What inspired you to pursue the IDA Master program?
After doing a research internship in the second year of my bachelor’s, I realized I would like to pursue this path. I am a curious individual and I like the pressure of the academic world.
What motivates you to pursue this field of study, and what personal significance or purpose do you find in it?
I aim to pursue a Ph.D. and, therefore, a research master represents a great advantage! IDA has challenged me in many ways and I feel like I am growing a lot as an individual, not only as a researcher.
Which field do you see yourself pursuing after completing the program?
I would like to stay in the academia and go for a Ph.D. Teaching is also something that interest me, I would love to work for Tilburg University 🙂
Looking at the program schedule, which courses are you most excited about and why?
I liked Biological correlated of Individual Differences and Dynamics of Individual Differences. I am fond of learning about biology and developmental psychology in general. Change and individual differences are really my main interests. I am currently looking forward to the traineeships!
Do you ever feel stressed or under pressure in your studies? How do you manage those challenges? Any tips to share?
I often feel like I am under pressure. The hard truth about handling stress is that you really have to take a break. Even when you believe you don’t have time. Take at least one hour and go out, eat or sleep or all of them. Food and rest really make a difference when you are dealing with lots of stress.
What motivates you to keep going when things get tough?
I love the program and I am motivated by my dreams. I know that my friends and family got my back when I need to vent or when I feel discouraged. Sometimes you just have to go through tough times and that is okay, it’s important to remember they are not forever!
How do you see the skills and knowledge from the IDA Master being applied in the real world?
I don’t have yet a very specific answer to this. I think I need more time to find my niche. I think research is the backstage of a show. No one sees the hard work behind certain therapies or treatments. The real world sees only the outcomes.
What do you enjoy most about collaborating with your peers, supervisors, or being part of the IDA community?
I am learning so much from my peers – from academic skills to life skills. Our cohort feels like a second family. We are similar in many ways and therefore we understand each other and hang out often together:) Working with supervisors is something that begins now, in the second semester so I don’t have an opinion yet. What I can tell so far is that most of our teachers are very enthusiastic and open-minded and I am looking forward to learning from them.
How would you describe your relationship with the faculty in the IDA program? How does this influence your learning experience?
I think my relationship with the faculty improved a lot compared to the Bachelor’s. I used to feel disconnected and like no one cared. Currently, I am experiencing the opposite. There are so many opportunities to ask for help or to grow.
How would you describe an “IDA student”? What common qualities do they share, and who do you think is best suited for this program?
Based on our cohort, I wouldn’t say an IDA student is hard-working, ambitious, creative, passionate, often overachieving, often unaware of their own limits and with a dark sense of humor
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?
My personal motivational quotes are “Do it scared” and “Fake it till you make it”. The hard truth is that you will not be fully prepared for anything in your life. Sometimes you have to go with the flow and trust your gut instinct. If I could go back in time, I would still choose IDA!
Be First to Comment