Meet Michele Graziano, a 23 year-old student from Naples, currently pursuing the Master of Science in Economic and Social Sciences at Bocconi University. Recipient of a Dompé Foundation scholarship in 2022, he is passionate about macroeconometrics. In his opinion, this field holds the keys to untangling the intricacies of today’s hypercomplex social and economic dynamics. From the impact he hopes to leave on the world to his favorite book and personal motto:  discover more about Michele in this all-round interview.

What has the Dompé Foundation scholarship meant to you?

The Dompé Foundation scholarship has meant the world to me. First of all, thanks to this financial support, I was able to embark on my Master’s journey with greater serenity and confidence. Knowing that someone had believed in me also fueled my sense of responsibility, pushing me to dedicate myself more diligently to my studies.

What do you love the most about your Master of Science in Economic and Social Sciences?

There are various aspects I love about my Master of Science in Economic and Social Sciences.

First of all, the program demands a rigorous and disciplined analysis approach: this is crucial in unraveling today’s hypercomplex social and economic dynamics. Secondly, the study plan is cutting-edge: it’s always in step with the latest advancements in the field and today’s research insights in economics. Lastly, it’s very tough and this pushes me to constantly challenge myself and go the extra mile.

What has been the most inspiring course in your study plan so far and why?

The most inspiring course in my study plan has been macroeconometrics. This discipline gave me the tools to really understand the mechanisms at play in modern macroeconomics, allowing me to fruitfully approach the latest international publications. In addition, macroeconometrics provided me with the technical skillset to undertake a research thesis in time series analysis.

What three things would you like to accomplish in the next 12 months?

The three things I would like to accomplish in the next 12 months are:

• interning in the macro research department of an international organization;

• volunteering once again in Portugal... it was one of the most remarkable experiences in my life (I admit that the opportunity to surf in my free time made it even more exciting!);

• backpacking in the Balkans with my friends.

What’s your motto?

My motto is «slow and steady wins the race». When I feel overwhelmed by the workload and approaching deadlines at university, I break down my duties into several little tasks. The sense of achievement which feels me whenever I complete one of these, helps me regain confidence and increase my productivity.

Who would you have dinner with if you could it with any person?

If I could have dinner with any person, it would be with Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky. I have always been fascinated by his mastery in creating such highly introspective and complex characters. I would love to ask him what were his last thoughts right before the suspension of his death sentence’s prosecution was announced.

What is your favorite book and why?

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. The adventures and characters depicted in this exciting novel still resonate powerfully in my memories several years after reading it.

What impact do you hope to leave on the world?

I don’t know yet what I’ll exactly be doing but, ideally, I would like to capitalize on my acquired quantitative and logical skills to help with the outlining of economic stabilization policies in the Euro area.