Thomas Scheufler

(interview from 2025)      

Katharina Schwerdt has lived and worked on four continents and now travels around the world as an international moderator for politics and business. She pursued her passion for traveling, meeting new people, understanding different perspectives, and getting involved in social causes from an early age. Her international career began with her decision to study at TUD Dresden University of Technology and move to Dresden.

“When I think back on my time studying in Dresden, I have particularly fond memories of my work with the AEGEE student organization. This group connects students from all over Europe irrespective of their degree program. It helped me a lot to expand my network globally and to develop my project management skills,” she looks back.

Name:	Katharina Schwerdt
Degree program	B.A. Political Science and Communication Science
Faculty	Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Science
At the university:	2014-2018
Current work:	International moderator and workshop leader

Where are you employed today and what are your responsibilities?

I currently work as an international moderator and travel around the world for my work. I love traveling internationally, bringing different perspectives together, and understanding what matters to people around the world – which is why I am currently building the brand the_traveling_emcee. My moderating experience ranges from political panel discussions at UN conferences to events for the private sector and award ceremonies. I am passionate about interactive events that actively involve the audience. I have just finished filming a mini-series on how to make panel discussions more interesting and would like to work more with entertaining formats both nationally and internationally in the future.

Before going freelance, I worked for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Sri Lanka and Thailand and for Oxfam in Senegal. As a Mercator Fellow for International Affairs, I had the opportunity to see a lot of the world. Prior to that, I worked in public sector consulting for two years, most recently as a senior consultant, where I focused primarily on administrative modernization in Germany and Cyprus.

What still has a lot of value for you today? What would you like to have had more of?  

I benefited greatly from the rigorous methodological training and, during my master's program, from my scholarship I was awarded from the Stiftung der deutschen Wirtschaft (German Economic Foundation). I've often underestimated how important networks are and the projects that can emerge from them. For example, last year I volunteered to help write a book called “Nimm deine Karriere in die Hand” (Take Control of Your Career), an initiative of the German Economic Foundation Alumni Association, which ended up becoming a bestseller on the Spiegel magazine list. As far as TU Dresden is concerned, I would have liked to have had a little more mentoring – especially early on in my studies and particularly for students who are the first in their family to attend university – in order to find out more about opportunities to continue studying at renowned institutions abroad, for example. I also think earlier access to international academic networks and stronger alumni networking would have been helpful.

Why did you decide to study at TU Dresden?

After volunteering in Belarus, I visited friends in Dresden who were studying very different subjects. I was immediately taken with both the city and the lively university life. I found it particularly exciting that TU Dresden places so much emphasis on empirical methods and statistics in the social sciences – that made me curious. I was also really impressed by the sheer variety of options available, such as the lecture series, Studium Generale, language courses, opportunities to study abroad, and the cultural life at the university and in the city.

What made you choose this degree program?

Since I wanted to delve deeper into international relations, studying political science in combination with communication science seemed like a good way to combine my interests. After spending a year studying abroad at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, I also completed a minor in Latin American Regional Studies to perfect my regional knowledge and Spanish language skills.

What researchers or lecturers influenced you the most during your studies?

First of all, I would like to thank all the Research Associates, who often work hard but do not always receive the same appreciation as their colleagues with postdoctoral qualifications. In particular, I would like to thank Dr. Erik Fritzsche, who supported me with my bachelor's thesis and encouraged me to apply for programs for gifted students. From my volunteer work for scholarship equality at ApplicAid e.V., I know how important it is to have this kind of encouragement. I will also always remember Prof. Donsbach, who sadly passed away too soon. I was deeply impressed by his research findings and reports from his time studying with Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann and her theory of the spiral of silence. Prof. Werner Patzelt, known for his detailed presentation slides and challenging exams, was a controversial figure. His role as a political analyst during the PEGIDA movement sparked heated debate.

What advice would you give to our current first-years?

Take advantage of every opportunity: Studium Generale, supplementary studies, languages, sports courses, culture, university societies. University societies in particular offer a fantastic opportunity to get to know people and to get involved. TU Dresden has a lot of these – from the campus cinema to the Model United Nations and AEGEE. Despite receiving BAföG financial aid during my bachelor's degree, I had the opportunity to travel to other European countries, meet new people, and have fun. Try new things, engage in discussions outside your field of study, get involved, and apply for scholarships – you don't need straight A's to do that! Enjoy the time, find out about career paths early on, and don't let financial worries stop you from studying abroad—there are always resources and advice available. Take advantage of counseling services if you find yourself in difficult situations, and ask yourself what is important to you in life. Then, put this into practice, even if there is resistance.

What do you remember most fondly about your time as a student?

I have particularly fond memories of my time with the AEGEE-Dresden e.V. University society. This group connects students from all over Europe – irrespective of their degree program. Whether it's projects in Poland or Ukraine, general meetings in Italy or summer schools in Azerbaijan: I made friends from all over Europe and developed my project management skills at the same time. AEGEE offers themed groups and exciting projects. For example, the Youth Election Observation Mission in the Czech Republic was a particular highlight for me. In addition, I remember long evenings at the SLUB, theater visits, getting involved in various activities, and the occasional party.

What was your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place at university was definitely the SLUB library. I spent so many hours there – studying, researching, or just getting stuff done in the quiet atmosphere, even though there's not much daylight there, which I don't really like. It was like a second home to me, especially during exam time. I also got to experience the campus pub – a great place to meet up with other students after a long day or just to hang out and chat. And of course all the green spaces around the uni: I loved to take a break there, get some fresh air and recharge my batteries on sunny days.

What tips do you have for hitting the ground running in your industry?

As an advisor, the answer would be: It depends. My discipline is so diverse that there isn’t one clear, pre-defined path. It took me some time to understand that networks aren’t a bad thing and how decisive they can be for career entry. Of course, dedication, grades and specialization also play an important role. That’s why I would recommend thinking carefully about what to study for your master’s and where to do it. For example, I opted for a master’s in the management of non-profit organizations. Competition is particularly fierce for international organizations, which is why it is important to complete internships in this field at an early stage. The same applies for the moderator sector. Looking back, I would recommend utilizing social media at an earlier stage and perhaps considering freelance work during your studies. But I think the most important thing is: Have the courage to follow your passion. This approach is not always welcomed in Germany, and of course there are systemic obstacles. But it's well worth using your talents in a way that you enjoy and that allows you to create a life that you find fulfilling.

What connects you to TU Dresden today?

I feel honored that TU asked me to be featured in this interview. For me, TUD is a place where you can try out a lot of things and where I have made some great friends. As a University of Excellence, it attracts a lot of international students. At the same time, the political situation of recent years brings with it a great responsibility: namely, to create an open and welcoming atmosphere and to actively promote this. Despite these challenges, I associate TUD with a certain lightness and the feeling that I can make a difference in society.

Contact:
Katharina Schwerdt

katharinaschwerdt.com

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