Larissa, 2024 Summa Cum Laude in International Security

One key strategy was to mindfully reflect on what I wanted to get out of my Master’s. This meant thinking critically about what my interests were, what I was curious about, and how I should prioritise my time accordingly. Taking on courses that I felt genuinely interested in helped keep me motivated throughout the semesters. Yet sometimes things did not go the way I expected, which for me meant changing concentrations, track, and taking a gap year, but I am glad I did as it allowed me to mature my interests and gain incredibly valuable work experiences.

Producing a master’s thesis was a pivotal moment in my academic career. The thesis track was an incredibly challenging yet rewarding experience. It deepened my understanding of a specific topic, but also equipped me with a range of transferable organisational and analytical skills that will undoubtedly serve me in the future. Further, the mentorship I received from my supervisor encouraged me to carve out my own path, to think less about other people’s expectations, and to pursue what truly matters to me.

One suggestion would be to develop organisational skills to stay on top of coursework and maintain a good work-life balance. Multiple assignments will demand your attention, so it is very useful to plan out your semester ahead of time, anticipate busy periods, and start challenging assignments early on.