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?
My decision to pursue the Master's Programme in Neuroscience at the University of Helsinki was driven by the university's strong reputation in research, particularly in the field of neuroscience. I was particularly drawn to the fact that in UH, one can choose courses and studies outside of their major as well - this allowed me to expand my knowledge in bioinformatics, data visualization, and psychology, which are areas I'm particularly passionate about in addition to neuroscience, as I have a bachelor's degree in psychology from University of York (UK), with specializations in statistics and biological neuroscience.
Beyond that, I didn't have particularly specific expectations, as I wanted to go with an open mind. I knew that the university structure and student life are quite different in Finland compared to the UK, so I didn’t want to approach the Master’s degree by trying to compare the experiences.
All in all, I would definitely say that I had a great time during my Master's studies. The faculty were not just experts in their fields but also incredibly approachable, creating an environment that promoted curiosity and critical thinking, encouraging us to attend courses and seminars outside of our core studies. And I have to give a special shoutout to the people in our MNeuro class, who truly made the experience unforgettable. People's diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives enriched every project, creating a collaborative environment that I will always cherish. I'm delighted that we still stay in touch and meet up whenever we can!
Looking back, is there a particular course, project, or research opportunity that stands out as having been especially influential in your journey?
One of the most influential experiences was my thesis project, where I studied the motor development of infants. This project was particularly hands-on, providing me with the opportunity to work directly with babies and observe their developmental milestones. The experience of designing experiments that involved detailed monitoring of infants' movements, and then analyzing and visualizing the data, was very rewarding. In addition, our group itself was quite multidisciplinary, consisting of doctors, psychologists, data scientists, and students from all these fields.
Working with such sensitive data also taught me the importance of precision and ethical considerations in research. Additionally, the hands-on experience of interacting with the infants and their families added a personal dimension to my scientific work.
Can you tell us about your current role and how your career has evolved since completing the programme?
Currently, I am working as an IT Consultant/Software Engineer specializing in databases at CGI. While my career path may seem a bit distinct from neuroscience at first glance, the analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and data-driven approach that I developed during the Master’s programme have been incredibly valuable in this field.
In my role, I focus on optimizing database systems to ensure efficient data management and retrieval, which is crucial for businesses that rely on large datasets. The experience I gained in data analysis during my studies has given me a strong foundation for understanding complex data structures and implementing effective solutions for our clients. Plus, my background really sharpened my skills in tackling problems methodically.
My advice for future students is to get involved in student organizations, and meet people both inside and outside of your studies and faculty! This will help you build a well-rounded experience, expand your network, and make the most of your time at UH.