Volunteer Voices: Meet Freya 👋

Not everyone knows what they want to be when they grow up, and that’s why it’s essential for young people to hear stories of challenges and change when figuring out their future…

👋 Meet Freya, our amazing University Ambassador who has shared her story with the F4S community and wants to use her experiences to provide guidance to the younger generation.

We asked her a few questions about her motivation to volunteer and why she chose F4S. Here’s what she said ⬇️

Q: Tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been volunteering with F4S…

⭐ “I started my Master’s in Data Science at the London School of Economics last autumn and soon after joined F4S as a university ambassador for the London region. I was born and raised in Germany, completed my undergraduate degree in Economics at the University of Heidelberg, and spent two years working in management consulting at Boston Consulting Group in Munich before moving to the UK.

I’m deeply passionate about data science and AI, particularly how rapid technological advancements are shaping business, daily life, and education. Outside of academics and work, I enjoy sports—especially running, boxing, and snowboarding—and love exploring London’s diverse music scene with friends on the weekends.”

Q: What made you decide to volunteer with F4S?

⭐ “I decided to volunteer with F4S because I immediately connected with its mission. Looking back at my time in high school, I know I would have greatly benefited from hearing university students and industry professionals share insights about their careers. I was unsure about what to study and had no clear vision of what career path I wanted to take. Like many students, I relied heavily on my (grand)parents’ advice and some internet research—neither of which turned out to be the best sources for making an informed decision.”

Q: What motivates you to be part of the F4S mission?

⭐ “My motivation for being part of the F4S mission is the hope that I can make a difference for students—whether by inspiring them to pursue a more technical or analytical career, alleviating their fears about choosing a maths-heavy course, or showing young women that data science and tech are not just male-dominated fields for introverts. To me, the most important thing is providing guidance. Even if a student realizes after hearing my perspective that data science isn’t for them, that’s still a win because they’ve gained clarity.”

 Q: Is there any career advice you wish you had when you were younger?

⭐ “What do I wish I had known earlier? A lot! First and foremost, I wish someone had told me how much more flexible today’s job market is compared to a few decades ago. Yes, your degree shapes your career prospects, but if you’re hardworking and determined, you can pivot much more easily than people think. (For example, I have a former colleague at BCG who studied Greek and Latin and now works on digitalization projects!)

Secondly, I wish I hadn’t stressed so much about finishing university as quickly as possible or worrying obsessively about grades. Yes, academics matter, but in the long run, taking an extra semester or not having perfect grades won’t define your career. What truly matters is what you make of your time at university—broadening your perspective, engaging in societies, and getting to know yourself better. Studying is an incredible opportunity, and I wish I had appreciated that more.”

Inspired by Freya’s story? Join our volunteer community today and help shape the next generation’s future! Sign up here 🚀

We’d love to hear from you! 🙂