Student Spotlight: Carla Alberti

Name: Carla Alberti

Originally from: Chile

Concentration: Ph.D. Political Science, CLACS affiliated graduate student

What was your job when working under Ricardo Lagos?

I have been working for President Lagos since 2010. Throughout this period, I have assisted him in a wide variety of activities, ranging from doing research for his academic and policy papers to coordinating his daily responsibilities and schedule during his stay at Brown.

What did you take away from your experience?

The best takeaway from assisting President Lagos has been having the opportunity to discuss relevant political phenomena taking place not only in Chile, but also in Latin America and other regions with him. Additionally, as a Chilean, having the privilege of hearing about my own country’s history from someone who participated in the transition to democracy has been a very enriching experience.

How do you think your work experience has affected your career at Brown?

As a political scientist who studies politicians and policymakers, learning from the experience of such a renowned political leader has given me a different perspective on how to understand political processes. I have become more aware of the different dynamics, actors, and variables at play in the political decision-making processes, and the constraints and limitations politicians face on a daily basis. Learning the inner workings of governance from someone who has first-hand knowledge on the subject – not only in Chile but also at a more global scale – has certainly contributed to improve my own research.