Many alumni continue to stay connected with us in one way or another even after completing their studies, sharing their knowledge from professional practice with the students. This includes Dr Jörg Krämer, who has led a seminar on current issues in macroeconomics and monetary policy for many years. Dr Jörg Krämer began his studies in economics at the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn and transferred to Münster during his studies, graduating with a degree in economics in 1992. He then worked as an economic forecaster at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, where he completed his doctorate. After working for the investment bank Merrill Lynch and the investment company Invesco, Jörg Krämer became Chief Economist at Bayerische Hypo- und Vereinsbank AG in 2005. Jörg Krämer has been Chief Economist and Head of Research at Commerzbank AG since 2006. In 2022, Mr Krämer was awarded the title of Honorary Professor for his outstanding commitment to the School of Business & Economics. In this interview, Dr Jörg Krämer reflects on his studies of economics in Münster:

What prompted you to study in Münster?

I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Bonn, which provided an excellent education. However, I wanted to gain new insights during my main studies and therefore decided to continue studying at a different university. I chose Münster because the economics programme there has a very good reputation. And indeed, the education was excellent. I have fond memories of many professors.

What appeals to you most about your current position?

It is the combination of economic analysis and communication that makes working as a bank economist so interesting. On the one hand, I deal with exciting economic issues together with my economists - such as whether inflation will subside again or whether we will go through a long period of high inflation like in the 1970s. On the other hand, I talk to our clients about our economic assessments. I do this at events for corporate or private clients, but also in one-to-one meetings with CFOs or portfolio managers. I get a lot of feedback and a very good understanding of what really drives the economy. This enriches the analyses of my economics department.

What was your favourite experience at the School of Business & Economics?

It started with a less pleasant experience: I actually wanted to specialise in banking management. But, unlike most of my fellow students, I hadn't studied banking and was barely able to follow the lecture due to my lack of practical background. Thus, I concentrated on my strengths, fully embraced economics and made econometrics and statistics my main subject. The solid empirical training at the School of Business & Economics was the door opener to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy and for my future career. I am still grateful for that today.

Since 2017, you have been a lecturer at the University of Münster and since 2022 an honorary professor at the Institute for International Economics. What motivated you to return to the University of Münster?

During the sovereign debt crisis, I sought contact with the academic world again. Professor von Suntum then asked me if I would like to give a seminar for students. I was unsure at first, but in the end I gave it a go and was delighted. I enjoy working with the students. I can introduce them to current economic topics that I am working on myself. I also teach them how to work in economics in practice. Giving back this knowledge and experience is very satisfying. I am grateful to Professor Bernd Kempa for providing a framework for these seminars with his institute.

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