Alumni in Focus: Laura Franken (MPP 2016)

The new Alumni in Focus series puts Hertie alumni on the spotlight and celebrates the journeys, achievements, and insights of our global community. Each month, we highlight one remarkable graduate, exploring their personal and professional paths while reflecting on their time at Hertie and beyond.

In this inaugural edition, we feature Hertie alumna Laura Franken, winner of the 2021 Alumni Achievement Award and a dedicated member of the Alumni Council. Since earning her Master of Public Policy from the Hertie School in 2016, Laura has built an impressive career as a policy consultant and advisor. She has worked with renowned institutions such as the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and the German Ministry of Finance, and she now steps into a new role as Advisor to the German Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C.

Below, Laura shares insights from her time at Hertie, her career journey since graduation, and a couple of her favorite cultural inspirations.

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

After a bachelor’s degree that was very rich in political theory, I was seeking a Master’s program with a clear focus on practical application. And Hertie offered just that – not only classes that connected theory and real-life policy questions, but also inspiring people in both staff and students that are active in a wide variety of policy fields.

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

Right after graduation, I worked as a consultant in the private sector, for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). By now I am a Policy Officer at the German Federal Ministry of Finance. In January, I have been sent by the ministry to Washington DC for three years to work at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as an Advisor to the German Executive Director at the IMF.

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

As an advisor, I am working as part of a team that is supporting our Executive Director and his Alternate e.g. in preparation for IMF board meetings. It’s an amazing opportunity to dive into various country cases, policy discussions and IMF programs. I learn something new every day and very much enjoy the exchange with IMF staff, other advisors from around the globe as well as with the German colleagues back home.

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

Just go for it! If you are a policy geek that enjoys an international environment, as well as the somewhat chaotic but nonetheless charming city of Berlin you are in the right place. Also, Hertie brings together wonderful people – I found many of my best friends during my time at Hertie. As for choosing classes, internships, extracurricular activities etc., I would like to pass on some advice once given to me: Life during your studies is not just a preparation for life after graduation. Try not get overwhelmed by your schedule (as I did…), the alleged pressure of finding the perfect career plan or to become an expert in this one specific topic early on – it’s okay to change your topics, your activities, your path as long as you find it worthwhile. Enjoy the journey.

10 Rapid-fire questions

1. Favourite book: Too many… maybe Momo by Michael Ende

2. Favourite movie: ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ with James Steward and Donna Reed

3. Favourite podcast: Currently, “Eltern ohne Filter”

4. Most memorable course at Hertie: “Varieties of Capitalism” with Anke Hassel

5. Most influential mentor or role model: Still to be found

6. Top skill that you've recently unlocked: How to pack your life into boxes and move across continents in under three months

7. Favourite travel destination: Anywhere at the sea side

8. Favourite way to stay active or exercise: Usually running, but as a mother of two young children, time for sports is limited – maybe running with the stroller soon

9. Preferred mode of relaxation or self-care activity: A good book and a cup of coffee or tea

10. Favourite quote or mantra: No coffee no workee