Lynn, 2022 Summa Cum Laude in International Public Management

Coming from Germany, Lynn Seland has graduated Summa Cum Laude in International Public Management (now International Governance and Diplomacy). 

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

I am a very organized person in general and this was definitely useful and necessary at PSIA. Especially before the program structure changed, we would take 8 courses at the same time, so there were many assignments and projects to keep track of at once. Before each semester, I created a detailed outline and scheduled in the fixed assignments to then sign up for presentations and more flexible projects at the most convenient dates, trying to avoid clustering of work to the best extent possible.

Moreover, I really tried to be more mindful and to not worry too much. For most of the program, I held two different jobs next to studying at PSIA, so my days were definitely busy. It really helped me to recognize however, that even though I was ambitious, further stressing myself with my own demands would just be counterproductive. 

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

I believe that the greatest help in my career will be the people that I got a chance to interact with. At PSIA, you can meet extraordinary people, including professors, students, Sciences Po staff and guest speakers. I have received great guidance and have learned from all of them, which has allowed for much personal and professional growth during my trajectory at PSIA. 

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

I would recommend to not be intimidated by the stellar curricula of all the other students and professors at PSIA and enjoy of all the resources that the school offers you. From the guest speakers on Wednesdays, to the career workshops, to individual talks with your academic advisor, studying at PSIA is so much more than just the classes that we take. Therefore, be open minded to learning and exploring and attend as many of the extracurricular events as possible and as you find interesting. Also use the opportunities outside of class to get to know your fellow students and to talk to your professors.

Regarding the courses, I would give the advice to challenge yourself to try to learn as much as possible and to explore areas you are not as familiar with. To me one of the greatest advantages that PSIA offered were all the possibilities and combinations that exist to customize the program, so I would recommend making the best use possible of this to explore new topics and areas of learning. 

• About the Master in International Governance and Diplomacy