Henrique Mecabô: Faculty of Arts

Summer internship at Arko Advice

After some time abroad exploring the fields of economics and political science at McGill, as a Brazilian citizen, I could not avoid feeling I was missing out on everything that was happening in Brazil politically. Adding to this, I felt uneasy about the composition of the degree I am pursuing at McGill. My Bachelor of Arts degree is currently composed of a joint honours in economics and finance and a major in political science – a triple major of sorts. Having liked all three fronts so far, what would I do if the load became too heavy and I had to let go of one of my majors? Which one would be the one left behind? I decided it would be important for me to explore the market for each of my areas of study, starting with the one I knew the least about: political science.

Looking for politics-related positions in Brazil, and avoiding ties to politicians and political parties, Arko Advice stood out as a Brazilian market of political analysis and consulting. Arko was founded in 1982 by Dr. Murillo de Aragão, a Brazilian lawyer, political scientist and sociologist widely respected for his nonpartisan work in Brazil’s political scene. Aragão is famous for his written work on the political structure of Brazil and its need for reform, for being part of milestones such as the writing of the Federal Constitution, for his ability to identify trends in Brazilian politics, and for his ease at navigating different parties’ governments, having been a counselor to the presidency for the past ten years, and staying in the role as presidents changed.

Arko was able to transcend the figure of Aragão as the years went by, even though he remains the leader of the initiative. More than thirty years of experience in the political heart of Brazil have left Arko uniquely positioned to understand and analyze the complexities of the Brazilian political environment and with the contacts to ensure unparalleled insight into the inner workings of the political process of Latin America’s largest economy. The company is the most relevant government relations entity in Brazil even with a relatively small team. The reduced team of around fifteen analysts (political scientists, sociologists, journalists, economists, lawyers), with all directors being related to Murillo, makes Arko a hard-to-access company. The company usually does not offer internships in any of its six offices, and I underwent a long hunt, consisting of e-mails and WhatsApp messages, to get the spot open for me at the Brasília headquarters, using the strength of my McGill credentials.

As a political analysis intern, Arko gave me the opportunity to work in many different fronts of action. One of Arko’s main activities is to anticipate the proposed bills that can affect clients’ businesses that develop in the Brazilian Congress, following them through various committees before they get to the floors of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. This was my main duty: to monitor parliamentary activity. Mostly working with oil and gas clients, monitoring the bills that could affect their businesses, I had the chance to be present in many committees meetings and public hearings, and also in lectures and informal breakfasts organized by congressmen to discuss projects, writing reports on how each representative and senator had positioned himself and closely following any advance or obstacle on a bill of interest’s path. It was daunting at first to be sent to Congress by myself, but it eventually became as natural as going to a lecture hall at McGill.

Beyond this parliament monitoring role, I worked in research to produce political profiles of politicians and better inform clients of their backgrounds. In addition, I contributed with research to develop stakeholder maps that show the ties between hundreds of people, indicating how these ties affect different ministries and entities of the public sector. It was common to work long hours and have lunch in the office to save some time, but I never felt bored while at Arko. Enjoying trust inside the office, I even went beyond my politics-related activities and helped Arko’s management, analyzing their transportation expenditures and finding a new corporate transportation solution that, as estimated, will reduce these costs by 47% a year.

The main highlight of my internship period, however, happened outside of the office: with Arko’s help, I got a spot in a legislative process simulation and worked as a Representative in the Lower House of Congress for a week. The experience, which took place inside the Chamber of Deputies, allowed me to write bills, get projects approved, debate with other university students in various Committee rooms as if we were Congressmen, and even speak in the floor of the Lower House.

My objective of learning how to navigate Brazilian politics was fulfilled with my internship experience. It was a big discovery step on my long path of seeking to change Brazilian education through political action, and it exposed me to a vibrant Government Relations market I barely knew existed. Going back to McGill, I will formally register my experience and deepen my studies in the government relations sector, writing a research paper on the history, daily operations and regulatory possibilities of the Brazilian Government Relations market.

After such an incredible experience and opportunity of growth in the heart of Brazilian politics, I would like to thank the Arts Internship Office for its constant support and my direct donors, Dr. Morrison and Brenda Hurley, for reaching me in their mission of helping students gain firsthand experience related to their fields of study.

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