Being a part of the Frankfurt School Student Council has been one of the most transformative experiences of my academic journey in Germany. This role allowed me to represent my peers and contribute actively to enhancing our vibrant community. In this blog post, I will share my journey, the responsibilities we undertook, and the impact we strived to make.
The Student Council bridges the Student Body and the university’s faculty and administration. We are here to ensure your voices are heard, your ideas valued, and your concerns addressed. The Student Council is comprised of nine members, each holding different positions, such as Speaker, Treasury, Projects and Events, Initiatives, and Communications. Elections for the council occur every January online via the student portal, designed to be inclusive and allow students from various programmes and backgrounds to run for office.
Beyond representation, we are dedicated to enriching the Frankfurt School community. Whether supporting Frankfurt School’s initiatives, organising memorable parties, or hosting events with other universities, we are committed to bringing everyone closer together. More than just a council, we are a community where every voice counts and every student matters.
I joined Frankfurt School in 2022 to pursue the Master in Management programme, and I served on the Student Council for the 2023 term. Even before joining, I had always dreamt of being a part of this council. When I was considering FS, I reached out to a few members of the StuCo at that time, and they were accommodating, answering all my questions and addressing my doubts.
Elections for the council take place every January. When I joined the school, I had the opportunity to understand its community values and the honour code, get involved in various initiatives, and network. My MiM classmates elected me as the class representative, giving me the confidence to take on responsibilities beyond my class. Despite my initial concerns about being relatively new, I decided to run for the Student Council.
Two weeks after applying, I received an early morning email informing me that I had been elected with the fourth-highest vote count. I was overjoyed and somewhat incredulous. I read the email twice just to make sure it was real! I was invited to the orientation for the new council members and officially accepted the role in the Student Engagement Department together with Anna Hidalgo Schwarz, a Bachelor’s student.
Our department was responsible for overseeing all student initiatives, clubs, and societies at Frankfurt School, which numbered over 47. I also audited budget reports and allocated funding to each initiative based on their needs. Students with new initiative ideas would pitch to us, and we worked with the management to green-light feasible projects. During my term, I attended several pitches and approved four new initiatives, which was immensely satisfying.
Beyond departmental duties, the council collectively worked to enrich our community. Weekly evening meetings were a time for brainstorming new ideas, planning events, and organizing orientations for new students. One of the highlights was the quarterly dinners, where we celebrated our achievements and learned from our failures. Our efforts led to positive changes that enhanced the overall student experience at Frankfurt School. The role came with significant responsibilities, but the support from the school made it an incredibly rewarding experience.
My time on the council profoundly impacted me. I developed crucial skills in leadership, teamwork, and communication. Working with a diverse team taught me how to manage differences and reach consensus. This journey wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Roland Bambia, the community manager, and Christine Klußmeyer, the senior community manager, with whom I worked daily. Roland, in particular, has been my go-to person in stressful situations and I would say mentor for life now. His guidance and support have been invaluable, helping me navigate the challenges and celebrate the successes of my role.
As I conclude my term, I extend my best wishes to the new council of 2024. I am confident they will continue to advance our community and build on the progress we have made. Serving on the Student Council has been a transformative journey, leaving a lasting impact on me for life. I encourage all students to get involved in their communities and take on leadership roles.
If you have any questions, ideas, or projects you want to discuss, feel free to contact us or visit during office hours in the StuCo office on the first floor. See you on campus!
Frankfurt School gGmbH
Adickesallee 32-34
60322 Frankfurt am Main
