When did you do the IDA master?
2020-2022
How was the IDA Master helpful for what you are doing right now?
IDA has helped me to grow into a more independent educated professional, who dares to look critically towards all aspects of doing research. Additionally, IDA has also helped me to think about constructs such as (maladaptive) personality, human development, and aggression/motivation on a more deeper level of understanding. This really helps me in my present research, but also in guiding students with their BA and MA thesis, as part of my current job; teacher at the developmental department of Tilburg University, specializing in forensic psychology.
What was your favorite course? And why?
I enjoyed the Master Thesis course the most. This was the first opportunity for me to design, execute and write research from start to finish. You learn how to apply all the things you’ve learned in IDA and get to investigate what you are most curious about! Also, working closely with a supervisor on topics that both excite you was very valuable for me.
What was your favorite moment of the time as an IDA Student?
The graduation ceremony was probably my favorite moment of IDA. It was so nice to hear about each others MA topics, but also great to be with your classmates and think about the beautiful IDA journey that you have experienced together. Also; working together with students and think/discuss research with each other were also amongst my favorite moments during IDA. It’s really nice to hear/evaluate different perspectives on certain topics and I think this really helped me grow to become a more independent researcher.
What was your motivation to finish your studies ?
The classmates, the amazing supervisors that you get to work with and also my ambition to work in academia and pursue an academic career. Also learning new things and being able to question concepts, but also connecting constructs together and as a result see where gaps in research might still exist really excited me and helped to keep going.
Did you experience stress or pressure in your studies, and if yes how did you deal with it?
Yes, IDA was stressful at times. I dealt with it mostly by working together with classmates, helping each other and making sure we kept connected. The more we did together, the less stress I experienced. Also: stress-eating and shopping were my coping mechanisms sometimes, less helpful though..
What can you advise current or future IDA students?
Although IDA can sometimes be challenging, enjoy every moment together and everything you’re learning, because before you know it, it is over!
How was your overall experience in the master?
To summarize: a great experience, challenging at times, but by overcoming the challenges and finishing IDA it really felt like a big achievement that you can be proud of. That is something that I wish for all IDA students to feel like after finishing!
What did you do in your international traineeship and how did you like it?
For my international traineeship I worked as a Research Assistant at the university of West of England. Here we investigated cross cultural lie-detection using a cognitive based lie-detection method, the Asymmetric Information Management (AIM) technique. I really enjoyed the international traineeship as you are able to work with other researchers abroad and experience how it is to be part of a multidisciplinary research project. Furthermore it was really great that you can shape this traineeship towards your own preferences, getting more experienced in your own field of interest!
Are you still in touch with other Alumni Students?
Yes, luckily most of the classmates I was close with stayed within Tilburg University and we see each other regularly!
How did you experience the relationship with your teachers?
The relationship with the teachers was one of the best things about IDA. You get very close supervision and for me it felt like you were more like a colleague to them than a student. They motivate you to think independently and are always happy to give advice.
Did you know from the beginning what you want to do after your master? How did you find out what you would like to do?
I thought I did, I was very certain I wanted to pursue a academic career after IDA, in the form of a PhD. However, during IDA (and especially traineeship 4) I experienced that I also really like to guide and help bachelor and master students with their research. In my current function as a teacher in forensic psychology I get to do both; research and supervision! Very happy with what I do now!
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