What does the MIA programme at the Hertie School look like in practice? Recent graduate Narasimham Rajana shares how his time in Berlin helped shape his interests in international affairs and prepare him for his current role at the Indian Embassy.
1. What initially drew you to the MIA programme at Hertie, and how did you realise it aligned with the career path you wanted to pursue?
Firstly, the location played an important role. As an MIA student, I wanted to be in a region where international institutions and multilateral cooperation are actively shaping policy debates. Europe therefore felt like a natural choice. When I began exploring programmes in the region, Hertie’s curriculum and faculty stood out, and of course Berlin as a city was an added advantage.
Before coming to Hertie, I had over four years of experience working with government. The programme offered opportunities to build on this experience while strengthening analytical skills. Being based in Berlin also provided access to various international organizations, think tanks, and diplomatic missions.
Over time, I realized that the MIA programme closely aligned with my professional interests in bilateral and multilateral engagement. It provided both the intellectual grounding and networks to work at the intersection of policy and diplomacy.
2. Which specific skills, courses, or experiences from the MIA programme have been most valuable in your current role at the Indian Embassy?
Several courses stood out for me, particularly Governance in Areas of Limited Statehood by Prof. Gregor Walter-Drop and World Order Theory by Prof. Tobias Bunde. What I appreciated most was the way professors approached these subjects. For example, clearly explaining, what the geopolitical buzzword of this century, the “rules-based international order,” actually means in practice.
I also received valuable guidance from faculty members while navigating my thesis and benefited from their connections to conferences and organizations in Berlin. For example, Prof. Müller connected me to networks at SWP where I was able to engage with work on critical mineral supply chains and also contribute to a blog on the topic at Chatham House.
Another formative experience was working with Dr. Axel Baisch as his Student Assistant on India–Germany partnerships. This role further shaped my understanding of bilateral relations and directly contributed to the work I now do at the Indian Embassy in Berlin.
Finally, Hertie's diverse and international student community created a unique learning environment. Engaging with peers from different professional and cultural backgrounds really sharpened my ability to navigate cross-cultural dialogue and perspectives, which is a crucial part of working in international and diplomatic spaces. The school's commitment to free expression also meant that navigating current geopolitical tensions and debating them openly was very much part of the experience, alongside building a grounded understanding of how to uphold and apply international law in complex, real-world contexts. And, of course, writing policy memos is surprisingly useful in my work today!
3. For current or prospective Hertie students interested in similar career paths, how would you describe the way Hertie helped you translate academic learning into a clear professional direction?
In addition to its academic curriculum, Hertie places strong emphasis on engagement beyond the classroom. Berlin offers a wide range of policy discussions, conferences, and practitioner events that allow students to connect theoretical learning with real-world debates.
For students interested in research or policy careers, it is also important to develop clear academic interests and seek guidance from professors working in those areas.
Hertie’s multidisciplinary structure also helped me broaden my perspective. I took courses from the MPP programme as well as the Security track, which complemented my focus in international affairs. Looking back, I would also encourage students to explore courses from the MDS programme, as data skills are increasingly valuable in professional policy settings.
4. What advice do you have for students interested in a similar career path as yourself to make the most of their time at Hertie/Berlin?
For international students, I would say: German, German, and German! The importance of German language skills in the German job market is often underestimated, even for Student Assistant roles.
Secondly, attend events and conferences related to your interests, but approach them strategically. Prepare in advance, read about the speakers, and engage with the discussion. Networking is much more meaningful when it is based on genuine interest rather than simply attending as many events as possible.
I would also encourage students to remain open to interdisciplinary perspectives. Take courses that strengthen your analytical skills, even if they fall outside your immediate area of study. Careers in international affairs often require engaging with issues that cut across development, governance, culture, and diplomacy.
Finally, invest time in building relationships with professors and peers. These connections often lead to unexpected opportunities for collaboration later on.
5. Diplomatic and sensitive roles such as yours often require balancing theory with real-world nuance. How did the MIA programme or Hertie environment prepare you for the parts of your job that cannot be learned from textbooks?
For me, the most valuable preparation came from engaging with Berlin’s policy community. Attending conferences, policy discussions, and practitioner events allowed me to see how theoretical debates translate into real-world policy conversations.
Equally important was interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds and building strong relationships with professors. These experiences shaped how I approach dialogue in cross-cultural settings, which is an essential part of working in diplomacy.
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If you have any questions about the MIA programme or the application process, check out our application tips, and please do not hesitate to reach out at grad-admissions[at]hertie-school[dot]org. We look forward to hearing from you!
Nitij Singh wrote this article.