Your future

Now:

Completed a pre-master programme and currently following the Clinical Psychology master programme at Leiden University

Studying at UCM made me more aware of my surroundings, both environmentally and socially. Spending so much time at a small faculty like UCM made it easier to look out for one another, and I admire that the focus on mental health and the environment was such a big part of the culture. I still try to be aware of how people around me are doing, and I think the blue letters on the wall in the UCM courtyard definitely play a role in that.

Then:

Taking a gap year and planning to do a master's in Forensic or Clinical Psychology

For me, the most valuable thing I learned is to listen better, convey other people's words into a message, form my own opinion about this message and subsequently answer thoroughly and reflectively.

Now:

Obtained master’s degree in Sociology (Gender and Sexuality Studies) at Ecole de Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales in Paris, France. Currently a Junior Teaching Fellow at University College Maastricht

UCM introduced me to research, it gave me the curiosity and the research mindset; I love research and it is at the core of my career choices.

Then:

Master's programme in Sociology/Anthropology - Migration and Inter-ethnic relationships​ | Paris Diderot University - Paris 7

In five years, I hope that I will have gone further in the socially engaged research that I started at UCM and that I will find a community to support me and stimulate me in this research. 

Now:

Research Assistant to PhD student Tom Raster (Supervisor Thomas Piketty)

My time at UCM also impacted my personal development. At UCM I had the opportunity to work as a student representative. I was lucky enough to take part in discussions with the European Commission, guided a debate with the Dutch minister of education, and moderated the opening of the academic year in 2018. This work really inspired my interest in communicating academic topics and debates. My hope is to work as a journalist and documentarian for economic subject matters after completing a PhD.

Then:

Internships in: Economic research, journalism, documentary film making

UCM gave me the confidence and self-assurance to take me time, rather than rush into the next best opportunity. In five years I am hope to have a master’s degree and perhaps be on my way to receiving a PhD.

Now:

Completing Crisis & Security Management master at Leiden University, Faculty of Governance & Global Affairs, and Law and Politics of International Security master at VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Law

UCM most definitely equipped me with the skills I needed after graduation. I was able to quickly adapt to ‘new’ academic fields and university environments, as well as to a professional working environment. Thanks to the interdisciplinary UCM curriculum, it was relatively easy for me to adapt to the field of law, after having studied political science and international relations at UCM.

Then:

Planning to pursue a Master's programme in Security studies ​

In five years from now, I would love to have finished the diplomat training programme of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after of course completing a master's degree.

PhD Candidate, Cornell University (USA)
Master's degree: Soil Science, Cornell University

I am currently completing my PhD research on soil and root-facilitated carbon cycling in forest ecosystems under climate change at Cornell University in the United States.

My experience at UCM has given me strong critical thinking and writing skills, which I still benefit from on a daily basis. I am also very thankful for the diversity of subjects I studied during my time at UCM. This interdisciplinary foundation allows me to more easily collaborate and communicate with scientists, policy makers and stakeholders across fields and countries so that we can together solve complex environmental problems.

Human Rights Watch Researcher
Master's degree: International Affairs, The New School

Some ten years upon graduation, I still draw on the teachings at UCM and look fondly back on my experience. UCM taught me how to work in a multicultural team, acquire and analyze large swathes of material in a short amount of time, and write in a concise manner.

These skills proved essential in my capacity as a researcher and office leader for Human Rights Watch in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where I traveled to disparate parts of the country to document war crimes, crimes against humanity and political repression. Above all, UCM taught me how to think and has fostered a deep love for education.

Much of what I've learnt at UCM has truly opened my eyes to the forces that shape our world. The impact the school had on me is immeasurable. It's a wonderful place.

Senior Policy Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NL)
Master's degrees: European Law, Maastricht University | International Peace and Security, Kings College London

I chose University College Maastricht because I wanted to do it all: law, politics, international relations, European Studies. And at UCM you can combine all your interests and build a strong academic foundation for your future.

In my view UCM offers students the perfect stepping stone to pursue a master’s degree in a wide variety of subjects, as well as a solid multidisciplinary base for an international career. Thanks to problem based learning all students have a collaborative approach which creates a warm and social academic environment. Both the students and staff at UCM are intelligent, hardworking individuals who all have a passion for a particular subject.

There is also plenty of opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities which helps you build relevant skills.

Founder / Managing Director:  Digital Shapers
Master's degrees: Master in Business Studies | University of Amsterdam

Before moving to Maastricht I spent a gap year studying languages abroad. Upon return I preferred to study in an international environment, which I found at University College Maastricht. UCM was also personal and dedicated to its students, and it offered an exciting curriculum which was highly rated.

Upon finishing my master's, I started a Mobile App agency. I’m still an entrepreneur now, working on a different company called Digital Shapers, with which I help organisations with digital transformation, working on data driven change, digital innovation and a digital workforce.

UCM fulfilled its promises and was a stepping-stone to an international career. It gave me a fair understanding of important driving forces in the world, in a variety of areas such as politics, business, law, sustainability, philosophy, and history. Not only the curriculum, but also the problem-based learning method, and the culture at UCM have made my overall experience highly positive. Most importantly, it has given me trust to pursue my ambitions as an entrepreneur; without a doubt I would always study at UCM again.