Testimonials
There are many different pathways other than working as a researcher and you might only have to find your own niche.
- Previous education
- Psychology (Radboud University)
- Programme
- Behavioural Science (research)
- Country of previous education
- Nederland
- Study end date
What knowledge and skills did you learn during your Research Master’s that are really useful to you now?
I improved my organisational skills and learned coping mechanisms that work for me. Since I did a Research Master's, there was a high workload but it was all doable with the right scheduling and coping strategies. I also learned more about myself and what I want to do in life. I noticed my strengths and weaknesses and can now focus on what I am good at.
What did you find most challenging in your Research Master’s? Did you encounter any obstacles?
The biggest obstacle for me was realising that I don't want to pursue a career in scientific research and that I'm actually not even really good at it (even though I did a Research Master's). I had a really hard time realising that, but then I also understood that I still learned a lot during my studies and that I can still use all of that knowledge and skills even though I might change careers. Another aspect that was challenging was time planning and scheduling. I improved on that and found ways that worked for me. And lastly, statistics, of course, was a big challenge for me. But it was all doable with the right preparation. I had a lot of respect for that course and that helped me to take it seriously.
Could you say a little about the job you do now?
I will start working in online marketing. It is a company that works for clients (brands/companies) that want to sell their products on Amazon. We observe selling numbers and try to improve them. I will only start in a month, so I don't know exactly how it all works yet, but I am really looking forward to starting! I changed careers because I noticed that research is not my field of interest and I want to do something more practical where you can directly see results and changes.
What do you like about your profession and what makes working in your field so interesting?
I (will) like it because it is about identifying a problem and trying to solve that through different strategies. And then I can directly see if it has worked or not. In research, it is more about finding something out and doing more research on that. I like that I will be creative and practical, and not just theoretical.
Do you have any tips/suggestions for prospective students?
Don't be scared if you realise that you actually don't love the thing you are studying right now! It can be very scary and I had several crises about that thinking I made a mistake or should have done something differently. Just focus on what you learned for yourself and don't be insecure about it. You don't have to LOVE research and do it for the rest of your life after having done a Research Master's. There are many different pathways other than working as a researcher and you might only have to find your own niche.
The programme offered inspiring elective courses, enabling me to delve into areas of personal interest and gain in-depth knowledge.
- Previous education
- Bachelor Psychology (Radboud University)
- Programme
- Behavioural Science (research)
- Study end date
Where do you work now and what does your job entail?
I currently work as a PhD candidate and lecturer at the Behavioural Science Institute of Radboud University. During my PhD project, I conduct my doctoral research over a five-year period, culminating in a dissertation. My research is mostly fundamental, focusing on the process of emotional synchronization. However, my research findings could eventually contribute to relationship therapies, to help partners learn more about each other. Or to help parents understand how to better connect and maintain contact with their children. In addition to my research, I am involved in teaching research methods and statistics in the Bachelor's Psychology programme.
Why did you choose to work in this field?
Throughout my Bachelor's studies, I mostly enjoyed the methods and statistics courses. Moreover, the hands-on experience gained during the research project courses—where I learned how to design and conduct an empirical study—further motivated me to pursue an academic career. As a senior student, I began working as a teaching assistant for these research courses, which sparked my passion for education. I also like the open atmosphere at the university. Doing research, sharing knowledge and interacting with students: all these things make my work enormously valuable.
What did you learn during your studies that you now use in your work?
Throughout the Master's programme, I underwent training to develop into a skilled scientific researcher. The curriculum placed a strong emphasis on statistics and rigorous research practices, laying a solid foundation for conducting meaningful scientific research. Additionally, the programme cultivated various academic skills, such as presenting yourself and your research effectively to an audience and collaborating with peers on research projects. Moreover, the Master’s programme offered inspiring elective courses, enabling me to delve into areas of personal interest and gain in-depth knowledge. Taken together, the skills and knowledge acquired during my Master's studies have proven invaluable in my current role as a PhD candidate.
How did you experience this programme at Radboud University? In your opinion, what made this programme special?
The programme provided an intimate setting, with classes led by researchers from the field. This created a vibrant academic atmosphere that greatly enriched the learning experience. The professors treated students as fellow colleagues, embracing new and innovative research ideas. Their enthusiasm for collaborating with students on both minor and major research projects made me feel valued and recognised as a student.
What would you recommend to future students when they choose a study?
When choosing a study path, prioritise what genuinely excites and interests you. Follow your passions and pursue what brings you joy. Stay open-minded to new experiences and possibilities, as your initial expectations may differ from reality and unexpected opportunities may come your way. Don't limit yourself to just one option; allow yourself the opportunity to explore and discover where your true passions lie.
Within a few weeks, you'll know all your classmates by name, and often, the lecturers will know you just as well.
