Meet Lulu Fasold

Lulu is 23 years old and from Germany

She did her B.S. in Psychology

Her main interests are: clinical, personality, and sports psychology

What inspired you to pursue the IDA Master program?

While working on my bachelor’s thesis, I realized that I enjoyed it much more than I had expected. I have always been interested in how people differ from one another, so when I came across IDA, it immediately felt like a good fit with my interests. That combination is what motivated me to apply.

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

What motivates me is the opportunity to go beyond existing knowledge. Research is about asking questions and exploring new ideas, and I really like the idea of contributing something new rather than only learning what is already known.

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

I am still quite flexible and open regarding my plans after completing the program. I like that IDA opens doors to a wide range of fields, which allows me to explore different paths before really committing to one direction.

Looking at the program schedule, which courses are you most excited about and why?

Definitely the four traineeships since we are able to apply what we learned in theoretical classes and dive deeper into our own interests.

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

There are times when it is more or less stressful. What helps me is taking things day by day. When deadlines feel overwhelming, I break tasks into smaller steps. For me, staying organized and managing my time well is the most important thing.

What motivates you to keep going when things get tough?

I remind myself that tough times do not last forever, and that things will get better again.

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

The word “community” really describes IDA. I love how personal and connected it feels. With only about 15 students, we get to know each other well, and our interactions with professors are really close and supportive.

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

It is very positive. The faculty creates a very respectful and open environment, which makes learning enjoyable.

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

Curious, critical, and ambitious

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?

One thing to know before starting is that the journey will not always be smooth. There will be ups and downs, and that is completely normal. It is also okay if you realize that IDA might not be the perfect fit for you. The most important thing is that the program gives you space and time to figure out what you really want:)