Frauke Rinelli

What have you been doing since finishing your studies? 

After graduating, I had the opportunity to live in Rome for a few months to study Italian before taking up my first job with the government agency for which I still work.

I work for Engagement Global, a government agency of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. In cooperation with an international multi-stakeholder partnership, we implement a blended learning programme for young professionals in the field of Education for Sustainable Development. As project coordinator, I am responsible for facilitating the exchange of content between the participants and coordinating all parties involved. Currently, I am on paid leave to attend the four-month Managing Global Governance Academy of the German Development Institute, one of the leading think tanks for development policy.
 

What experiences at Leeds do you think have particularly helped with your career?

Studying in an international environment with people from all over the world with diverse academic backgrounds has equipped me with various skills required to work in the field of international cooperation.

Why did you choose to study your particular course and why did you choose the University of Leeds?

As I grew up in a small village with about 400 inhabitants (where we had more chickens than people), I was always surrounded by nature and developed an interest in the interrelation between humans and the natural environment. After graduating, I worked for citizen media and thought that one day I would become a journalist; hence the decision to study my BA Communication Sciences and Political Science.

During my undergraduate programme, I did an internship in Ghana and realised my vocation for international cooperation. This is how I chose my postgraduate programme, which combines my two main interests. The decision to study in Leeds was based on the excellent reputation of the institute.
 

What was the best aspect of your course?

For me, participating in the overseas field course was the best experience, which involved implementing a research idea together with other students in Tanzania.
 

What activities outside of your studies were you involved in?

As a member of the society Geologist for Global Development I attended several conferences and presentations.
 

What would you say to students thinking about studying your course?

It was the toughest year of my life, but the one I learned the most - especially about myself.