What do you like about this Master's specialisation and why? How has the programme challenged you?
I chose this programme, because I wanted to be able to apply my knowledge of Psychology to organisations and businesses. My expectations about this Master's specialisation enabling me to do this have already come true. I am learning how to gather information from and about people within organisations, and to form a valuable and professional judgement based on this information, built on empiric evidence. Becoming a scientist-practitioner has never been this real for me. Being objective but also bringing new insights, combined with constructive confrontations is challenging. You learn to draw up meaningful advice in multiple ways.
What do you think about the atmosphere in class?
In my opinion, the difference in atmosphere is quite big between the Master's and the Bachelor's. Lectures and workgroups during the Master's are much more small-scale and personal compared to the Bachelor's. You get to know the professionals that teach you and they get to know you, as a future professional. It feels valuable to enlarge your network in this way. I feel even more empowered to learn and grow as a scientist-practitioner because of this while getting ready for the work field.
Also, you get to know almost every fellow student quite well, without even making a big effort. The programme is arranged in a way that it enhances teamwork and interesting discussions. Next to this, a lot of time is reserved to get to know each other in informal atmospheres on campus, as well as off-campus.
What do you find most challenging in your Master’s? Have you encountered any obstacles?
During this Master I learned not to be reluctant when you face an assignment, that could be seen as challenging and rather different from what you are used to. The specialisation in that sense, does not give you a lot of time to get used to the way of working as it starts with such an assignment. The programme clearly requests independence, good thinking and a bit of guts from you. Personally, this helped me to grow really fast as a professional. I always keep in mind that there can be no shine without friction, after all.
Are you currently doing an internship? Or what is your thesis about?
At this moment I am doing an internship at a healthcare organisation, where I am investigating the factors that hinder and/or encourage healthcare workers to be able to participate in an organisational change. The organisation treats me like a professional who is capable of and responsible for doing meaningful research and getting work done. I can honestly say that the things I learned during the Master’s programme really helped me to do this internship. Things I put into practice are among others conversational skills, empirical background, professional judgement and thorough implementation of an intervention.
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?
In my opinion, the field of organisational psychology is growing. Organisations are entering a new phase in which, besides technical development and innovations, development in culture and mentality play an increasingly important role. There is a growing need and relevance for professionals with knowledge and practical skills in this field of psychology. After graduating, I would love to be an excellent consultant, who is able to make the difference for employees, leaders and organisations. With a great amount of knowledge on healthy organisations and organisational development I would love to run a company in a progressive and thorough way.