When did you do the IDA master?
2022-2024
How was the IDA Master helpful for what you are doing right now?
When starting my PhD, I really realized how much I have learned during the IDA Master. The IDA Master provided us with the right hard skills (e.g., how to write a research proposal, how to analyse complex data, how to review and write an article). Further, we learned many soft skills (how to work collaboratively together, how to deal with feedback, how to communicate problems within your research team etc.).
What was your favorite course? And why?
I really liked the traineeships as they gave a very realistic insight of what research looks like in practice. Further, I could deepen my interests there.
What was your favorite moment of the time as an IDA student?
My international traineeship was one of my highlights (see below for more information :)) and I enjoyed the graduation very much where you could see that all the hard work payed off, and everybody was happy with what they have achieved!
What was your motivation to finish your studies?
I started this Master to find my specific interest in Psychology. In the meantime I realized that I was really interested in everything related to Educational Psychology. Being able to further dive into this topic through the traineeships, the master thesis and some courses I was very motivated to continue my studies.
Did you experience stress or pressure in your studies, and if yes how did you deal with it?
I did experience some stress. The best for me was to share these with other IDA students, and make the best from stressful periods, like playing tennis after a learning session, or cooking together afterwards. Further, living in a house with 10 girls helped me a lot. They always supported me in more stressful times, cooked for me, and cheered me up.
What can you advise current or future IDA students?
Make the most of all the possibilities the IDA Master is providing. There are essential learning opportunities for later.
How was your overall experience in the master?
Very good!
What did you do in your international traineeship and how did you like it?
We were allowed to choose an Elective Master outside of Tilburg University. Therefore, I went to Amsterdam to follow the Research Master Course on Philosophy of Education which I really enjoyed. Within that course I have written a paper on sex education. I applied with the paper for a Conference on Philosophy of Education in Oxford. I got accepted and I presented a poster there. The four days in this castle with all those interesting people, philosophizing all day long about different aspects of education, made me appreciate research very much.
Are you still in touch with other alumni students?
Yes, I am with some of them. Always great to catch up and see how the life of PhD students at other universities is.
How did you experience the relationship with your teachers?
I think this can best be described with the word colleagues. We learned a lot from our teachers, who created a genuinely collegial atmosphere. This led to a sense of teamwork and made the learning process feel more natural and implicit.
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 did not know from the beginning what I wanted to do after the master. I was mainly interested in Psychology. However, the master showed me that I really liked the diverse work of a researcher. Therefore, within the second year I thought that a PhD might be a good idea which it was.
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