Frederik Hafen, alumnus MA European Public Affairs

We asked Frederik why he had chosen the EPA master’s programme. To which he replied: “After my bachelor’s degree in European law, I realised that I needed to put the things I had learned into a wider perspective and to understand law as a tool rather than an ideology. What appealed to me specifically was the small selective course size of the EPA cohort because I was looking forward to diving head-first into discussions with other students and professors instead of passively receiving knowledge in a big lecture hall.”

According to Frederik, the way of learning made this programme unique. “I thoroughly enjoyed the regular debating and presentation exercises which allowed me to not only develop knowledge while at university but also a transferable skill set. Having to play devil’s advocate on a standpoint you usually agree with is a phenomenal way of learning.”

We also asked about his favourite course. “The most enjoyable were all the exercises we had to do and the pitching presentations we gave on a regular basis. However, the most intellectually stimulating were the courses on EU governance, both historically and today.” The biggest challenge during his academic career was playing catch-up on research methodology. The EPA programme is practically oriented, but the thesis still needs to fulfil the standards of research which Maastricht University is used to. Having come from a legal background, political science research methodology was new and difficult to me. I thank my extra patient supervisors for taking me by the hand and helping me transform my ideas into sound hypothesis that could be tested scientifically.”

Frederik already knew what to expect of student life in the Netherlands. “I had already done my Bachelor’s studies in the Netherlands (University of Groningen), so I knew what to expect of student life in Maastricht. Listening to many of my fellow students express their gratefulness about the quality of life as a student in Maastricht was a constant reminder of how privileged I had been during all of my studies. Nowadays, he is still reminded of his time in Maastricht because he remains in touch with some of his student colleagues who are also based in Brussels and are working in EU Affairs. “Personally, my Maastricht time did not end with me moving away from the tiny city, but it sort of lingered on over the next few years while I was making my way into working life in EU Affairs in Brussels alongside many of my student friends.” Frederik also told us more about his current job. “After working for nearly six years in the EU institutions, I switched to the NGO sector about three years ago and am now a Senior Policy Officer for the European Environmental Bureau, where I focus on environmental rights and liability issues. My colleagues describe themselves as advocates or campaigners, but I like to think of myself as a lobbyist – albeit for the less ethically complicated side.” 

He also explained how the master’s programme helped him with his current career. He replied: “Having been involved in recruitment myself, I realise more and more that most candidates for EU Affairs jobs all have a degree from a decent university, speak several languages, and have some sort of top-of-the-class award or other impressive achievements. What sets candidates apart is the skill set they can demonstrate at interview. I’d like to think that my master’s programme helped me with my personal skill set more than with ticking that box of ‘went to a good university.’”

June 2024