Where did you work before coming to Bucerius?
Before joining Bucerius, I worked for a multinational company in Athens, Greece. During this time, I also collaborated with a team of European social workers to provide asylum support. Prior to that, I contributed remotely as a writer and editor for one of Afghanistan’s leading news agencies, while still based in Athens.
However, the most significant chapter of my career was my tenure at the State Ministry for Peace in Afghanistan. As a high-ranking government official, I played a vital role in analyzing reports, advising senior officials, and engaging with diverse stakeholders to address critical societal concerns in the context of the Afghan Peace Process.
Earlier in my career, I served in Kabul Municipality, where I was tasked with following up on presidential decrees and directives under the supervision of the Mayor of Kabul. My professional journey began as a Work-Study Assistant in the Office of Student Affairs at the American University of Afghanistan, where I pursued my undergraduate studies.
Why did you decide to study in Germany?
While many of my peers from the American University of Afghanistan opted to continue their education in the United States, my decision to pursue studies in Germany was primarily influenced by my family’s relocation to Frankfurt am Main. Having my family nearby was a significant factor.
Beyond personal reasons, Germany stood out as a premier destination for higher education due to its globally renowned academic quality. Germany also offers unparalleled opportunities for career advancement as Europe’s largest economy, where skills are both valued and nurtured.
The Master of Law and Business (MLB) program at Bucerius Law School, in particular, stood out as a program of unmatched quality, combining legal and business education in innovative ways.
What makes the MLB Program so special in your opinion?
I am truly convinced of the uniqueness of the MLB Program, which lies in its design and execution. It integrates legal and business disciplines, allowing students to follow a degree plan tailored to their aspirations, whether that be an LLM or an MLB.
For me, the program represents excellence. The collaboration with institutions like WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management and the Hertie School of Governance elevates its academic rigor and interdisciplinary approach. The internship component ensures practical exposure and facilitates integration into the German job market.
The diversity of my cohort, representing over 23 countries, further enriches the learning experience, providing varied perspectives that are as enlightening as the program itself. Beyond the curriculum, what truly sets the program apart is the dedication of the MLB team. From professional photo sessions to mock interviews and individualized support, they (Magdalena, Jenny, Maite, Susana, Betty) foster an environment of personal and professional growth.
What are the biggest differences between Germany and Afghanistan?
In Germany, life feels like a carefully synchronized clock - punctual, structured, and predictable. In Afghanistan, life has a rhythm of its own - spontaneous and flexible, where relationships and traditions dictate the pace.
Social interactions are very different between the two countries. In Afghanistan, relationships are deeply personal, and hospitality is at the heart of our culture, it is almost sacred. You can walk into someone’s home unannounced and leave with a full stomach and hours of shared stories. In Germany, social connections are more formal and planned, but they’re just as meaningful - if someone invites you into their home or life, it’s a big gesture of trust. I’ve come to appreciate both styles of connection: one that’s spontaneous and warm, and the other intentional and respectful of boundaries.
Speaking of food, the contrast of food culture in both countries is striking. In Afghanistan, meals are central to life - they’re rich, flavorful, and almost always shared. Dishes like Kabuli Pulao or Mantu are cooked with care and love, often over hours. In Germany, the food is simpler and hearty, but it’s practical and comforting.
MEET OUR MLB STUDENTS
Each year people from all over the world come to study the Bucerius Master of Law and Business. In the Meet interviews they tell their stories. Click here to get to know the other students.
ALL PORTRAITS
What’s an experience in Hamburg that is completely new to you?
Hamburg has brought me closer to people in ways I had not anticipated. My time here has been marked by greater social engagement, openness to new experiences, and a deeper appreciation for the city’s offerings - like the iconic Franzbrötchen.
Although I previously lived in Frankfurt am Main while completing an intensive German language program, my relationship with Hamburg feels uniquely different. Whether it is the city itself or the nurturing environment at Bucerius, something about Hamburg deeply resonates with me.
How do you like living in Hamburg?
Hamburg is unlike any city I’ve experienced. It has an aesthetic charm that sets it apart from other major cities in Europe and Germany, at least those that I have visited. The city’s port and waterways remind me of Piraeus, the beautiful seaside neighborhood I lived in during my time in Athens - though Hamburg’s weather is admittedly less sunny.
While Frankfurt dazzles with its modern skyscrapers, Hamburg’s character is unique. Living here, even temporarily, is an experience I would encourage anyone to embrace.
What are your future career plans?
My professional journey so far has been diverse, ranging from civil service and journalism to content moderation and asylum support. I’ve worked in dynamic environments, witnessed regime changes, and adapted to challenges. These experiences have equipped me with resilience and the ability to thrive amid transformation.
As I pursue my Master of Law and Business, I am focusing on opportunities that intersect law and business. Despite the rigorous path to becoming a licensed lawyer in Germany, I am committed to exploring this avenue, with a focus on areas where my skills can create meaningful impact.
What advice would you give to future students coming to Bucerius?
My advice to future students would be to immerse themselves fully in the international environment at Bucerius. Take the time to connect with peers from different countries and build a global network.
While the program’s intensive nature can feel overwhelming, I encourage students to focus on the bigger picture - the transformative future that an MLB or LLM degree can offer. Don’t just excel academically; embrace the vibrant student life, as it is an experience to cherish and one you will miss deeply once it’s over.
Saqalain, thanks for the interview!
