'The MEEM study jumped out for me because of the case projects and the opportunity to get hands-on experience with real problems.'
”I studied International Relations in my home country of Mexico. Even though I liked the subject, I soon realized that I wanted to dedicate my life to tackling climate change. I needed to specialize in it, so I started looking for master's programmes in Europe. Europe is one of the world's most advanced regions on climate change. The MEEM study jumped out for me because of the case projects and the opportunity to get hands-on experience with real problems. This turned out to be a good choice, as this master's became the gateway for me to work at the highest level in the energy sector in Europe.
Multidisciplinary and a great international atmosphere
The MEEM programme is a great multidisciplinary study. For a person like me, with a background in social and political sciences, it was the opening to a fully unknown world in water, environmental and energy management. During the study, you are well tutored by teachers with both technical and non-technical backgrounds. This makes it a valuable study. It also gives you the opportunity to choose what you like and in which direction you would like to point your professional career afterwards. Moreover, there is a great international atmosphere due to the different nationalities in the same classroom. As a result, I have made friends for life, even now living in different countries.
Creative and sustainable solutions
During my studies, I participated in the SDG challenge. The SDG challenge puts students into action through gamification to make the world more sustainable. Together with other students from the University of Twente, I competed for the most creative and sustainable solution for a waste management company in the Netherlands. I really found this an enriching international experience. Moreover, I also started an internship at TenneT TSO B.V.. This is the first cross-border TSO in Europe and also a leading stakeholder in the energy transition. It was difficult to write my thesis and do an internship at the same time, but it really paid off. I was able to work as a full-time employee after my master's to further drive the energy transition. I am currently working on topics such as grid balancing and offshore energy hubs in the North Sea.
Advice for future international students
As an international, it is sometimes very hard to live away from your home country, your family and your friends. Still, I think it's worth it if you end up doing what you are passionate about. I don't regret anything! It is one of the most important decisions in your life, so do it with the right mindset.
All in all, I would encourage you to learn as much as you can and enjoy the master's because time flies by. Have fun, party, make friends and try new things. There aren't many opportunities like this!