Michael Kalilu

MPP Class of 2009

If you were asked to highlight one thing that you learnt during your time at the Hertie School what would it be and why?

I learnt to be persistent with questioning the status quo because myths and pseudo-constraints continue to undermine good and effective decision making around the world.

How did your time at the Hertie School prepare you for the career that you are now pursuing?

My time at the Hertie School was like being on retreat. I had the opportunity to deepen my theoretical insights, methods and to develop a toolbox which I regularly draw on.  It was time to catch up with reading of and deeper reflection on books and articles I find interesting, many of which were outside the Hertie School curriculum, but which I didn’t have chance to do when in a full time job.

How did your studies at the Hertie School prepare you to work at the interface of the private, public and civil society sectors and/or to make transitions between these sectors during your career?

The States and Markets class and other political economy modules, especially, “New tools of international cooperation governance” gave me a sophisticated understanding of the so-called sectors and their core concerns, trade-offs etc. which are useful for stakeholder engagement in addition to widening career opportunities.