Get to know Carmen Nimtz!

When did you do the IDA master?

2020-2022

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

I just started a PhD position, so everything from designing studies to writing and presenting papers will help me to successfully finish this project.

What was your favorite course? And why?

Somewhere between “biological correlates” and the elective I took on meta-analysis, as they taught me a lot about what I was interested in and how to do good science.

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

In the first year probably the rare occasions where we were able to meet on campus (due to ongoing Covid restrictions). In the second year it was definitely the international traineeship and the day I handed in my thesis.

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

Yes, the combination of doing the master while being an international student during Covid times and only being able to connect with fellow IDA students online for quite some time really decreased the joy, motivation and quality of life that I experienced while doing my bachelor here at TiU. What helped me most was to really seek out social support, to vent and talk to people who had similar experiences.

What can you advise current or future IDA students?

To get out of your comfort zone, no matter what that looks like for you, and to not take the ability to have lectures and to study together on campus for granted.

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

I went to the European Congress of Psychology in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with two fellow students and we had a great time going to lectures and workshops and exploring the city.

How did you experience the relationship with your teachers?

I did not perceive many barriers when it came to communication. Everyone involved in the program was friendly and welcoming.

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 was not 100% sure whether I wanted to do a PhD, but the master gave me the confidence I needed to pursue an academic career.