Digital politics in practice

Course Description:

The "Digital Politics in Practice" course is designed to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications in the field of digital politics, governance, and policy. Through interactive sessions with industry experts and professionals, students will gain insights into potential career paths, essential skills for the digital sector, and strategies for successful career development. The course aims to provide students with practical examples of applying the competences acquired in their graduate program on digital politics and governance.

Session Schedule:

Session 1 – 12 September: Introduction to the Course and Digital Politics (Giulia Sandri & Felix von Nostitz)

- Presentation of the course structure and objectives.

- Introduction to the assignments and expectations.

- Overview of research in digital politics.

- Exploring potential career paths based on digital politics expertise.

Session 2 – 19 September: Careers in Digital/Tech Startups (Julia Fenart)

- Exploring opportunities in the digital startup ecosystem.

- Learning about the role of policy professionals in startups.

- Case studies and examples from the digital startup industry.

Session 3 – 26 September: Careers in IT Lobbying (Antoine Kubiak)

- Understanding the role of IT lobbying in shaping digital policies.

- Examining the skills and strategies required for effective lobbying.

- Case studies of successful IT lobbying campaigns.

Session 4 – 03 October: Careers in Cybersecurity I (Lorraine Desforges)

- Introduction to cybersecurity and its significance in digital governance.

- Exploring theoretical foundations of cybersecurity.

- Identifying the role of policy professionals in ensuring cybersecurity.

Session 5 – 10 October: Careers in Cybersecurity II (Morgane Ledoux)

- Practical applications of cybersecurity in policy and governance.

- Learning about strategies for managing digital security challenges.

- Case studies and hands-on exercises related to cybersecurity.

Session 6 – 07 November: Careers in Digital Transformation & EU Digital Policy (Grace Milne)

- Understanding the concept of digital transformation in various sectors.

- Examining the role of policy professionals in shaping EU digital policies.

- Case studies of successful digital transformation initiatives.

Session 7 – 14 November: Feedback and Assignment Presentations (Giulia Sandri & Felix von Nostitz)

- Students present their assignments (motivation letters for internships or career plans).

- Individualized feedback on the assignments to support students' career development.

- Recap of key insights and takeaways from the course.

Assessment:

- Attendance and participation in class discussions (20%)

- Written Assignments (40%): motivation letters and career plans

-max 2 pages for motivation letters and 1-page career plans

-use Cover letter format

-Deadline: 12 November 23:59h via i-campus

- Presentation of either motivation letters or career plans (40%) in Session 7 – 14 November

-length: 5 min

-Power point allowed

Note: Guest speakers' availability is subject to change. In case of any adjustments, students will be notified in advance.