Linda Jaeck is a graduate of the Master in International Affairs (MIA) programme, specialising in Tech Policy and International Security. Her thesis focused on AI integration in the foreign ministries of Germany and the US, in collaboration with the UN Innovation’s Cell. She gained practical experience through roles at the German Armed Forces' Cyber Innovation Hub, a GovTech boutique consultancy and the European Parliament. Linda is a Co-Founder of the Hertie School Tech Society and Lead of the AI Lab, as well as a member of Women in International Security (WIIS). Her work bridges technology and international policy, focusing primarily on the governance of AI.
Alvaro Guijarro is a graduate of the Master of Data Science for Public Policy (MDS) programme. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from Universidad del Norte, located in his hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia. During his time at Hertie, Alvaro concentrated on digital governance, data, and AI regulation, as well as sustainability. Professionally, he served as a Project Assistant at The Data Tank in Brussels and is currently the Networks and Collaborations Intern at the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin. Alvaro was also involved as the Hertie School Representative for his MDS 2023-2024 cohort, actively participated in the Hertie School Latin American Club, and was the university’s CIVICA Student and Early-Stage Researcher Board Representative.
What are your post-graduation plans?
Linda: After having worked with the German Armed Forces on how to scout, procure and better implement smart solutions into the army, I am looking forward to be working with a global venture capital fund which focuses on investments strengthening the resilience of democracies through technology. My primary focus will be on AI standardisation and AI policy in general.
Alvaro: After my internship at the WHO, my main objective is to find a great opportunity to continue my professional career in the vibrant city of Berlin, as I believe the city still has much to teach me. Eventually, I plan to return to Colombia and apply everything I've learned, after working a couple of years in Europe.
How do you expect to use your Hertie studies after you finish your degree?
Linda: At Hertie, I learned to critically reflect on developments regarding the intersection of technology and policy globally but most recently with the AI Act of the European Union. I'm especially looking forward to applying what I learned about the challenges of AI governance to my work in the private sector. My exchange semester abroad in Washington D.C. also gave me great insights into the US perspective on these issues. I think this transatlantic understanding will be crucial in working the global AI policy landscape, especially given the work I did with the UN Innovation Cell for my thesis.
Alvaro: Choosing the Master of Data Science for Public Policy was the right decision at the right time. The skills and tools acquired during the last 4 semesters have really introduced me into the ever-evolving data ecosystem, and with every big news that comes out from that sector, I feel I could contribute to any organisation in their data science ambitions. There are interesting and intimidating times ahead of us, but I feel this degree has prepared us for them. I expect to use my degree to develop better and richer insights from data in any sector I could work from, be it in the public or private sector.
What are you most excited for in this next stage?
Linda: I'm really looking forward to make AI work in Europe in a way that leaves room for innovation while protecting individual rights. My work at the Cyber Innovation Hub opened my eyes to machine learning is reshaping security landscapes. Now, I'm eager to see the development of AI through the lens of investing. It's one thing research about AI integration in foreign ministries for my thesis, but it's another to actually help fund the technologies that might end up in those ministries! Plus, after co-founding the Hertie School Tech Society, I'm excited to accompany this issue with critical and independent policy debates.
Alvaro: The sky is the limit. It is scary not knowing exactly what you want to do after finishing your master’s, but that is also the beauty of the unknown. I feel my time at Hertie has prepared me to thrive in a vast variety of environments and sectors. With the right group of people and ideas, anything is possible.
What advice would you give to students entering their second year at Hertie?
Linda: Make the most of every opportunity Hertie offers - especially the unexpected ones. When I started, I never imagined I'd end up co-founding the tech society with my friend and MIA colleague Emilia or organising the European Public Policy Conference. Those experiences were game-changers for me as they put me in touch with thought leaders. Also, don't underestimate the value of your exchange semester. My time Washington DC gave me a whole new perspective on the US itself and academic debates.
Lastly, lean into your thesis. It might seem daunting, but it's a chance to dive deep into something you're passionate about and which you can use to make yourself a name in the academic world. My work on AI in foreign ministries opened doors I didn't even know existed. And if you're interested in tech policy, start building your network now. The connections I made through events and internships were invaluable.
Alvaro: Enjoy the process and take advantage of the opportunities life is throwing at you. Only each one of us knows all the hard work and sacrifices we had to make to get where we are, and now it is important to enjoy the fruits of all that effort. My time at the Hertie School and Berlin have been the most rewarding of my life so far, and the friendships and experiences I’ve nurtured will be some of my favorites forever.
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Sarah Fisher, Associate Student Recruitment