What motivated you to choose the Master's Programme in Neuroscience at the University of Helsinki, and how did it meet or exceed your expectations?
I always had this tingling sensation of "What if we try something bold and do part of my education abroad?", but I only mustered up my courage during my bachelor's to seriously consider this option. By then, I had already gotten familiar with translational neuroscientific research, so it was obvious for me to continue in a neuroscience master's programme. I had heard about the University of Helsinki because the research group I was a part of back then had a collaborator from the HiLIFE Neuroscience Center. Aside from that, after Googling Finland, I realised that a lot of features of Finnish higher education and the general way of life in Finland resonated with me quite well (among other things, e.g. being able to comfortably get by in the capital region with English or the fact that education for EU citizens is free).
For these and many other reasons, I applied to the Neuroscience MSc Programme at the University of Helsinki. Looking back on the application process, the video interview was probably the most influential part. It was a very positive experience not only because it went smoothly but also because it was pleasant to directly interact with the programme leadership. In other words, the interview made me feel welcome in the programme, so that’s why I chose the University of Helsinki among the study places that I have been offered in Europe. And I am happy to say that I kept feeling welcome throughout the programme.
Looking back, is there a particular course, project, or research opportunity that stands out as having been especially influential in your journey?
Questions, suggestions for improvements and other initiatives that I formulated were never turned down; in fact, they were always encouraged. Support from the teachers unlocked energies in me that I had never thought existed, so I ended up diving into activities I had not had the bravery for beforehand. These include student advocacy in different administrative bodies at the university and getting involved in establishing the Student Organisation GangLion - all of which were super enriching. As for my study-related experiences, I felt that there were so many intriguing courses to take that I didn’t find it challenging at all to pick courses worth at least 120 credits in total for the completion of the degree. It would be hard to pick my favourite ones as every one of them was unique and stimulating in its own way.
Can you tell us about your current role and how your career has evolved since completing the programme?
In retrospect, I am happy that I chose a research-based master’s thesis and that I complemented my studies with exchange programmes both abroad & within Helsinki. I believe this versatility will be beneficial for my career and personal development. And in a way, acquiring this versatility has already paid off since I have found a job as an R&D specialist at a spin-off company of the University of Helsinki called Polku Therapeutics. My duties include data entry, management and analysis as well as communication with stakeholders through video conferences, presentations and reports.
And where will my professional journey continue next? Well, let's see in a couple of months. :) I learnt during my master's that it is essential to keep an open mind as sometimes the best things come out of the most unexpected turns in life.