NCID junior researchers José Fellmann and Jorge Klinnert will pursue their PhD in Economics at the University of Maryland (USA). Both researchers have been trained in the Master of Economics and Finance (MEF) at the School of Economics of the University of Navarra and have worked in the last year as research assistants at the Navarra Center for International Development.

Jorge Klinnert (1998), of Greek, Spanish and German origin, has studied Economics at the University of Munich and the Master of Economics and Finance at the University of Navarra.

"The MEF has taught me the world of economic research as I have had the chance to talk to top researchers on a daily basis," said Klinnert.

José Fellmann (1996), of Argentine origin, has studied Economics, Leadership and Governance and the Master of Economics and Finance at the University of Navarra.

"The professors at UNAV have a very good relationship with the students and that allows us to develop a relationship of sincere friendship. The MEF has helped me to lay the foundations of economic research with serious and rigorous training," explained Fellmann.

Both researchers agree that working at the NCID with Luis Ravina has been a good opportunity for their academic career: "It has allowed us to learn what economic research is, not only from good professionals who do it, but also by doing it ourselves," said Fellmann. For Klinnert, "this year at NCID has been a great opportunity to have the best portfolio before starting my PhD".

Jorge Klinnert and José Fellmann start their PhD in August in Maryland, one of the best places in the world to do it in Economics: "Having done the MEF at the University of Navarra, having good grades and having demonstrated this year at NCID motivation for economic research has helped us a lot to enter the University of Maryland". Klinnert hopes that "the professors at this university will be as close as those at Navarra".

Both researchers agree that they want to go into economics research in the future: "We are motivated by helping people with a solution to a problem," said Fellmann. "For many people money is the main motivation, but for me it's to do what I like," Klinnert defended.

After completing the MEF together at the University of Navarra and working together at NCID they are now continuing their journey together at the University of Maryland. They agree that doing a PhD with a friend "gives you confidence and helps you enjoy it more because you go with someone who you know knows the same things you do, with whom you can solve some problems and share our ideas".