| Willy Brandt School of Public Policy

A new academic year, a new cohort, and a new chapter at the Brandt School

At this year’s Welcome Lecture, Carmen Niethammer shared two pieces of advice with our students: embrace opportunities, because you never know where they might lead, and step outside your comfort zone, because that is often where the most meaningful growth happens.

On October 27, the Brandt School welcomed its new cohort at the Welcome Lecture. Professor Dr. Andreas Goldthau opened the evening by greeting students from the Master of Public Policy and the Doctoral Program. After sharing remarks on navigating academic life, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Social Sciences, Prof. Dr. Miriam Zschoche, encouraged students to embrace new experiences, travel, and make the most of their time in Erfurt. 

“Don’t take your own achievements for granted” was one of the meaningful insights shared by the Student Government, represented by Rebeca Olascoaga and Rufus Chea, as they reflected on their experiences after one year at the Brandt School.

As students begin new journeys, new opportunities may also arise. Carmen Niethammer, Senior Gender Specialist at the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Senior Brandt Fellow, delivered good advice paired with empowerment and empirical facts in her lecture,“Embracing Opportunity: The Search for Happiness and Making the World a Better Place.”

Agency, growth, and connection were three key pieces of advice she shared with the new students: agency to create something new; growth through new tools, strategies, and learning experiences, including the willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone; and connection through a new network of colleagues, professors, and the many experiences and memories still to come.

After the lecture, the evening ended with a reception that gave students the chance to meet and exchange ideas. 

Here’s to a successful academic year ahead! 

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