Isidro Vela
Alabama
Summary
Analytical and results-driven Project Consultant with expertise in geopolitical and economic risk analysis across EU and US markets. Skilled in China overseas investment assessment, policy and regulatory research, and international political economy analysis. Experienced in producing 10+ client-ready reports and sector/country risk briefs, and delivering remote consulting projects for international clients. Fluent in English with basic Mandarin, and trained through top-tier programs including a summer exchange at LSE, bringing a global perspective and actionable insights for strategic business decisions.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Geopolitical & Country Risk Research Analyst
Independent
01.2022 - Current
- Conducted political, economic, and regulatory risk analysis across EU and US markets
- Assessed China overseas investment risks, producing actionable insights for strategic decision-making
- Produced country and sector risk briefs and client-ready reports
Consulting Research Associate / Project Assistant
International Business Advisory Firm
03.2020 - 12.2021
- Supported consulting projects through policy, market, and geopolitical research
- Synthesized complex research into clear client-ready summaries and presentations
- Assisted senior consultants with risk analysis and strategic insights
- Confidential
Policy & Political Economy Research Assistant
International Policy Research Organization
06.2018 - 02.2020
- Conducted research on international political economy, trade, and investment policy
- Monitored EU and US policy developments relevant to global markets
- Contributed to policy briefs, background papers, and analytical notes
- Confidential
Trade & Investment Risk Analyst (Junior / Associate Level)
Global Trade & Market Intelligence Firm
01.2016 - 05.2018
- Analyzed trade policies, regulatory frameworks, and investment climates across EU and US markets
- Delivered concise country and sector-level insights for international stakeholders
- Evaluated political and economic risks affecting cross-border transactions
- Confidential
Education
Master of Arts - International Political Economy
Johns Hopkins University – SAIS
USA05.2016
Summer Program (Exchange) - EU politics, international political economy, and trade policy
London School of Economics (LSE)
UK07.2015
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
Georgetown University – Walsh School of Foreign Service
USA05.2013
Skills
- Geopolitical Risk Analysis
- China Overseas Investment Assessment
- EU/US Policy Analysis
- International Political Economy Research
- Market & Sector Analysis
- Strategic Research & Reporting
- Report Writing & Policy Briefing
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Independent Project Management
- Microsoft Excel & PowerPoint
- Factiva / LexisNexis Research
Certifications Short Courses
- Certificate in Geopolitical Risk Analysis
- International Trade & Investment Policy Certificate
- China Economic & Business Environment Certificate
- Advanced Research Methods in Political Economy (optional)
- International Relations & Global Affairs Strategy (optional)
Additional Notes
- Proven experience in remote consulting and international research.
- Strong analytical, cross-cultural, and project management skills.
- Fluent in English, basic Mandarin, with deep knowledge of EU/US-China geopolitical and economic trends.
- Open to part-time, project-based, or remote consulting roles.
Awards
- Excellence in International Relations Research
- Top Policy Analysis Project
- Outstanding Political Economy Research Award
- Global Affairs Analytical Excellence
Publications Reports
- EU Trade Policy and Its Impact on Chinese Investments – Independent Research Brief
- US–EU Relations and Strategic Business Risk Analysis – Academic Report
- Political Economy Perspectives on Cross-Border Investments – Research Brief
- Regulatory Challenges for China’s Overseas Expansion – Policy Analysis
Languages
English
Native
Native
Chinese (Mandarin)
Elementary (A2)
A2
Certification
Certificate in Geopolitical Risk Analysis
Accomplishments
Excellence in International Relations Research – 2016
Timeline
Geopolitical & Country Risk Research Analyst
Independent
01.2022 - Current
Consulting Research Associate / Project Assistant
International Business Advisory Firm
03.2020 - 12.2021
Policy & Political Economy Research Assistant
International Policy Research Organization
06.2018 - 02.2020
Trade & Investment Risk Analyst (Junior / Associate Level)
Global Trade & Market Intelligence Firm
01.2016 - 05.2018
Master of Arts - International Political Economy
Johns Hopkins University – SAIS
Summer Program (Exchange) - EU politics, international political economy, and trade policy
London School of Economics (LSE)
Bachelor of Arts - International Relations
Georgetown University – Walsh School of Foreign Service