Why did you decide to study MIDE at HTW Berlin?

At the time of submitting my application, I was working as an economic analyst at a bank. The analysis I provided was a building block in a framework to maximize profits from bank business. However, the macro data underscoring the development challenges in Egypt kept itching at the back of my brain. This inspired me to further my understanding of economic development. I saw MIDE as an excellent opportunity to do that while adding a strong credential to my CV.

 

What is special about this study programme?

There are quite a few unique qualities about MIDE. First, the professors are extremely dedicated to their trade. They did not only seek to teach but also to inspire. Second, the refresher on economics in the first and second semesters went beyond the orthodox. I would not have been satisfied with receiving education on one theory of development or economic model and sticking with it. Third, the different cultural backgrounds of the participating colleagues opened the way for dynamic discussions. They seldom ended in agreement, but we all plucked the fruits of knowledge along the way. Fourth and finally, the strong administrative team and dedicated programme coordination proved an invaluable asset in reaching the finish line.

 

Where are you currently working and for how long (as of May 2022)?

Name of Organization: The World Bank

Position: Consultant

Duration: Since November 2021

 

What do you like the most about your job?

Exploring the economic principles underlying business in one of the world’s most important development agencies. I am also thankful for the professional experience and networking opportunities.

 

Could you give any advice for MIDE outgoing students or alumni interested in this field or type of job?

On the technical side, develop a core competency in which you wish to specialize. However, having a good understanding of the different key aspects of development is a strong alternative.

On the soft-skill side, your abilities only matter if you can function as a member of the team, and as a leader when need be. Clear and respectful communication is key.

Most importantly, reach out and apply even if you do not believe you will be accepted. Below are some opportunities:

·       The Young Professionals Program.

·       Junior Professional Associates Program.

·       Listing of current job openings at the World Bank Group.

 

When and where was the last time you met with a fellow MIDE student/ alumni?

The last time I physically met a fellow MIDE student was when my dear friend Chris Arteaga dropped me off at Berlin’s airport back in October 2021. More recently, I had a great virtual chat with my dear friend Tanyi for the HTW Berlin students podcast.

Why did you decide to study MIDE at HTW Berlin?

I wanted a program that could offer both theoretical and practical knowledge of how development challenges can be addressed. The course content of MIDE provided what I was searching for which made it a great fit for me.

What is special about this study programme?

MIDE provides a multicultural learning environment that gives students exposure to the realities in different countries. Classes are structured in a way that allows students to discuss freely and build team playing skills. The knowledge and skills gained make MIDE graduates more competitive candidates in the job market.

Where are you currently working and for how long?

Name of Organization: United Nations Office for Project Services

Position: Infrastructure and Project Management Analyst

Duration: Started in September 2019 (as of September 2020)

What do you like the most about your job?

I love that I can proffer innovative solutions to global challenges. Being able to support governments in planning and implementing infrastructure projects that address the needs of particularly the poor and vulnerable in the society is a highly fulfilling experience.

Could you give any advice for MIDE outgoing students or alumni interested in this field or type of job?

First, be passionate about sustainable development and follow global conversations in this field. Be dedicated to self-development and take advantage of online resources to expand your skillset. I also encourage you to be disciplined and believe that you can achieve whatever you set your mind to do, notwithstanding the setbacks you might face.

When and where was the last time you met with a fellow MIDE student/alumni?

During my summer holiday in August 2020, I met with some friends from my MIDE intake in Berlin. One of my friends hosted a dinner at her house which gave us all an opportunity to catch up and relive many priceless MIDE moments.

 

Why did you decide to study MIDE at HTW Berlin?

I decided to study MIDE at HTW Berlin for three main reasons:

(1) I wanted to enroll in a programme that focused on Development Economics to better help me understand the challenges of my home country which is Small Island Developing State (SIDS) in the Caribbean.

(2) Having studied in the Caribbean (Barbados) for my undergraduate degree I wanted a different cultural experience for my postgraduate studies. Given that HTW is in Berlin, Germany I was excited at the idea of living and studying in Europe.

(3) This reason was probably the most influential for me…the MIDE programme was significantly more affordable in comparison to other programmes I had considered.

What is special about this study programme?

