Afsaneh Izadian

About Me

I’m Afsaneh Izadian. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Theoretical Economics from Allameh Tabataba’i University and a master’s degree in Financial MBA from K. N. Toosi University of Technology. I began my career as a trader in Iran’s capital market, where I earned a professional trading certificate and worked for two years at the Iran Mercantile Exchange.

In 2022, I moved to Germany to continue my studies. I completed a master’s degree in Development Economics at the University of Göttingen, one of the world’s top 100 universities in this field. Since then, I’ve worked at leading international companies, including Sartorius, a global leader in laboratory technologies, and KWS, a global leader in seeds and agriculture. My experience spans human resources, project management, strategy, marketing, analytics and organisational development.

I have received two PhD offers and am fluent in Persian, English and German. My path is shaped by deep learning, international experience and a commitment to building a better future -- in economics, in business and in my life as an immigrant.

My Experience at the University of Göttingen – Master of Science in Development Economics

University of Göttingen campus – Spring 2023

Studying at the University of Göttingen was far more than an academic program for me; it was an experience that reshaped how I understand development, economics and the role of people within social systems.

The Development Economics program with a quantitative focus at Göttingen places strong emphasis on data analysis, policy design and the evaluation of economic impacts in low-income and developing countries. During the program, I worked with advanced econometric methods, micro and macro data analysis and the design of empirical studies such as difference-in-differences. Most courses revolved around topics such as poverty, inequality, health, education, labour markets, and the role of public policy in improving people’s lives. This blend of quantitative analysis and a human-centred view of development allowed me to focus my thesis on how health shocks influence household decision-making and coping mechanisms, giving me a clearer picture of the complexities of development in Bihar, India.

Alongside the core curriculum, I had the opportunity to engage in various academic and applied projects: working as a research assistant, creating a podcast and receiving a full DAAD scholarship for a study trip to India focused on public health.

Beyond academics, I served as the student representative for the Development Economics program for one and a half years. This role helped me contribute to academic decision-making, strengthen communication between students and faculty and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and needs within the university community.

Study Trip to India – 14 to 28 October 2023

Visit to Bangalore’s most renowned business school

Visit to a rural school - Andhra Pradesh

In October 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to India through my university and gain a rich mix of academic, social and cultural experiences. Our journey took us through Chennai, Sri City, Mahabalipuram and Bangalore, giving us rare access to universities, researchers and local communities.

Academic engagements:
We began with visits to institutions such as Krea University, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and Azim Premji University. At Krea, we studied the livelihoods of communities around Lake Pulicat and worked closely with researchers and students. This included developing research questions and learning hands-on fieldwork methods.

Fieldwork and interviews:
We visited two villages and conducted interviews with local stakeholders, which provided us with direct perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within these communities. It also highlighted the importance of collecting primary data in development research.

Insights into health and social development:
We explored both public and private healthcare settings and visited Anganwadi Centres, Government Primary Health Centres, and various NGOs. We also observed the work of women’s self-help groups and saw the impact of initiatives by the Azim Premji Foundation.

Cultural and industrial exploration:
Our visits to the Sri City Business Centre and Mahabalipuram offered a look at India’s unique blend of industrial growth and cultural heritage, rounding out the experience with both modern and historical perspectives.

This trip not only expanded my academic and field insights, it also inspired me to think more deeply about the intersections of education, health and social development.

Working Student Experience at Sartorius – September 2022 to June 2024

Sartorius is a global leader in life sciences research and the biopharmaceutical industry. Through its two divisions, Lab Products & Services and Bioprocess Solutions, the company helps accelerate the development of innovative drugs, therapies and vaccines while simplifying production processes, making high-quality medicines more accessible worldwide. Sartorius is headquartered in Göttingen, Germany, and has been listed on the German DAX index since 2021. With around 60 production and sales sites and more than 13,000 employees worldwide, the company operates on a truly international scale. In fiscal year 2023, Sartorius generated approximately €3.4 billion in revenue.

From September 2022 to June 2024, I worked as a working student in the Human Resources department at Sartorius. My role went far beyond typical administrative work and included managing key learning processes, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders and improving employee experience in learning and development programs. I designed and published the monthly learning newsletter for managers and employees, managed incoming requests for the People and Organisation Development department and updated content on SharePoint and the intranet. I also supported the planning and tracking of training programs, monitored participant progress and contributed to certificate management and analytical reporting.

This experience allowed me to apply HR and organisational development knowledge in a highly international and high-standard environment. I learned to analyse complex issues quickly, propose practical solutions and take initiative and responsibility to deliver high-quality results across projects and processes.

Full-time Work Experience at KWS in the Graduate Program – October 2024 to Present

Since October of last year, I have been working full-time at KWS as a Graduate. KWS is one of the world’s leading seed and agricultural companies, focused on innovation and sustainable development to support farmers and the global agricultural supply chain.

Many people may not be familiar with the concept of a Graduate Program, so here is a brief explanation. A Graduate Program, also called a Trainee Program, is a full-time job designed by major international companies to recruit and train high-potential graduates.
It is highly competitive: more than 500 people apply every year for KWS, but only a very small number - between 4 and 6 - are selected. Graduates rotate through several departments over 1 to 2 years, working on real, strategic projects, building technical and managerial skills, and starting their professional path in line with global standards. The goal is to develop future leaders for the company. This role has given me the chance to work across departments and gain hands-on experience in strategy and marketing while contributing to impactful real-world projects.

My projects at KWS until now

First Rotation – Group Strategy
In this rotation, I focused on organisational development and process optimisation. Working closely with the strategy team, I participated in projects to improve organisational efficiency, standardise project management, and support structural changes. This experience deepened my understanding of organisational challenges and strengthened my analytical and managerial skills.

Second Rotation – Marketing Corn
Here, I worked on marketing strategies for the corn segment, focusing on increasing sales through the dealer network. I conducted market research, analysed trends and data and proposed actions to strengthen market presence and boost sales. This rotation introduced me to evidence-based marketing, competitor analysis and channel management, enhancing my hands-on marketing skills.

Third Rotation – Marketing Sugar Beet
In this rotation, the focus is on marketing sugar beet and increasing sales through the website and digital tools. Working with the digital and e-commerce teams, we aim to expand online sales and improve customer experience. This project is developing my digital marketing skills and giving me valuable experience in building online channels and increasing customer engagement.

These projects have strengthened both my technical and managerial abilities and improved my problem-solving skills, cross-functional collaboration and capacity to execute strategic initiatives. Each day at KWS offers new learning opportunities, professional growth and the chance to contribute to meaningful business outcomes.

KWS Photo Album

Stay tuned for updates on my Website!

With my extensive experience across German industry and academia, I decided to apply my knowledge of migration to support talented people in my home country who want to pursue their dreams. I am designing a specialised webinar as a first step and will offer limited one-on-one consulting later on. I just wanted to let you know that more info is coming soon.

Follow me on LinkedIn!