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Get to know Michele Schmitter!

When did you do the IDA master?

 

2017-2019
 
How was the IDA Master helpful for what you are doing right now?
 
I was well prepared for my PhD project in which I investigate the effectiveness of exercise treatment as add-on intervention for depression standard care. Through IDA, I had a good background in statistics and I was aware of the role of individual differences for instance in therapy. I am now able to consider these differences and can help to offer a more individualized exercise program to patients.
 
What was your favorite course? And why?
 

I most liked the traineeships because then you were able to spend time on what you want to learn such as new statistics or to explore new research topics. The traineeships were really helpful for me to figure out what I want to do in a PhD.

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

My favorite moment was totally my international traineeship. I went to the World Congress of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies (WCBCT) in Berlin. It was amazing to meet different researchers from all over the world who were interested in the same topics as you.

What was your motivation to finish your studies ?

I wanted to improve current treatment options for depression and for that you need research.

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

I combined the IDA master with a clinical master in psychology. This was stressful from times to times because I had more exams, to write another thesis and a full-time clinical internship to do. What was very helpful to me, was the support I received from my IDA supervisors. They not only encouraged me to pursuit the combination but also helped me practically to integrate the two masters as good as possible.

How was your overall experience in the master?

In the beginning, I thought it was a bit overwhelming that we had so much freedom to choose what we want to learn. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to learn; I just knew I wanted to conduct clinical research. Then I talked to many teachers and saw what they had to offer. That was very nice and in the end the freedom of choosing your own path is what IDA made special to me; a master program which accounts for individual differences 😉 So overall it was a good experience and for me the right decision to do the master.

Are you still in touch with other Alumni Students?

Yes, I am! Robin, Anouk and I keep in touch and Anouk and I are even following a summer school in 2021 together.
 

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