Interview with Juan Manuel Torres Esquivel - Mexico
Tell us about your career path
I have approximately 8 years of work experience, I started in a political consulting firm working for my work experience and then with my first salary of 2 thousand pesos. This consulting firm opened up the opportunity for me to keep working and expand my work experience working in places as important as the CEN del PAN, the Congreso de la Unión and the Senado de la República. My time in the Government gave me the opportunity to learn in depth about the public policy of this country, but also to see much of the mismanagement and corruption that exists in those entities. I left the Government to join the world of private enterprise, with good experiences but at the same time significant challenges since due to my education there was little room in it. That is why I specialized in digital marketing, a field that was quite innovative and that has allowed me to keep growing professionally.
What motivated you to study Political Science?
The desire to make a change in this country.
What satisfactions has this career given you? And what disappointments?
It has given me many professional satisfactions, from working in the legislative bodies to participating in political campaigns trying to move interesting projects forward. There have also been disappointments, mainly when you run into an obsolete and corrupt political system, as well as people who are not willing to compromise and achieve change but only seek to keep the status quo. Even so it is very satisfying to work as a political scientist because at the end of the day you know you are working to leave a better country for future generations.
What do you think is the most important thing to succeed as a Political Scientist?
The same as in any other degree, work hard and always seek to stand out.
As a Political Science professional, what advice could you give to someone who is thinking about studying Political Science?
Do it, and always seek to follow your dreams. However, consider the labor market you face, which is extremely competitive, so you should not pigeonhole yourself into only working in the Government but develop professionally in other areas so as not to close doors or job opportunities.
Would you say you chose a career that allows you to travel the world?
No, as a political scientist your field of work is focused on Mexico, it is difficult to find work outside the country.
Was it expensive for you to study? Do you think education should be public and free?
It was expensive, ITESM is a private university with high recognition but with high fees. However I never agreed with the UNAM study method so I never considered entering the University.
Regarding your specialization in Digital Marketing and political campaign management, do you think the Internet has changed the way Politics is done?
The Internet has changed the world, not only the way of doing business but also politics. Today politicians are increasingly sensitive to what is said about them on social media and now the Government is more involved in new digital processes. From processing paperwork to requests for information and transparency. It is a field of study that is still quite fertile and therefore there are great job opportunities.
Young people ask us about job opportunities. Has it been hard for you to find work? How did you manage it?
I have been fortunate not to have problems finding work but I do believe it is a career with few job opportunities so some young people could have problems. I believe that a specialization in other subjects opens up new job opportunities.
About annual salaries and compensation, in what range would a Political Scientist with 5 years of experience be?
from 20,000 to 25,000 US Dollars.
Greetings,
Juan Torres
