Crawford School of Public Policy

From working in one of the world’s largest copper mines in Chile, to studying at the region’s leading public policy school and on to working for multinational firm, Ernst & Young – Crawford School graduate Patricio Estévez has come a long way quickly.

Graduating in December 2014, the Master of Environmental Management and Development student has secured a job with Ernst & Young working on sustainability and climate change in the company’s Melbourne office.

Prior to moving to Australia from Chile, Estévez worked at the Escondida Mine operated by BHP Billiton, located in Antofagasta, northern Chile.

Estévez was drawn to Crawford School from his South American home country by the flexible learning opportunities that enabled him to make the most of the opportunity to study in Australia.

“Crawford School and the Masters courses available offered value to my professional career.

“None of the courses provided at Crawford School were offered at the other universities I reviewed. So, from my point of view, this gives the program a unique competitive advantage, which is now my own competitive advantage as a professional,” said Estévez.

Estévez said that when he arrived in Australia, his main focus was the academic value of his Master degree. As he settled in, he realised the connections, friendships and experiences were also life changing.

“The variety of students and lecturers’ backgrounds, nationalities, experiences and perspectives opens your mind in ways that you would never expect. I had the opportunity to share courses and work with people that came from all over the world. All of my classmates have a very high level of knowledge and a wide variety of skills, so I have also learnt from them,” said Estévez.

Learning from some of the best lecturers and academics in the world was also a highlight for Estévez.

“The lecturers are world class. When I first read about their backgrounds I was impressed. However, after coming here and getting to know some of them - I’m even more impressed with their knowledge, skills, capacity and involvement with students. They are always challenging you, making you think and encouraging you to learn as much as you can. I’m glad I selected Crawford School,” said Estévez.

Estévez´s advice to current and future graduates was simple.

“As Crawford School Director Professor Tom Kompas says - get busy and get involved. Follow this advice and you´ll get the most out of your experience at Crawford,” said Estévez.

If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, check out courses available at Crawford School here.