Katharina, 2023, Summa Cum Laude in International Energy

For me a successful strategy has been to put my interest first – learning as much as possible about the global energy system and its transformation – while leveraging my previous knowledge from my undergraduate studies in Economics. This strategy has helped me to choose courses and assignment topics that truly interested me and allowed me to enhance my previous skills, thereby motivating me and enabling me to succeed at PSIA.

One of the most valuable aspects of my experience at PSIA has been the chance to explore complex subjects from a range of perspectives. This has been made possible thanks to the diverse curriculum of my master's program, International Energy, which spans the political, legal, economic, and technical aspects of the energy transition.

Furthermore, my experience at PSIA has been enhanced by meeting people from all different backgrounds, both among my professors and fellow students. Engaging in meaningful discussions with people representing a wide range of academic and professional paths, as well as various nationalities, has been truly enriching. This exposure has significantly contributed to my ability to comprehend diverse perspectives, particularly in relation to significant global challenges like the energy transition. I am confident that the skills I've gained at PSIA, including active listening and embracing diverse viewpoints, will prove highly valuable in my career.

From my perspective, the key to succeeding and getting the most out of your time at PSIA is prioritization. First of all, this is essential in choosing your concentration and courses, as well as in order to plan your 3rd semester. My suggestion is to always keep in mind why you joined PSIA in the first place. What topics do you find really interesting? What area do you want to become an expert in? Which professors inspire you? Let these thoughts guide your decisions regarding courses, topics of papers, and more.

Furthermore, it is crucial to prioritize between your assignments. In the beginning, the coursework at PSIA can seem overwhelming, especially regarding the amount of assignments and readings per class. Here, I would recommend directly planning at the beginning of each semester on what assignment you should work on during which period and focusing on the most interesting/helpful readings instead of skimming through all of them.