| 1980-1987 | Munich University (Ludwig Maximilians Universität) and Paris, Sorbonne; English and Romance languages, literature, history and politics |
| 1988-1990 | Diplomatic Academy, international and European law, economics, international relations |
| 1990-1991 | Assistant Private Secretary to the Minister for European Affairs |
| 1991-1994 | Press and Public Affairs officer, German Embassy, Washington |
| 1994-1998 | Political Adviser to Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel |
| 1998-2000 | Political Adviser to Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer |
| 2000-2003 | Deputy Head of the Political Staff of the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin and Deputy Head of the Minister's Office |
| 2003-2005 | Head of the Political Staff of the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin and Head of the Minister's Office |
