Leonie Webbink, MSC
Advisor Risk Awareness & Behavioral Change (Citizens and Living Environment) - Safety Region Noord- en Oost-Gelderland (Veiligheidsregio Noord- en Oost-Gelderland)
In 2020 I graduated from the University of Twente, where I obtained my master’s degree in Psychology of Conflict, Risk and Safety with distinction (Cum Laude). Prior to this master, I attained my bachelor diploma in Social Work (also Cum Laude) at a university of applied sciences (Hbo). During my bachelor’s studies I realized that I wanted to know more about research and human behavior, particularly criminal behavior and behavior in high-risk and conflict situations. The interest in this field grew when I did an internship in a detention center/prison. I became highly interested in what motivates people to commit crimes. And evenly more important: how we could use behavioral insights to increase the effectiveness of interventions in order to reduce recidivism.
Why Psychology of Conflict, Risk and Safety?
I chose to do this specialization at the University of Twente because the UT has a good balance between theory, practical application and an emphasis on new technologies. When you walk on the campus you can really feel the 'high tech, human touch'-character of the University of Twente.
The course 'psychology and crime' made me realize that this master track was really the right decision for me. In this course I learned a lot about human intelligence, police interviewing and victim-offender mediation. The lectures fascinated me so much that I wrote my master thesis about how to effectively gather human intelligence with a specific interrogation technique; the Scharff technique (Google it, this technique is really fascinating!). Writing my master thesis was hard work, but I deeply enjoyed the fact that I could choose my own topic and emphasis.
The course 'risk and leadership in societal technological contexts' helped me to put the theory in a broader, societal perspective [now integrated into Psychology of Sustainability]. During the lectures we discussed recent crises in the Netherlands and abroad and the important role of risk- and crisis communication. In this course I learned more about risk perception and how to increase the effectiveness of risk communication.
Risk Awareness and Behavioral Change
After my graduation I started working at the Safety Region Noord- and Oost-Gelderland (Veiligheidsregio Noord- en Oost-Gelderland) as Advisor Risk Awareness and Behavioral Change (Citizens and Living environment). I advise on how to make risk awareness campaigns more effective in increasing risk awareness and stimulating safe behavior (e.g., regarding fire safe living). I also develop new campaigns myself in which I can apply what I’ve learned throughout my master’s degree. Increasing awareness and changing behavior is difficult, but that makes my job challenging. The research skills I obtained during the master track helps me to examine the effectiveness of campaigns, but my experience and knowledge of research is also valuable for other disciplines in the organization.
Altogether, I can highly recommend this unique specialization in psychology. It is a perfect start for a career in the risk and safety field, but also in the broader field of social psychology.
Advise for (future) students
I want to give one more piece of advice to students of an university of applied sciences (HBO) who are thinking of doing a master’s at the University of Twente after obtaining a HBO-bachelor’s degree. I can imagine that you have doubts about whether you are able to finish a masters. You will probably have to do a premaster first. The premaster is hard work, but no glory without effort. The premaster really ensures that you are well prepared for obtaining your master’s degree.
If you have any questions about my work, my study-career or the transfer from a university of applied sciences to the University of Twente (overstap HBO-WO), feel free to contact me via LinkedIn.
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