I found this study programme to be extra special because of the diversity of the programme participants. It was amazing to meet to people from so many different parts of the world that I would have likely never met had it not been for this programme.

Where are you currently working and for how long?

Name of Organization: Caribbean Association of Banks Inc.

Position: Research Officer

Duration: 11 months 

What do you like the most about your job?

I love the fact that I am learning a great deal about the Caribbean’s financial services industry. Before I assumed this role, I had not previously worked in this industry and so while there was a bit of learning curve the experience to date has exceeded my expectations. This job has helped me deepen my understanding of the challenges faced by Caribbean SIDS so I am better able to make a difference.

Could you give any advice for MIDE outgoing students or alumni interested in this field or type of job?

All I would say is to apply! As I said previously, I never worked in this field before, but I decided to take a chance and here I am today. With the MIDE qualification I am sure prospective employers will take a closer look at your CV and be willing to give you an opportunity.

When and where was the last time you met with a fellow MIDE student/alumni?

Unfortunately, the last time I met with a fellow MIDE student was in October 2019 in Berlin. Since I have returned to my home country, I keep in contact with the friends I made during the programme via phone and text (thank you technology!).

Why did you decide to study MIDE at HTW Berlin?

Coming from Mexico, and knowing some poor areas of the country, guided me to be interested on poverty issues and to look for its solutions. When I studied economics at the National Autonomous University of Mexico my interest on development economics became stronger and, after some years of working, I started to look for a programme which would fulfill my interests and would guide me to job opportunities where I could work for improving people’s life. I found myself checking Public Policy master’s degrees, but MIDE convinced me through the specialized curricula on developing economies, as well as the intercultural environment it offers. 

What is special about this study programme?

I consider MIDE as an exceptional programme because it gave me a large view of the development history in the world, several approaches of development, and a clear view of failures and success cases. It provided me with a wide understanding of the world’s economic development problems and a further view other than the Mexican and Latin-American situation. MIDE provides, besides great knowledge on theory, a substantial approach to reality.

Additionally, the opportunity to interact with students from all over the world, mainly from developing countries, is unique.

Where are you currently working and for how long?

Name of Organization: Inter-American Development Bank (IADB)

Position: Consultant for Social Protection and Health Division

Duration: Started in October 2019 (as of August 2020)

What do you like the most about your job?

The part I like the most about my job is to know that my work has an important impact on development projects and policies, and more important, on people’s life. Likewise, being part of an international organization, which has an important role on development and with credibility from governments and population keeps me satisfied every day.

Could you give any advice for MIDE outgoing students or alumni interested in this field or type of job?

My advice would be to be consistent on what you want to achieve and the interests you have, be conscious of your strengths and weaknesses, but never underestimate yourself. What you have learned during MIDE provides great knowledge and, moreover, understanding of development issues.

When and where was the last time you met with a fellow MIDE student/ alumni?

The last time I met with fellow MIDE students was in February. I first came back to Mexico in October 2019 for a 4-month contract at the IADB so, as I was not sure about what would happen after those four months, I still had a couple of things to arrange back in Berlin. It was a great excuse to meet with fellow MIDE students. Nevertheless, although distance makes it hard to meet in person with them, I can proudly say that I keep contact with them via whatsapp or videocalls.

Is there anything else you want to add?

The main projects I am supporting are the Regional Malaria Elimination Initiative and the Mesoamerican Health Initiative, which are focused on the elimination of malaria and the improvement of maternal and child health in Mexico and Belize. I am happy that all the lessons, debates, presentations, and case studies learned during MIDE are an important part of my everyday tasks.

Why did you decide to study MIDE at HTW Berlin?

I was in Berlin in 2007 and I just fell in love with the city, everything was a surprise, I loved the story of it and somehow it thrilled me to be in a place that was the center of the entire cold war (to my foolish surprise, the city had changed a lot in 10 years). Then, after more than 10 years I found the program and it was an instant match, I have always been interested in development topics and international economics has always been my passion.

What is special about this study programme?

The program is great and the teachers during my intake were amazing, but the thing I find the most special is the friends I made. I became part of a network of not only excellent professionals but also an amazing group of friends that I deeply admire. I learned so much from them, I can surely state that my life got better because of all the friends I made in my intake.

