Camila Valenzuela

Luksic Scholarship at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford

Legal Advisor on Public Policy at the Society for Industrial Development (SOFOFA)

“A big part of me choosing to study in the UK was the culture. I love the sense of community there. During my time at the University of Oxford [whilst completing the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government], many of us within the program were international students, and as such, we needed to build a network of support and community, and we did just that. This was similar to my first experience in the UK when I completed an undergraduate semester abroad at the University of Sussex [in 2012]. During this exchange, I made some good friends who became like family and I really felt at home with them. I also visited Oxford in that same year and knew at some point I wanted to go back so my journey has really come full circle.

Studying abroad during a time in which there were many lockdowns and restrictions due to the pandemic was challenging, especially with my young kids at home. All of these previous notions and fantasies I had of what it would be like to obtain a Master’s degree abroad had completely changed – it became more about survival. Thankfully, I had the support of an amazing study group. They became my closest friends and we were a huge pillar of support for each other. This interestingly goes hand-in-hand with an MPP and learning about public policy – that you learn how to work well in teams, divide responsibilities, build groups of support, and rely on each other. 

The best part of the MPP program was the people, hands-down, and the diversity of our cohort, too. We’re all from different backgrounds, we have different skills, and we’re involved in different sectors.

The best part of the MPP program was the people, hands-down, and the diversity of our cohort, too. We’re all from different backgrounds, we have different skills, and we’re involved in different sectors. Many of my greatest takeaways are from my classmates directly. They have very inspiring stories and those shed light on the very different realities that exist in the world. They take you far away from your normal life and bring inspiration and a new sense of urgency to the spirit of public service. It’s about young people being agents of change in their communities and in the world. 

To me, it was always clear that I had a social responsibility and commitment to fulfill, and I knew I could contribute to that by working in law and public policy.

The Master of Public Policy program has certainly shaped a different professional path for me, not only due to the program itself but also because I had chosen to deviate from the traditional steps one takes when they study law, which is to receive your LLB degree and then move on to an LLM. To me, it was always clear that I had a social responsibility and commitment to fulfill, and I knew I could contribute to that by working in law and public policy. I chose the MPP program because I love public policy and I want to continue working in this field, and, with this degree, I’m certain many more doors will open for me.

In terms of future opportunities, I would like to further my studies, whether that be through another Master’s program or even a Doctorate. There are a couple of subjects I’d like to dig deeper into, such as political science, economics, and the politics of policymaking. I didn’t expect to enjoy these subjects as much as I did, but after taking these courses via the MPP program, I’m intrigued and curious to learn more. I feel that I now have a solid foundation behind these topics which is useful and I’m hoping to apply what I’ve learned to the position I hold now and wherever I may go in the future.”

Luksic Scholar, Camila Valenzuela, received her Bachelor’s in Law from Universidad Católica de Chile in 2012. She received her Master’s in Public Policy 2020-2021 from the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, UK, as part of the class of 2020-2021.