IHEID Alumni Journeys #1: Aditi Verghese, World Economic Forum

By the Professional Development Committee 

The Graduate Press (TGP) and Professional Development Committee (PDC) have teamed up to publish fortnightly articles highlighting the professional and academic journeys of IHEID alumni working in different fields, sectors as well as different continents. Interviewed alumni will also share their experiences while studying at the Institute, including the activities and/or initiatives they participated in. We hope that, through these interviews, current students will get a better idea of the scope of work and possibilities that are open to them after completing their degree, whether it is an interdisciplinary Masters or a PhD.

Aditi is a Policy Lead for International Trade and Investment at the World Economic Forum. At the Forum, she manages the Inclusive Trade project, covering the societal impacts of trade, particularly on workers and Indigenous Peoples. She also manages the Global Future Council on Trade and Investment, a group of 20 senior experts that provide thought leadership on a range of topics. She previously led initiatives on Competition, Tax and Industrial Policy at the World Economic Forum and has worked as a trade remedies lawyer in New Delhi. She holds a Master in International Law degree from the Graduate Institute in Geneva and a B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) degree from the National Law University in India.

Could you walk us through your career path, starting with your experiences at IHEID and any internships or jobs you had before your current role?

After graduating from law school, I worked in a trade remedies firm for a couple of years before joining the Master in International Law (MIL) course at the Institute. During the masters, I interned with the World Economic Forum’s Trade and Investment team and the World Trade Organization’s Economic Research and Statistics Division. When I graduated from the Institute in 2016, I joined the World Economic Forum. I first worked in the Economic Growth and Social Inclusion team on the Inclusive Growth and Development Report and then moved to the Trade and Investment team. 

Which skills are most important for a job like yours? How did your time at IHEID help you cultivate the skills needed for your current role?

I currently work as a Policy Lead for the Trade and Investment team at the World Economic Forum. The MIL course gave me a solid background in trade and investment law and policy and equipped me to take an analytical, multidisciplinary approach to policy questions. The TradeLab clinic gave me the opportunity to work with a great team and mentors and produce high quality outputs while managing multiple priorities. All these skills and experiences have proved useful in my career.

Considering all the people you’ve met in your field, what personal attributes are essential for success?

I don’t claim to have found a formula for success, but the people I admire most tend to do two things. They do the job that’s in front of them to the best of their ability, learning and developing unique skills at every stage that make them valuable. And they are kind to those around them (and to themselves), making them resilient, collaborative and a joy to work with. 

What experiences would be helpful for someone entering this field?

I interned with various organizations and firms during my undergraduate and graduate courses. This gave me a feel for different types of roles and settings and helped me understand what I was looking for and where I could best contribute. Activities and roles that help develop analytical, writing, communication, organizational and leadership skills are all valuable for careers in policy fields. 

What advice would you give to students looking forward to building a career in Geneva?

Get a clear sense of the organizations and firms in Geneva, what they work on and whether they are a good fit for you. Talk to people who work in them to understand what they are looking for. Intern and publish broadly and use opportunities like conferences, competitions and clinics to get noticed. Familiarize yourself with immigration and other rules that may determine which sectors you should target.

Interview conducted by Grusha Victor, PDC Alumni Liaison

Photo Credit: Aditi Verghese

You are welcome to connect with Aditi via LinkedIn