Adrian Meyer

MPP Class of 2011

Adrian shares his experience of the Hertie School of Governance and the Master of Public Policy.

How would you describe the Hertie School experience?

When I was looking for a university for my graduate studies a critical factor was to find an institution which would offer the ideal combination of challenge and support to ensure maximum academic, professional and also personal growth. The challenge of the workload, the diversity and amount of assignments, of working in teams with people from very different countries, of creating innovative solutions for current problems by applying up to date research and combining it with my own ideas and experiences is overwhelming. But it is evenly matched by the dedication of highly ambitious professors who are devoted to my development, of a staff supporting me in all imaginable areas in- and outside the university and an incredible international student body with which I collaborate, laugh and cry. For me, Hertie School was the perfect choice. It did and continues to enhance my growth and I am just happy to be a part of it.

What are your key areas of academic interest? What opportunities have you had to explore these at the Hertie School?

My key areas of academic interest are public administration and education, especially school leadership. At Hertie School I have access to internationally acknowledged experts in these fields who actively and personally support me and my work. I largely compose my curriculum according to my interests and choose my professional experiences so they support my development in these areas. During my time at Hertie School, I completed an internship at the Berlin Senate for Education and a Professional Year with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH working in a project on education in Guatemala. I will write my thesis in cooperation with one of these organizations and the active support of the staff. For me, this is the nearly perfect support for my academic (and professional) development.

How have you experienced the international character and approach of the Hertie School?

The Hertie School´s international character for me has two main manifestations, the first being the international student body. Students from more than 20 countries contribute to discussions with their own experiences and keep challenging my views, offering valuable ideas and solutions I wouldn´t think of myself. The second manifestation is the work with good case practices from other countries. I do not only learn from other countries’ examples but also apply my knowledge to foreign environments, expanding my mental and intellectual capabilities.