Paúl Alcívar Romero MSc

The course

Why did you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School (UEBS)?

I chose the University of Edinburgh Business School because of its reputation, and what really convinced me was hearing from alumni in the UK and Latin America. They all praised the School’s culture, learning environment, and resources, which reassured me it was the right fit.

What was it about the degree programme that particularly attracted you?

I was attracted to the programme as it gave me the chance to dive into carbon credits and carbon accounting and learn directly from industry leaders. The blend of insight from both the private and public sector and the focus on real-world climate projects stood out to me. I felt it was the perfect mix for building expertise in the climate change finance industry.

Your career

Can you tell us about your career before and after graduating?

Before my degree, I was working in compliance and consultancy on energy and sustainable projects. After graduating, I shifted my focus entirely to finance and climate compliance.

Looking ahead, I’m aiming to move more into climate risk and reporting. That’s an area I’m passionate about and where I can see growing opportunities to make a real impact.

The programme’s strong reputation helped me stand out when applying for climate finance roles.

Masters of Change

What notable changes has your degree enabled you to make in your professional or personal life?

The MSc in Climate Change Finance and Investment has truly transformed my personal life in several meaningful ways. It has given me a significant confidence boost; allowing me to set my goals much higher than I had before.

The degree wasn’t just about building my knowledge, it was the complementary activities and experiences that I was able to participate in, alongside my studies, that helped me to develop greater assertiveness and clarity. I found myself pushing boundaries and exploring new interests. This newfound self-awareness and ambition have inspired me to pursue personal and professional goals with a renewed sense of purpose. Maybe I’ll start my own company in the future, become an SME on climate data or be an active voice in raising awareness of the carbon market in Ecuador.

What are the changes you have been able to make in your chosen field, of which you are most proud?

In my current role, I use what I learned in my degree to help shape sustainable investment strategies that align with both regulations and global goals. This has allowed me to carve out a niche for myself, especially in areas like integrating climate risk into investment decisions.

What key things that you learnt at the Business School do you still rely on today?

The MSc gave me the credentials I needed to break into the competitive UK finance industry, and the programme’s strong reputation helped me stand out when applying for roles in climate finance.

Throughout the MSc, I got to explore various aspects of the financial world, which not only deepened my understanding, but also helped me to figure out the right career path for me.

The degree also connected me with a fantastic network of professionals and alumni who’ve been incredibly supportive, offering advice and opportunities along the way.

Course highlights and advice

What are your best memories on the programme?

One of the best memories was taking part in the Kellogg-Morgan Stanley Sustainable Investing Challenge (KMS-SIC). Myself and two of my classmates formed a team and presented a proposal to upcycle decommissioned wind turbine blades - something most people don’t realise is a growing environmental issue.

Turning the idea into an investment strategy was challenging, but with the support of our professors, previous participants, and even industry experts, our idea—the Circular Blade Fund—made it to the global finals.We had just 15 minutes to pitch our proposal to a panel of experts, followed by a tough Q&A session where we had to defend our model and its impact. The challenge was a fantastic way to apply what we had learned in a real-world setting, while also building lasting friendships with my teammates.

What one piece of advice would you give to current students and recent graduates?

Embrace every opportunity, even if it feels outside of your comfort zone. Whether it’s participating in competitions, attending events, or connecting with new people, these experiences shape your growth and open unexpected doors. But, more importantly, make it a habit to show up! The programme is a real opportunity to connect with others who also share a passion for tackling climate change.