Meet Divya Das!

Why did you decide to do the IDA Master?

I decided to join the IDA Master because I was interested in pursuing research in the field of psychology and I saw that this master really prepares you for a career in research as well as introduces you to many different methodologies and skills necessary for the later career.

Looking at the program schedule, which course excites you the most and why?

The traineeships! I am looking forward to be able to work side-by-side with researchers in their fields and gain practical knowledge about interesting methodologies and data collection techniques.

Do you experience stress/pressure in your studies? How do you deal with it?

Yes I do. I try to remain active and have hobbies outside of the programme that I do regularly. I also listen to my body when it says enough is enough, and try to take breaks accordingly.

How can your knowledge from the IDA Master be useful for the real world?

The knowledge from this Master will definitely be useful for a career in research, as we are taught many different, useful methodologies and techniques. However, the knowledge gained can also often be used in practical, everyday settings as individual differences are the foundation of human complexity, and understanding some of the differences at least a little is always an advantage.

Why do you think it is important to study what you study?

I think it is important to learn about individual differences as by understanding how they are caused and what effects they have, we can vastly improve the lives of people. For example, I am particulary interested in clinical interventions, so knowing why some people react to therapy better than others can help in developing more effective intervention and thereby save a lot of time, effort and hurt for people who otherwise spend years going from therapist to therapist and medication to medication in the hopes of relieving their symptoms.

What is the most fascinating thing you have learned?

I really enjoyed learning about the different physiological techniques in our Biological Correlates course, and I enjoyed our many discussions on whether intelligence as an overarching, single costruct exists in our Theoretical Models course.

What motivates you to keep studying?

This is cheesy, but my love of learning is what keeps me motivated. I genuinely enjoy learning and understanding the world better, which is what the courses of this Master’s helps me do – and also what is pushing me towards a career in research.

How are you experiencing the relationship with your teachers?

The teachers are all very friendly and kind, we are on much more of an eye level with them than when we were in our Bachelor. They are all very understanding and as a small class, we can have much more personal interactions with them.