Meet Giulia Gasbarro!

Giulia is 26 and from Italy.BSc Psychology, Tilburg University

Major: Developmental Psychology
Minor: Forensic Psychology

Her main interests are:

Sense of purpose, Identity, Morality, Positive Psychology

You can contact her on LinkedIn

What inspired you to pursue the IDA Master program?

I really wanted to challenge myself and develop as an academic. I thought that IDA’s hands‑on practice and small‑classroom learning would be the best way to do so.

What motivates you to pursue this field of study, and what personal significance or purpose do you find in it?

I believe academia plays a vital role in today’s societal progress and future, and I’m genuinely eager to contribute to it.

Which field do you see yourself pursuing after completing the program? 

I’m heavily leaning towards academic research, however I’m open to possibly use my research training as a social policy researcher or advisor.

Looking at the program schedule, which course(s) are you most excited about and why?

I’m really excited to continue working on interesting projects during the internal traineeships. I truly appreciate the opportunity to receive personal feedback, brainstorm with expert researchers, and explore topics I’m passionate about.

Do you ever feel stressed or under pressure in your studies? How do you manage those challenges? Would you like to share some tips?

All the time, it’s difficult to not get stressed as a research master student! What really helps is to share my worries with my classmates, studying with others, and trying (even if not always successfully) to find a good study‑life balance by making time to rest properly.

What motivates you to keep going when things get tough?

The awareness that everything happening in this master, both the good and the bad, is a valuable learning experience.

How do you see the skills and knowledge from the IDA Master being applied in the real world?

The skills gained from this program are versatile and widely applicable. From soft skills like presenting and teamwork, to personal growth in critical thinking and self-management, and even specialized skills like R programming and scientific writing, the possibilities are endless.

What do you enjoy most about collaborating with your peers, supervisors, or being part of the IDA community?

I love how passionate and excited everybody is about research and their passion topics. This energy is definitely infectious and stimulating: Every interaction with fellow students and professors is not only a learning experience but also a source of inspiration.

How would you describe your relationship with the faculty in the IDA program? How does this influence your overall learning experience?

Really good! All professors are down-to heart and willing to help. Their desire to connect with students and passion for their research create a positive learning environment, where it’s really easy to ask for help and confront one another.

How would you describe an “IDA Student”? What common qualities do they share, and who do you think is best suited for this program?

Hard-working individuals. Anybody who is interested in psychology and is willing to spend endless hours in the library.

Is there anything you wish you had known before starting that would have made your journey smoother, and what advice (or tip) would you give to someone just beginning the program?

I wish I had known the full extent of the stress this intense program would bring. Of course, that’s what makes it incredibly formative and stimulating. However, it can seriously damage someone’s mental health if they already have external stressors and lack proper coping mechanisms. I would truly recommend prospective students to not be afraid to ask for help, both from fellow students and the IDA faculty. All teachers want to see students succeed, so they’ll work with you, not against you. And, in general, never feel afraid to take a step back when things get too intense.