Where are you currently working and for how long?

Name of Organization: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Position: Chief of the Regional Integration Unit (Minister-Counsellor)

Duration: Since December 2019

What do you like the most about your job?

I like two things in particular, first all the responsibilities and the challenges that come with it, on a daily basis I take decisions that are relevant for the entire country. The second thing is the usage of my academic abilities, I apply many things that I learned during my entire career.

Could you give any advice for MIDE outgoing students or alumni interested in this field or type of job?

Well, I think that is important for you to get familiar with your countries diplomatic system before taking a decision about it. Then, of course prepare yourself with more knowledge about the international systems and laws surrounding international organizations.
On the informal side of advice, prepare for a lot of politics, a lot of bureaucracy and be ready to be given a lot of responsibilities.

When and where was the last time you met with a fellow MIDE student/alumni?

I am not a 100% sure but it was somewhere in October, regardless I keep close touch with most of my fellow MIDE colleagues and to be fair we had (have?) a pandemic during most of the time I was out of Berlin. Nonetheless I still miss most of them.

Why did you decide to study MIDE at HTW Berlin?

Because it was the perfect fit for what I was looking for: a great curriculum of international development economics, in a country that is known for having excellent educational programs, and in a city as diverse and affordable as Berlin.

What is special about this study programme?

I believe the students are a big part of what makes it special, having a diverse group of people from all over the world brought many interesting discussions and presentations during class. Moreover, the professors taught classes in different ways which also enriched the learning process. 

Where are you currently working and for how long?

Name of Organization: Central Bank of the Dominican Republic, Department of National Accounts and Economic Statistics

Position: Technical Assistant

Duration: 1 year (as of August 2020)

What do you like the most about your job?

The fact that I get to contribute towards strong and reliable data that is necessary for decision-making for policy makers.

Could you give any advice for MIDE outgoing students or alumni interested in this field or type of job?

When applying to job opportunities, do not be discouraged if you don’t meet all the requirements: highlight your strengths and show that you are eager to learn more on the job.

When and where was the last time you met with a fellow MIDE student/alumni?

I currently live with one (my partner), other than that last time I met a fellow alumni (my best friend) was 3 weeks ago, she lives in the same city as me.

Why did you decide to study MIDE at HTW Berlin?

I had been an undergraduate student at HTW before MIDE, so I had a rough idea that the program should be a good one. Also, ever since I was a child I have been interested in faraway places and different cultures and I wanted to work in the development sector even before MIDE. The program simply seemed like the right fit for me.

What is special about this study programme?

You have the opportunity to interact, learn, discuss and have fun with people from different social and cultural upbringing, that’s what makes MIDE the most special for me. Academically, I think it’s a huge advantage to discuss development topics with a diverse group such as the MIDE students. This is a far more fruitful approach I think than debating current world issues solely with friends and people from your own social bubble.

Where are you currently working and for how long?

1. Name of Organization: Deutsche Bank
2. Position: Anti Money Laundering Analyst.
3. Duration: I started in September 2020. I came back to Berlin in March 2020. Before, I lived and worked in Uganda for a while.

What do you like the most about your job?  

At first: That it’s a decent job I was able to secure recently. As for many others too in these crazy Covid times, the struggle and uncertainty were real for the last month. Second: The analytical part of my work. You have to dive into the data and come to an assumption on your own, I like that.

Could you give any advice for MIDE outgoing students or alumni interested in this field or type of job?

The field is quite competitive. It’s a good idea to set yourself some kind of strategy. Where do I want to work, what do I want to do? Which are ways that my goal becomes more likely? I think networking, persistence and the gathering of information on who are possible employees in the field are key to find a job in development. Enjoy your time in Berlin, don’t be too stressed about the future but look for opportunities that might make other people remember your name at a later point.

When and where was the last time you met with a fellow MIDE student/ alumni?

 

Yesterday in the kitchen with Juan Diego Morillo. We used to be in the same MIDE intake, now we are flatmates.

Why did you decide to study MIDE at HTW Berlin?

