made a lasting impression and deepened my appreciation for the program and its academic community.
What were your biggest learnings during the master’s course?
My most meaningful learning experience came from being part of a diverse and multinational cohort. Engaging with classmates from different cultural, professional, and historical backgrounds truly opened my eyes. Hearing their unique experiences and personal stories enriched my understanding in ways that a textbook simply cannot replicate. It was heart-warming to connect with others and appreciate the depth of their journeys, which ultimately broadened my own perspective.
What features from the courses taught do you use in your daily job/position?
I consistently apply a problem-solving mind-set, approaching issues from a multidimensional and interconnected perspective. The GLODEP program significantly enhanced this skill, enabling me to understand how individual tasks and projects align with broader institutional, economic, and social contexts. This approach is vital in my work in international development.
What more would you like to share about your studies in Olomouc/Czech Republic?
I am deeply grateful for the academic openness and the human dimension of the GLODEP program. It offered not only professional preparation but also personal growth that continues to shape my journey.
How did the stay in the Czech Republic influence your thoughts and views of our country?
I fell in love with the Czech Republic and its wonderful people! I met my wife here, and we’re building our family here. I’ve enjoyed learning about Czech culture and traditions, turning what began as a study adventure into a true home.
What was the most important moment that made you think that the two years of master’s studies outside of home were really worth it?
The most important realization came when I understood that I had not only left my old home behind but had also built a new life—one with a family of my own, far from where I started. I recognized that this journey was possible because the master’s program prepared me to face challenges with resilience, humility, and a broader perspective. It taught me that actions have consequences and that promoting sustainable and balanced development begins with everyday choices—through conversations with strangers who become friends, through professional integrity, and through the values I will pass on to others.