When did you do the IDA master?
2020-2022
How was the IDA Master helpful for what you are doing right now?
I work as a research assistant and IDA was the best possible preparation for this career. I use the knowledge of statistics, research design, scientific writing, and data analysis from IDA every day.
What was your favorite course? And why?
I have several favorite courses. Among them are courses that we had in the first block: biological correlates of individual differences, multivariate analysis, and theoretical models. All three were challenging but also very interesting for me. I also learned a lot from a psychometric course. Designing and writing the Master Thesis with the final presentation of the results, in the end, is a unique experience in itself.
What was your favorite moment of the time as an IDA Student?
The graduation ceremony is the pinnacle of the IDA experience. It is a very fulfilling moment when you can look back and be proud of the results you have made in two years.
What was your motivation to finish your studies ?
I got a job offer while I was in the second year of the program, so I had to have a diploma by the end of the academic year. At the same time, it was just interesting for me as the learning process in IDA is similar to doing research.
Did you experience stress or pressure in your studies, and if yes how did you deal with it?
IDA is successful in making young scholars. The reason behind this is that IDA is a challenging and demanding program. Fortunately, there were plenty of options how to cope with the pressure. One of the resources was our cohort. If I needed support, I always could discuss it with my friends from IDA. Another resource was the beautiful nature of the Netherlands and my bike. Visiting picturesque places, such as tulips fields or The Loonse and Drunense Duinen park, during my study was always a revitalizing experience!
What can you advise current or future IDA students?
Try to get as much as possible from these two years of the program. IDA has a great tradition and a group of teachers who are interested in students and have the knowledge to share! Enjoy the moment as two years flies almost as one day!
How was your overall experience in the master?
It was a great two years of the combination of interesting lectures, challenging assignments, inspiring talks with colleagues and teachers, intrinsic searches, and well-deserved results!
What did you do in your international traineeship and how did you like it?
My international traineeship was in Bologna, Italy. With IDA I was able to visit the most advanced conference in social genomics. The conference included a short course about epigenetics and two days of the most recent findings in social genomics. No need to say that it was a great time for networking, making friends, and great Italian food!
Are you still in touch with other Alumni Students?
I work now in Germany but I enjoy visiting the Netherlands sometimes. Meeting with my friends from IDA time and celebrating holidays together is one of the reasons to do this.
How did you experience the relationship with your teachers?
Teachers are an integral part of the experience in IDA. They not just shared a lot of knowledge with us they were our mentors in developing us as young scholars.
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 decide what I want to do in the future after one of the courses during the IDA program. The lecture about behavioral genetics was so captivating for me, so I decided to focus on this topic. I made a couple of traineeships in this topic and elective courses. Now I work with twins – a great resource for the behavioral genetics information. It is the case when people say: the dream comes true.
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