Enjoy every moment of your studies
How did you learn about this Master program?
The first time I heard about this program was in the online newspaper of the University of Aveiro. I had been a student in Aveiro before, where I completed my "licenciatura" (first cycle of studies), in languages and business skills. By that time I was working in the area of marketing and procurement in a private company. However, I was thinking about studying further, so I regularly checked the newspaper of the university.
Where are you currently working? Have you worked anywhere else after completing the HEEM program?
I have just started a new job as an administrative project manager in the European Centre for Strategic Management of Universities (ESMU). Before, I did a traineeship in the European Commission, DG Education and Culture, Higher Education Policy and Erasmus Program Unit, which was a very interesting and rewarding experience. I feel that I could learn a lot about policy making at European level in the field of Higher Education and also about some operational aspects of the Erasmus Program. I am very happy to be working in the field of Higher Education.
What was the subject of your thesis?
My thesis was about the contribution of the employability of doctorate researchers for the sustainability of the Portuguese research system.
Why did you choose this Master program?
To be honest, before I joined the program I did not know much about Higher Education as a field of study. Since my first degree was very generic, which is somehow good because it gave me flexibility to try different areas, I felt that I should specialize in an area of my interest. When I saw the curriculum of the master I found it really interesting. It was completely new for me. Also, I must confess that all the mobility involved, the inter-cultural experience and soft skills acquired in a program like Erasmus Mundus made me feel very attracted by the program. Besides, academically, for someone studying higher education, it is especially interesting to study in a number of different universities and educational systems.
How would you describe the experience of studying at the University of Oslo?
Studying at the University of Oslo was a really good experience. I think the quality of the lectures and seminars we could attend was excellent. Everything was well-organized and we did not feel "lost" in the first days. That was because we had been given the schedule and necessary information about housing and life in Oslo in advance. In an expensive city like Oslo, it is good that the university organizes social happenings like cinema nights for the students. I also think that the buddy program worked very well.
Do you feel that studying in this particular Master program has given you any advantage in your working life/career?
Absolutely, I believe that my background in higher education was a decisive factor to be placed for a traineeship in the Unit for Higher Education Policies and Erasmus Program in the European Commission. It was also an advantage for the new job I am starting at ESMU. I believe that the employers recognize the value of such a master, where besides all the interesting things we learn we have to be mobile people, easily adaptable to new realities and tolerant to different cultures.
Do you have any advice for current or incoming UiO international students?
You should enjoy every moment of your studies! The University of Oslo provides you with a great environment both for studying and making friends for life. When you are almost in the end of your studies, start sending CVs to all the places where you would like to work regardless of how difficult you think it might be, and never give up following your dreams!