Alumni in Focus: Highlights from Hertians around the world

Each month, we shine a light on one Hertie alum who shares their personal and professional journeys, highlighting their unique experiences at Hertie and beyond. Through the Alumni in Focus series we celebrate their achievements, learn from their experiences, and inspire potential new Hertians.

This month, we sat down with Osita Abana, 2020 graduate of the Master of International Affairs programme. Osita is the Director of Global Brand Communications and Responsible Marketing Governance at The Coca-Cola Company.
 

1.    What drew you to the Hertie School, and how did the school shape your professional journey?

I wanted to deepen my understanding of public policy – particularly how it is practised in Europe. I was looking for a school that not only leads in teaching and shaping public policy on the continent, but also offers a rigorous, affordable programme with a close-knit community. The Hertie School met all these criteria. Studying at Hertie significantly strengthened my research and writing skills. Working on my thesis toward the end of the programme enabled me to read expansively, distil and organise key ideas, analyse complex concepts, and communicate them clearly. These capabilities have been invaluable in my current role, where strong writing and analytical skills are essential.

2.    What have you been up to since graduating from the Hertie School?

After graduating from the Hertie School, I joined The Coca-Cola Company in the United States, where I have since held different roles across Public Affairs, Sustainability, and Brand Communications.

3.    What’s a day in your current role like, and what excites you most about your work?

I support the execution of The Coca-Cola Company’s marketing campaigns across the globe. Given the company’s scale and global reach, we have a unique opportunity to be a force for good in the communities where we operate. Our marketing platforms are powerful tools for engagement, allowing us to share positive messages – such as the value of togetherness, the joy of unforgettable moments with loved ones, and the importance of kindness and compassion in society.

For example, our recent Christmas campaign, “The World Needs More Santas”, was built on the idea that anyone can channel their inner Santa through simple acts of kindness.

I consider myself fortunate to work for such an iconic brand, and I’m inspired by the opportunity I have every day to help advance Coca-Cola’s mission: “To refresh the world and make a difference”.

4.    As the lead of the Hertie School Pan-African Alumni Network launching this month, what inspired you to take on this role, and what is your vision for the network’s future?

I believe the Hertie School Pan-African Alumni Network (PAAN) offers a unique opportunity for Hertie alumni of African descent to strengthen their connections – with each other, with the Hertie School community, and with the African continent. Many African alumni are committed to driving positive change in Africa and to supporting the Hertie School in advancing its mission. I see PAAN as a catalyst for collaboration among African alumni in pursuit of these shared goals. My vision is for the network to serve as a bridge, fostering meaningful relationships among members, the broader Hertie community, and Africa.

5.    What advice would you give to someone considering Hertie or just starting their journey here?

There’s a strong correlation between what you put into an academic programme and what you get out of it. So, show up. Participate actively. Be attuned to the wide range of learning and development opportunities the Hertie School offers. Join clubs, attend events, engage with professors. Be a “learn-it-all”, not a “know-it-all”. Keep an open mind and don’t cling too much to your preconceptions. You’ll be exposed to new ideas – some of which may challenge your beliefs. Embrace them, reflect on them, and draw your own conclusions.

Think of ways you can contribute to the Hertie community. Your contributions don’t need to be monumental – even small actions can make a difference. 

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy your time in Berlin. You have the privilege of studying in an incredible city. Take time to smell the roses and make memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t let anxieties about the future steal your joy. Enjoy the journey. You’ll be just fine.

6.    Ten rapid-fire questions

•    Favourite book: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
•    Favourite movie: The Shawshank Redemption
•    Favourite podcast: The Diary of A CEO
•    Most memorable courses at Hertie: (I) The Governance of Markets in Challenging Times: From Classic Authors to New Approaches and (II) Cultural Policy.
•    Most influential mentor or role model: Barack Obama
•    Top skill that you've recently unlocked: How to play golf!
•    Favourite travel destination: London
•    Favourite way to stay active or exercise: Taking long walks or playing golf
•    Preferred way to relax or self-care activity: Resting at home and reading a good book, or watching an insightful documentary.
•    Favourite quote or mantra: “We are in the habit of imagining our lives to be linear, a long march from birth to death in which we mass our powers, only to surrender them again, all the while slowly losing our youthful beauty. This is a brutal untruth. Life meanders like a path through the woods. We have seasons when we flourish and seasons when the leaves fall from us, revealing our bare bones. Given time, they grow again.” – Katherine May.