Federica, a current MPP student and recipient of the COLFUTURO-Hertie School Scholarship, reflects on her motivations to study public policy at the Hertie School.
For first-year MPP student Federica, witnessing the challenges faced by rural Colombian farmers firsthand has motivated her to pursue a degree in public policy. She joined the Hertie School as a recipient of the COLFUTURO-Hertie School Scholarship, which was established in partnership with the NGO Foundation for the Future of Colombia to offer some of Colombia’s most talented students the chance to pursue graduate study in Berlin. After completing her studies, Federica hopes to drive real change and develop sustainable policy solutions in the country’s food and agricultural sector. Read our interview to learn more about her experience.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Federica Del Llano, a first-year Master of Public Policy (MPP) student at the Hertie School. I was born in Cali (Colombia), and I like dancing and the countryside. My father teaches political science, and my mother has been a local community leader, so growing up, I was surrounded by discussions over politics and history. I think this background is one of the reasons why I have always been interested in becoming a positive social agent. For instance, in school I was always dedicated to social work and took part in Model United Nations.
I moved to Bogota for my bachelor’s degree in law at Universidad del Rosario, where I continued exploring my political side by participating in student council elections campaigns as well as working on research concerning land restitution, transitional justice, and peacebuilding. Then, I became an antitrust law associate at one of Colombia's most prominent law firms.
Why did you choose the MPP programme and what brought you here?
I chose the MPP Programme because I wanted to strengthen my profile with a high-quality interdisciplinary education in economics, statistics, public management, and policy analysis. My studies will enable me to study the causes of food market failures and apply that knowledge to the development of long-overdue public policies and solutions concerning food and agriculture.
Additionally, I was looking for an MPP in a city full of life, diversity, and history like Berlin; and the Hertie School was the perfect match.
What was your experience applying to the COLFUTURO-Hertie School Scholarship, and how did it help you decide to study in Berlin?
I had an excellent experience. First, I received guidance and support during the whole process from both COLFUTURO and the Hertie School. Second, the application procedure was clear and straightforward. In my case, I followed the normal application process with COLFUTURO and requested to be part of the agreement with the Hertie School.
Although I researched many different programs, universities, and countries, the MPP at Hertie School was a top choice because of the quality of education, networking, and the opportunity to travel as well as learn German.
What would you recommend to prospective students interested in applying for this scholarship programme?
I would recommend that they definitely focus their best efforts and time on the application. In particular, try to be creative with your profile and, most importantly, produce a strong essay. For instance, it is crucial to think about your professional goals and how your education at the Hertie School can be an asset in addressing Colombia’s challenges.
What interests you about public policy, and how do you plan to pursue this at the Hertie School – and afterwards?
I believe Colombia needs well-prepared, committed, and talented people at the service of others who are focused on the most pressing issues. Since childhood, I have been in contact with the Colombian countryside. For many years my family has been developing a project to plant coffee, food crops, and fruit trees native to Bitaco – a lush and tropical place between Cali and the Pacific coast. There, I have witnessed the obstacles farmers face in marketing their crops and making a profit. These challenges stem from the absence of the state, especially evidenced by poor infrastructure, abuse of power at different stages of the value chain, and information failures.
I plan to complement my professional experience in competition and market analysis with the MPP, to make a true and tangible difference in Colombia's approach to agriculture and its indispensable role in the industry. I would especially like to work towards improving rural development and living conditions of farmers in the countryside.
What are you looking forward to this semester?
I am looking forward to my classes on economic growth, sustainability, and food, and preparing for my internship. Currently, I am improving my profile and looking for job opportunities at organizations in Germany and Europe engaged in international and sustainable development.
How would you describe your Hertie School experience so far in one word?
Exciting!
Check out this info session (in Spanish) to learn more about the Hertie School's master's programmes and the COLFUTURO-Hertie School Scholarship. Apply by 28 February.