What's next for the Hertie School's Class of 2023?

Natascha Schoepl is a graduate of the Master of Public Policy (MPP) programme. She earned a Sciences Po dual degree graduate from Germany and Hong Kong, working in political communications.

What are your post-graduation plans?

My post-graduation plans include participating in the CIVICA-Google Policy Summer Institute, followed by an internship at Elephantlogic, a strategy consultancy. I will then start a full-time position as Content Strategist at LOBECO GmbH, a social media consulting and digital strategies firm. In this position, I will work in the Public Sector & Industrials team to support clients ranging from politicians, political parties and international city marketing. 

How do you expect to use your Hertie studies after you finish your degree?

After completing my degree in public policy and working in political communications, I expect to leverage my Hertie studies in the following ways: conducting policy analysis and proposing evidence-based solutions, developing strategic communication strategies and evaluating policy outcomes and assessing their impact. I hope to bridge the gap between policy and effective communication strategies for the public. 

What are you most excited for in this next stage?

I am looking forward to all of the new experiences, to making meaningful connections and to growing in my professional career! 

What advice would you give to next year's graduates (or Hertie students about to enter their final year)?

Make the most out of your time at Hertie by immersing yourself in everything the school has to offer! Embrace the diverse clubs, go to the engaging events and mark your legacy. Surround yourself with friends, create lasting bonds and make unforgettable memories. 

Benedikt Ströbl is a graduate of the Master of Data Science for Public Policy (MDS) programme. Before joining the Hertie School, he received his BSc in Management and Computer Engineering from the Technical University of Munich.

What are your post-graduation plans?

After graduating from Hertie, I want to take the summer and unwind a bit before taking the next step in September. In the Fall I am excited to have the opportunity to start my PhD at Princeton University, where I will be joining the Center for Information Technology Policy (CITP) and the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA). Studying at the intersection of computer science and public policy, I am looking forward to this new adventure and making a contribution to the field.

How do you expect to use your Hertie studies after you finish your degree?

Being part of the inaugural cohort of the Master of Data Science for Public Policy at the Hertie School, I really got to brush up my understanding of the policy landscape in Germany and beyond. The first-hand learning experience with the excellent faculty at Hertie and its Data Science Lab also showed me how data science can be an important tool in informing policy decisions. After finishing my degree, I am definitely expecting to apply the solid methodological training I got to my research. I am convinced that everyone can nurture their new ability of data thinking on their path lying ahead. 

What are you most excited for in this next stage?

Starting my PhD, I will also get to take classes and collaborate with some of the leading scholars in public policy and its intersection with technology. The opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research and collaborate with world-class faculty as well as fellow scholars in this field is truly exhilarating. While this will be a challenging time, I am amazed by the opportunity to contribute to meaningful policy discussions and make a tangible impact in shaping the future of technology and its governance.

What advice would you give to next year's graduates (or Hertie students about to enter their final year)?

Use the unique opportunity to engage with Hertie's faculty while you are there. Getting to know them so closely during and outside the lectures has really made a difference for me when compared to my undergraduate studies. Also: Keep up the truly friendly atmosphere around Hertie.