Alexander, 2024 Summa Cum Laude in Advanced Global Studies

For me it was important to keep a healthy balance between my studies and other commitments, personal and professional. I only studied in the library and did my group meetings on campus whenever possible. This way I could detach and focus on other things as soon as I left the premises. I also tried to keep studying for eight or nine hours a day, taking the full weekends off to unwind, work on my freelance job, or explore Paris. This helped me keep motivation and concentration throughout the entire year. It also forced me to prioritize my time well. 

Making a realistic assessment about the workload for each of the assignments helped me to avoid being overwhelmed during mid-terms and finals. At the beginning of the semester, I made an overview of all deliverables, and started what I could already during the semester.

Lastly, I teamed up with other students to give each other feedback on first drafts and help each other improve our writings.

Many courses are taught by professionals, and classes offered opportunities for hands-on practice relevant to their field of work. It was rewarding that many assignments were not just intellectual exercises, but taught me skills useful to my next professional steps. The chance to collect first-hand experience in concrete projects with partner organisations was great as well.

Courses to hone public speaking and writing skills were a marvelous addition. Most importantly, the network and friendships I developed with people from five continents will be of great value for the years to come, both personally and professionally.

I’d say: take it all in. Don’t forget you’re here to learn and that it’s okay to take risks and make mistakes.

In my job before joining PSIA I realised that working fulltime often doesn’t leave you much time for digging deep into specific issues, engaging in challenging debates and questioning your biases and assumptions. PSIA is an exceptional place for that.

Another advice is to show interest and take initiative. What’s most valuable for me in hindsight are the relationships I built with professors and fellow students by suggesting guest speakers, partner projects and engaging critically with the course content. Not everything resulted in something concrete, but it always led to fruitful conversations. And in one case to a job offer.