As mentioned in my previous post, last year I embarked in a MSc (master of science) journey in The Netherlands, in the field of social sciences - more specifically 'Leisure Studies'. What the heck are leisure studies, you might ask? Yes, no problem, I'm used to that question :D Leisure studies are a branch of the social sciences that include tourism, recreation, etc. But on a master level you can focus into communication, and let's say, shortly, all that involves an interaction with people and understanding their behaviour. A bit hard to clearly state what exactly it is - funny :p, but yeah. After you graduate from leisure studies you can practically work everywhere that includes working with people (HR, communications, PR, etc.) The confusion about this study field is due the fact that it has been crafted, literally, in The Netherlands and it is very common and spread through the country. That's why it is hard to explain to someone outside that country what the heck leisure studies are! :D
But coming back to the point of this blog post.. :) Yesterday, finally, we got our grades for the master thesis and I am so happy to say that I received a lovely 8 - probably the highest mark you can get in Holland as a common person, 9 and 10 are reserved to extraordinary people (aliens or something :D). My supervisor's sentence exactly: "Oh by the way, you got an 8." Whaat.. an 8?! Yes, yes, yes!! Happy, happy, happy kid :D! I think I deserved it. After all, I worked my ass off to write that thesis ;) My thesis topic involved 'Gentrification' - an urban problematic, and how can we tackle it through involvement between different actors (brief description :) ). I was and I'm still so passionate about that topic.. I might post something about it one day actually!
Losing the red line here again - not a good thing when writing a master thesis (TIP!), looking back I'm sure that doing a master did enrich my knowledge and look upon things, strengthen my critical and objective thinking, etc. but in the real world, as in, the job world, unfortunately I'm not sure if it is - that - valuable. Honestly, without any work experience a master will not ensure you a high paid position, but you'll have to work your way up as any other Bachelor graduate. Sad but true - unless you're lucky with networks or find an employer that will see 'the spark' in you :) Not to make it sound too pessimistic, but that's the reality. So, doing a master, YES, it is enriching, but do not expect to end up in the top positions after graduating - but that's not a bad thing, right? ;) You always have to start from somewhere, step by step it'll get you where you want to be! Bottom line - I think I would recommend to anyone doing a master, after all it is an experience, and we learn from experiences!
For now, I'm still pondering if to embark into a PhD or jsut get a job that will give me a stable amout of money.. Probably the latter :p After all these years of studying I deserve a bit of break hehe! A bit of fun from PhD comics:
This is my 'rant' for today, hope it's useful to someone. If you have any questions regarding studying for a postgraduate (or undergraduate), abroad, etc. I'm available and will do my best :)
Until the next post..
Sending love&hugs! ;)