- Previous education
- Psychology (Erasmus+ at Radboud University), Liberal Arts and Humanities
- Programme
- Behavioural Science (research)
- Country of previous education
- the Netherlands and Czech Republic
- Study start date
- Study end date
What do you like about the Research Master's and why? How has the programme challenged you?
What I appreciate most about the Behavioural Science programme is its inclusive approach to teaching statistics, which is the core part of the programme. Despite my background in liberal arts and humanities, and having only a basic understanding of statistics, this programme has effectively built my statistical knowledge from the ‘ground-up’. Not only by learning the R language, but I am also equipped with a strong foundation for data analysis which prepares me for a (research) career in- as well as outside of academia. Also, you have considerable freedom in choosing your academic path right from the start. Don't worry if you are unsure at this point since you will have ample time to figure it out. I understand that having this level of autonomy can be challenging for some who are not used to it from their previous education. Personally, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to choose the majority of my courses during my Bachelor's, so this system works well for me!
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
The lectures are smaller, more personal and interactive than typical of a Bachelor's or other Master's programmes. Within a few weeks, you'll know all your classmates by name, and often, the lecturers will know you just as well. I greatly appreciate this personal approach to education. Moreover, you work on minor research projects in groups of two or three students - so you gain real team science experience right from the beginning!
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s? Have you encountered any obstacles?
I believe that I developed a fear of statistics during my Bachelor's degree, which has been more of a mental challenge than a practical one. Although acquiring statistical knowledge can be time-consuming, it is an essential tool and core requirement for any scientist.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
Currently, I'm part of the Experimental Psychology and Treatment (CogPT) lab and have been finalising a minor research project on approach-avoidance behaviours of people who are diagnosed with depression, as well as social anxiety and loneliness, using the Approach-Avoidance Task.
Why do you think it is important that there are people with this degree? What are your plans once you have received your Master's degree?
I believe that it is important for people to have this degree because in today's world, the impact of human behaviour, or trace data, is everywhere. The ability to systematically and critically analyse, comprehend, and interpret this data is a highly sought-after skill. Therefore, having a degree in this field certainly opens doors to a wide variety of job opportunities. My personal goal is to pursue a PhD and remain in academia. However, I believe that this degree would also allow me to explore data-related job positions, not only in the Netherlands but also internationally.
What I love most about being a teacher is that you can affect students. You get to take them along with you in your enthusiasm for your work and about the target group you work with.
- Programme
- Behavioural Science (research)
Can you introduce yourself?
I trained as a Orthopedagogue at Utrecht University and discovered my interest in disability care during an internship. Working with children with sensory and motor disabilities (in addition to their intellectual) I found particularly fascinating. I then completed my military service and left for Groningen: there I obtained my PhD at the department of developmental psychology, working on children born prematurely. Yet something in me itched to go back to disability care and I am glad I did. As a professor, I not only teach but also direct a research group. In the Research Master's Behavioural Science, I teach a theme course, Clinical Research. I also supervise theses and am an active lecturer in Pedagogical Sciences.
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
When I was about to make a study choice, I had huge doubts between Movement Sciences and Pedagogical Sciences. I talked to all kinds of people in the field, but I still couldn't decide. Then I realised that especially the ‘pedagogical side’ as a movement scientist inspired me: how do you get a group healthy? How do you get them to move? Fortunately, there was an opportunity to study movement science as a minor alongside my studies, so I could satisfy both interests.
What are you currently doing your own research on?
In my position, I am currently mainly involved in indirect research. The PhD students carry out the actual research, they go into the field. However, I do help draw up studies, and in my chair this is about support and communication with multiply disabled children. How can we communicate with these children? We work with people in clinical practice to develop and test diagnostic tools and interventions. This way, we know that our communication with the group of children actually succeeds.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
My advice for students looking to make their study choice is simple: get experience in the field! Whether paid or unpaid, any experience in healthcare or research is valuable. It helps you discover whether this field suits you and whether it energises you. Gaining experience not only helps you to better understand what the profession entails, but also to get to know yourself better.
What does your work in practice bring to your academic work, and vice versa?
As a teacher, I certainly benefit from gaining practical experience. As a pedagogue, I come into contact with a huge number of parents, children and colleagues. In my role as a diagnostics teacher and placement supervisor, my experience helped me empathise with students and support them in more practical skills. How do you deal with (difficult) colleagues and clients? I can give students my experiences of working with a human touch. Still, besides my work in practice, I wanted to go to university, that way I could satisfy my broad interest in education.
What is the best part of being a lecturer?
To be honest, I was quite excited about teaching at the beginning of my career. As I became educated, read books myself and was able to pull colleagues up by the sleeve for coaching sessions, my confidence grew. I therefore find the learning process I go through myself a fun side of teaching.
On the other hand, what I love most about being a teacher is that you can affect students. You get to take them along with you in your enthusiasm for your work and about the target group you work with. When researchers or professionals from the field tell their stories, you see the click grow between the students and them. Students recognise and name all the knowledge they have gained. I find that process very special, because I can learn from this too!