I am currently interning with the Hertie School for the Centre for Fundamental Rights. This industry entails academic research, legal analysis, public policy briefs, and outside collaboration. Organisation like the Centre for Fundamental Rights acts as a connection between academic work and real-world application. Analysing how legal organisations or governments impact communities that are at a disadvantage is part of the work at the Centre. Currently, given the global climate, there has been a vast range of human rights issues. 

Certain areas, such as human rights and public policy areas, I have learned, seem to need some foundational and strong understanding of geography. There are a few main areas that I have noticed while interning with the Centre. Research and analytical skills are essential for working in this field. Having is useful when it comes to looking at public policy laws that are implemented in the country. Some of the assignments that I am given involve reading current legislation that is implemented and how it impacts people in Germany. I also look at the non-government organisations’ response. Another skill is having a solid understanding of the legal structure.  Knowing how the government in Germany operates is helpful when it comes to analysing legal rulings on cases.  

In this internship, there is also knowledge of legal literacy on a domestic and international level. The Centre for Fundamental Rights is heavily focused on keeping current with human rights laws. Some of the tasks that I have been given involve reading over past case rulings on human rights issues in Germany. Some of the cases that I have also looked at have been on an international level. Refugees have been a recent focus for the Centre regarding human rights issues. The war in Gaza and the war in Ukraine have caused a large displacement of civilians. The tasks have involved reading and summarising certain cases of this human rights issue. 

During my first week at the Centre, I have also learned that there is a large amount of media and press coverage that is done. The Centre has certain professors and researchers who respond to case rulings or high-profile issues. I have learned that it is an important skill to be able to communicate your point concisely and coherently. Communication does not just happen through public press interviews at the Centre, has there are also press releases. The Centre for Fundamental Rights has never published a public press release compared to some of the other Centres at the Hertie School. That is one of the goals the Centre for Fundamental Rights plans for the summer. 

There have been meetings that I have attended where the administration staff discuss strategies on how the Centre will respond to global issues. This might involve deciding on who in the Centre has the most experience or knowledge regarding certain issues. One of the things I have learned while attending these meetings is the importance of political strategy. This is essential for creating a public image as an institution. There are certain stakeholders that need to be accounted for when it comes to making a public statement for the Centre. Certain non-governmental organisations are partners with the centre that provide input. It is helpful to include outside input to ensure that information is factually correct. This is needed to make sure that the centre stays in line with its values and maintains a strong relationship with outside partners. 

There is also a need to be adaptable when working with an organisation in another country. When I first arrived, I noticed that the way that people dress in an academic research centre is more formal than in the United States. People tend to dress more business casual as opposed to dressing in casual wear. I have also noticed that there is a software difference that the Centre uses. There is a heavy usage of Outlook programs. There is more to writing emails than writing emails to people. When it comes to working hours, Germans are very strict about them. During working hours, people are available. The minute that the working day ends, you cannot reach anyone. On the weekend, you will receive no response from people at work. This was something that you had to adapt to. Unlike the United States, people at work are more responsive and reachable outside of their working hours.  It is important to be patient and open-minded when in a new environment. Having this mindset can help you further improve your skill set. This will also help you succeed in your internship.

Agrawal A #02