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Politecnico di Milano Scholarship Winner
An Interview with Politecnico di Milano Scholarship Winner
Can you tell us about your background: where are you from, where your first degree is from and in what subject?
From the Netherlands, male, first degree (bachelor of science) in Industrial Design, at Technical University Eindhoven (the Netherlands).
Have you won any academic prizes before?
No.
What are you now studying?
Since graduating at Politecnico di Milano in July 2008 (Product Service Systems design) I am not studying anymore. I found a job several months after, as a User Experience Designer at BBC London.
Why did you choose to study internationally? What do you think are the major advantages of studying in another country?
I firstly (during my bachelor) took part in an Erasmus semester (also at Politecnico di Milano), which made me familiar with the educational model and convinced me of the academic and life experience I could gather by continuing to study abroad. These expectations were even exceeded; I did my internship in Spain (Barcelona) and since then moved to the UK to work. I can positively say that my international study and work experience made me get the job I have now, in this rough economical climate.
How did you conduct your research to select your graduate programme?
As said, through first-hand experience during an Erasmus semester at the university, plus some research in the form of reading lots of information on the educational curriculum. (worth mentioning I did the same for several other universities in other countries)
What are your top three reasons for pursuing a masters degree?
Incredibly valuable experience on international methods and views on design.
Huge advantage to have international experience on your curriculum.
Personal life experience and cooperation with other international students.
How will your masters degree impact on the rest of your life - particularly in career and personal terms?
As described, it definitely had a major impact on the job opportunities I got. In a large company with focus on innovation international and rare skills (compared to other applicants) as the BBC, my background was and still is hugely appreciated.
Personally it made me a much more experienced and courageous person, with more confidence and a clear idea of what I want in life. Furthermore it encouraged me to keep gathering international experience.
What was the crucial factor in you selecting Politecnico for your Masters degree?
The content of the course – Product Service Systems Design is a very specific and special direction in design, that is not given anywhere else – and the previous experience I had during my Erasmus semester.
