Eye on Alumni: Marjan Aikimbaeva '10
Marjan Aikimbaeva (Macroeconomic Policy and Financial Markets '10) is a Microfinance Consultant at Fundación Paraguaya in Asunción, Paraguay. The job gives her an opportunity to contribute her knowledge of economics and finance to help people who are in need.
You were born in Kyrgyzstan and have lived in Turkey and, of course, Barcelona. What are your impressions of life in Paraguay?
Living in Paraguay is a challenge sometimes. Life can be very chaotic. It is definitely a beautiful country but it is full of surprises. After Europe, Paraguay is really different. However, people are very nice, food is great, work hours are long but life is happy.
Why did you decide to move to Paraguay after graduating from the Barcelona GSE?
I moved to Paraguay to work specifically for Fundación Paraguaya. I want to build up my career specifically in economic development, and Fundación Paraguaya is a perfect starting point for my career. It is an award-winning institution focusing on elimination of poverty in the country and empowerment of women. It definitely gives me an opportunity to contribute with my knowledge and experience as well as to be one on one with people who are in need.
What types of analysis are you doing for Fundación Paraguaya?
Right now I am conducting an impact analysis for the entire organization. I will be calculating the effectiveness of Fundación Paraguaya's programs on the elimination of poverty in Paraguay. Everything I learned last year in the master program enables me to do such analysis. In fact, this project will be an improved version of my grad project for GSE. In my grad project I showed the impact of Bangladesh's Grameen Bank's micro credit programs on human development indicators and reduction of gender inequality in the country. Other projects I have recently completed include a new three-year business plan for the organization and a comparison report that evaluates not only the Foundation's performance but also Paraguay's country performance against that of other Latin America and Caribbean countries.
How do you measure and compare regional performance?
The comparison report is based on an annual benchmark study by Mix Market that includes data from microfinance institutions around Latin America and the Caribbean region. My job now is to collect data for not only the Foundation but also for Paraguay as well. I need to make necessary calculations and compare them to benchmark values and write a comparison and performance report. It is a challenge where I have to combine accounting, finance and economics all together.
You plan to collaborate with other GSE alumni in Paraguay in the future. How many of you are in Paraguay and what are you planning?
There are three of us here from the Class of 2010. We are working on some research projects right now and planning to establish our own consulting services firm very soon.
Barcelona GSE Alumni & Friends Home
RSS