Get to know Melania Prandi!

When did you do the IDA master?

2023-2025

How was the IDA Master helpful for what you are doing right now?

The IDA master was very helpful in preparing me for my current position as a PhD student, both in terms of content but also in terms of working attitude.

What was your favorite course? And why?

I think my favorite courses were the statistics courses, which are still applicable to everything I do during my PhD.

What was your favorite moment of the time as an IDA student?

My favorite moment as an IDA student was the graduation ceremony. We all got to see each other and some of our professors after a few months and celebrate this achievement together.

Did you experience stress or pressure in your studies, and if yes how did you deal with it?

I have experienced quite a bit of stress and pressure during my studies, as I think most students do during IDA. It is a very intense program and being an international student in a foreign country is not easy, but talking to loved ones helps.

What can you advise current or future IDA students?

I would tell them to keep up with the good work and that their efforts will be worth it.

How was your overall experience in the master?

My overall experience was very positive. During the Master I have experienced stress and pressure, but looking back at it now I realize how much I have learned and I am very grateful to have done it.

What did you do in your international traineeship and how did you like it?

I presented a poster of my Master thesis at the SAA conference in Leuven. It was my first conference experience and I have learned a lot about how conferences work.

How did you experience the relationship with your teachers?

All the teachers are very involved in the program and I learned so much from each of them.

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 have always had the thought of doing a PhD in the back of my mind, but I wasn’t sure if it was for me just yet. The Masters helped me gain confidence and obtain a PhD position.