I was looking for a graduate programme that could provide me with a good mix of development economics courses with a hand-on component to it and MIDE looked like a perfect mix of both – plus a programme that focuses on LDCs in the heart of Germany was an easy choice for me to make.

What is special about this study programme?

There are so many things that make it a special study programme; be it the diverse range of courses it offers or the excursions which introduce you to ground realities of international and development economics. But I believe the most special thing about this study programme is the diverse set of students who bring in their unique multidisciplinary ideas and experiences – this allows you to grow and experience a lot as an economist as well as a human being.

Where are you currently working and for how long?

Name of Organization: UN Agencies (UNDP & UN Women)

Position: Programme Officer

Duration: UNDP (2017-19) UN Women (2019 till date, August 2020)

What do you like the most about your job?

My job allows me to not only examine the various development challenges that we are facing at the moment but also provides me with room to come up with concrete interventions to solve them through innovative and realistic thinking.

Could you give any advice for MIDE outgoing students or alumni interested in this field or type of job?

What you are studying in the MIDE coursework will help you a lot in getting a job with any UN Agency – the unique combination of international and development economics focusing on LDCs not only builds up your knowledge base but also enhances your critical thinking skills. Also, keep applying, don’t give up – hiring processes take up time.

When and where was the last time you met with a fellow MIDE student/alumni?

I met a couple of my fellow MIDE friends in 2018 while I was visiting Berlin for some work. It felt like I never left the city – or to be poetic the city never left me.

Is there anything else you want to add?

Berlin wird immer meine zweite Heimat sein!

Why did you decide to study MIDE at HTW Berlin?

I wanted to complement my studies of international business with a economics related master programme after I had already gained working experience in the field of development cooperation. I aimed it to be not a theoretical and “standard” economic study which is offered by many other universities and was looking for something truly international. 

What is special about this study programme?

The internationality and diversity of the students is in my opinion the most special about MIDE. The small group of students gives a lot of room for valuable discussions during classes and interactions with the Profs, sharing views and experiences from all over the world.

Where are you currently working and for how long?

Name of Organization: DEG – Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH

Position: Vice President

Duration: 10 years

What do you like the most about your job?

DEG, the German development finance institution, has a wide variety of jobs to offer. I started as a trainee for investment management and worked my way through different sectors and developing countries where DEG finances private sector players to generate a positive development impact, always being very close to our clients, traveling a lot and meeting many inspiring people. I have recently changed my field of work and am now responsible for stakeholder management as well as the use of concessionary funds. This means a lot of insightful interaction with German ministries, especially the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), but also NGOs, the German parliament and trade associations.

Could you give any advice for MIDE outgoing students or alumni interested in this field or type of job?

I am happy to answer any question you might have – just contact me. 

When and where was the last time you met with a fellow MIDE student/ alumni?

It is a year ago when I met a fellow alumni in Berlin – our connecting city.

 
 

 

 

Why did you decide to study MIDE at HTW Berlin?

After doing a Bachelor’s in international relations I was interested in following a master’s on development economics. Moreover, Germany offers great quality education at affordable prices, both tuition and cost of living. From the choice available in this field in Germany MIDE offered a development economics programme open not only to economics graduates, in a great location and with the DAAD’s EPOS endorsement.

What is special about this study programme?

My year in MIDE was a very enriching experience, with lots of classmates from different cultural, professional, and educational backgrounds. Moreover, MIDE follows a very multidisciplinary method and unorthodox approach to economics that I have found very useful for my subsequent work. In addition, the international connections of MIDE, particularly through the DAAD, allowed to follow the career path that I’m on now. 

Where are you currently working and for how long?

Name of Organization: UN Conference on Trade and Development

Position: Chief, Group Liaison

Duration: I have held different positions at UNCTAD since 2006.

What do you like the most about your job?

I like being able to work in development with the wider focus of countries, regions and issues that can be found through working in an international organization.

Could you give any advice for MIDE outgoing students or alumni interested in this field or type of job?

Every career path can seem daunting and difficult at first, getting properly informed in advance and persevering in your pursuit are two indispensable success factors in my experience.

When and where was the last time you met with a fellow MIDE student/ alumni?

I have been constantly in touch with many MIDE former classmates, as recently as last year I saw several of them, both in Geneva and during business trips.