Fabian, 2022 Summa Cum Laude in Human Rights & Humanitarian Action

Coming from Germany, Fabian Schmidt-Gödelitz has graduated Summa Cum Laude in Human Rights & Humanitarian Action. 

>What skills and/or strategy helped you to succeed at PSIA? 

I was lucky to have completed the program with my partner, Kathrin Walter. I suspect the reason why we both graduated with honours is because we kept inspiring each other, discussed all new things learned across courses and disciplines, and reminded ourselves to take time off for fun and travel – all the things that classmates are for! This kept the passion for our studies going and allowed us to do well without exasperating, despite the difficult times. We also both had the privilege that our families weren’t strongly affected by COVID, neither financially, nor in terms of health. Thus, this year more than ever, strong relationships and luck made the difference for me.

What part of your PSIA experience do you think will be of greatest help in your career? 

In PSIA, I learned how to keep up a steady work routine including time off for friends and fun despite a very high workload. I think this will be key for my professional future.

What advice would you give to current and future PSIA students? 

Generally, you are likely to embark on your professional career before you even get your final grades. So, don’t worry too much about them. If you are more fortunate than we were, these are likely to be the happiest years of your life. So, prioritize friendships, grow a network, and have fun – that’s the best thing you can take away from PSIA and it’s what I would have done even more if the situation had allowed it.

• About the Master in Human Rights & Humanitarian Action