Testimonials
Curious about what it's like to study the Master's in Software Science? Read about the experiences of students, teachers and alumni below. What's the atmosphere like, what drives teachers and where will you end up?
Testimonials of teachers and researchers
The consumption of our ICT sector increases by 30-40% each year. I want to do something about that.
- Nationality
- Dutch
- Programme
- Software Science
Bernard van Gastel is Assistant Professor of Sustainable digitalisation at Radboud University in Nijmegen.
Can you introduce yourself?
I am Bernard van Gastel, and I studied Informatica, the predecessor of the current Computing Science. I teach two sustainability courses, two technical courses on operating systems and the New Devices Lab course. In the latter course, you design a device that you will actually build yourself.
Why did you choose to study/work in this field? What makes this field so interesting?
I love my field because you can clearly see its societal impact. There are current problems, and together with societal stakeholders, we look for solutions. For example, I have advised on how Rijkswaterstaat should handle its data, or how Logius (the government's ICT environment) can sustainably procure their services.
What are you currently doing your own research on?
Sustainable ICT is my field. I look at the energy consumption of software, how we can measure it, predict it, and reduce it. This is because the consumption (and therefore our emissions) of our ICT sector increases by 30-40% each year. I want to do something about that.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
Experience the programme: talk to students and try to join for a day.
What is the best part of working with students?
The creative ideas that students have. These keep my perspective fresh and help me continue to question whether things could be done differently.
testimonials of alumni
Choose primarily based on what you find interesting and not on what you think you need for a particular job.
- Previous education
- Computing Science (Radboud Universiteit)
- Programme
- Software Science
- Study end date
Cas Visser was a Master's student in Software Science at Radboud University.
Where do you work now and what does your job entail?
I work as a software developer at AMIS Conclusion in Nieuwegein. Here, I work in a team on an application that helps prevent insurance fraud.
Why did you choose to work in this field?
I knew I wanted to do something with software, but not yet exactly in what way or in what sector. AMIS is a software company that works with several other companies. This allows me to get a better idea of what is possible.
What did you learn during your studies that you now use in your work?
Too many to mention! I found the Master's a lot more challenging than the Bachelor's. It taught me much better how to work well. I now know how to motivate myself and how to make sure I finish something by a certain time without having to go on nights. I have also become better at figuring things out on my own and taking initiative. I don't really use the specialist knowledge of software, although my broad background knowledge of computers helps me to quickly understand the specific frameworks used at work.
How did you experience this programme at Radboud University? In your opinion, what made this programme special?
The lecturers are committed, approachable, and expert in their field. This allows you to gain very specialised knowledge.
What advice do you have for students choosing a Master's programme?
Choose primarily based on what you find interesting and not on what you think you need for a particular job. Almost none of my colleagues have studied computer science, but have come in from another field or have not studied at all.
Every job uses certain techniques and practices and requires a certain amount of domain knowledge, all of which are not in your studies. So when you start working, you spend at least 6 to 18 months mainly learning new things. That doesn't get less by doing a Master's. When I was looking for a job, I came across only a few vacancies where a Master's is a requirement.
Lastly, I would recommend thinking as early as possible about where you would like to work and then try to drop by there. Almost all companies like to tell about themselves and will respond positively if you ask to come and meet them. It is perfectly normal not to apply immediately, but to get to know them a little first. This way, you can get a better idea of whether you do indeed want to work at the company, and if you do end up applying, it helps if you already know a few names and faces.