Maiara Kolbe Musskopf (Brazil)

The programme has opened doors that were previously unexplored by me, and although it is challenging to identify which is the best area/field to follow afterwards.

“I was finishing my bachelor studies when I decided to apply for IMIM, which caught my attention because of the interdisciplinary approach involving both academic and entrepreneurial backgrounds. I was so delighted with the idea of being part of this distinguished course, and my initial perception of IMIM was of an excellent two-year master’s programme that would lead me to the subsequent and expected step: PhD. However, I am now almost halfway of the course and I have realized that writing a PhD proposal is only one of the many opportunities that IMIM students are offered and encouraged to pursue afterwards. The Spring School, for example, was such a nice environment for broadening our scientific perspectives by talking to researchers that built their careers outside academia, either by joining a company or even by opening their own start-ups.

In addition, IMIM students also have the chance to undergo three different internships within academia and/or industry, and we are constantly encouraged to explore as much as possible from different scientific areas. Thus far, the programme has opened doors that were previously unexplored by me, and although it is challenging to identify which is the best area/field to follow afterwards, IMIM points out the many career opportunities and offers me a strong and secure support in order to make this choice.”