When did you do the IDA master?
2019 – 2021
How was the IDA Master helpful for what you are doing right now?
I am currently applying for PhD positions while interning at ASML where I am setting up a framework to measure team interventions. IDA has definitely given met the skills and the experience for both. I’ve gained valuable knowledge on research methods, analyses and ethics. Additionally, IDA gave me the opportunity to better my interpersonal skills.
What was your favorite course? And why?
Biological and Physiological Correlates of Individual Differences. I always found biological psychology fascinating. The course provided me with great insights regarding the various methods and topics in this field.
What was your favorite moment of the time as an IDA Student?
Hard to pick one. Going to the GO-LAB to see and experience the magic of behavioral physiological research in person is definitely one. However, the graduation and seeing everyone’s hardwork and inspiring projects was definitely memorable as well.
What was your motivation to finish your studies ?
Not a motivation to finish the studies in itself. Every course, traineeship and paper was an interesting (albeit sometimes stressful) challenge. As such, finishing the master was not a goal itself.
Did you experience stress or pressure in your studies, and if yes how did you deal with it?
I definitely experienced stress. Venting about it with your fellow classmates was a common way to deal with (small) stress, as we all were experiencing the pressure. Additionally, we could always contact our teachers/coordinators if we felt things were getting too much.
What can you advise current or future IDA students?
Have fun! Share your current experiences/feelings with your fellow students. You are not alone, you will all make mistakes (that’s a good thing, really). Keep exploring your topics of interests.
How was your overall experience in the master?
My time in the master was great! I got to know interesting topics, passionate teachers and ambitious (fellow) students. It gave me the opportunity to develop an extensive set of skills in areas that I was greatly interested in and it helped me establish in what direction I want to go later.
What did you do in your international traineeship and how did you like it?
I attended The Interdisciplinary Summer School on Cognitive Neuroscience at Aarhus University, Denmark. It was sadly online due to Covid-19. The summer school provided interactive classes with guest lecturers on a variety of topics, such as perception, consciousness and computational neuroscience. The guest lecturers presented their research on the topic and gave the students enough time for questions and discussions. I found the classes to be very engaging and it was really interesting to see the variety of research topics and methods.
Are you still in touch with other Alumni Students?
Yes, I occasionally talk with others from my cohort.
How did you experience the relationship with your teachers?
The teachers were passionate, knowledgeable and inspiring. The interaction between students and teachers is among IDA’s greatest strengths. They were supportive and willing to help us, whether it was with finding a topic for a paper, a traineeship or just discussing ideas.
Did you know from the beginning what you wanted to do after your master? How did you find out what you would like to do?
I never had (or have) anything set in stone. I was (still am) interested in a doing a PhD, yet I am also very open to other careers.
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