Iris van Santen, Leiden University, the Netherlands
What inspired you to choose an EMOS-labelled master’s programme for your studies?
I was inspired to choose the EMOS track during my studies due to the international aspect of the programme. I am interested to work abroad one day, and I believe that this programme can help me find a suitable job. I was also interested in working for the government, and I thought it would be useful to specialize in official statistics. As the saying goes, it´s like killing two birds with one stone.
Have you already completed your EMOS internship? Please share any interesting insights gained during your internship.
I have already completed the EMOS internship and I learned a lot. First and foremost, I developed my research skills and gained great insights into conducting research. I learned about the many problems you encounter due to lack of data, data quality issues, relationships between variables, and so forth. I also became familiar with many techniques and methods to solve most of these problems. Additionally, I learned to collaborate with colleagues by discussing issues and sharing ideas. Finally, my greatest insight during the internship was discovering that statistics is truly my passion and something I enjoy it a lot.
Would you recommend a fellow student to choose the EMOS track at your university? Why?
Yes, I would recommend fellow students to choose the EMOS track at my university. You learn about a type of statistics that is relatively unknown to many students, but very interesting and important.
Has your EMOS study experience prepared you for your future academic and career pursuits? How?
Yes, my EMOS experience has prepared me for my future academic and career pursuits. I am now more familiar with the opportunities in national statistics offices. I know now that it is also possible to develop myself academically outside of a university or a big business.
Where do you work at the moment?
I currently work at Statistics Netherlands after attending EMOS lectures and completing my internship there. My job title is Statistics Researcher, and I am planning to work part-time as a methodologist as well. I hope to combine practical and theoretical work. For now, I still have plenty to learn, and there are many opportunities. I do not have a strict career path in mind; I will just keep my eyes open for new opportunities.
June 2024
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