My name is Rosa Dinnissen and I come from Nijmegen, the Netherlands. After studying Spanish Culture and Languages in Spain and Architecture in Belgium, I decided to study Political Science at the University of Amsterdam, with a specialisation in International Relations. During my third year, my interest in conflict analysis was triggered when I followed the Introduction of Conflict studies course. Then, I followed interesting courses like ‘International Conflicts and Security’ and ‘Negotiation’ during an exchange programme in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

'It is the differences and contradictions between people, their backgrounds and ideas that intrigue me'

It is the differences and contradictions between people, their backgrounds and ideas that intrigue me. From neighbours' quarrels to climate change or internal conflicts in South Sudan, my interest in social and complex issues. For that reason, the Master's programme excellently fitted with my interests. I especially liked the guest lectures, as they give you a clear picture of their experiences and therefore of you future possibilities. Over all, the one month Negotiation workshop was one of my favorite elements of the programme, because it gives you the opportunity to bring the theories from the first semester to practice.

'Around half of the students have a non-Dutch background'

I liked the international character of the Master’s programme. Around half of the students have a non-Dutch background. Together with the fact that it is a selective programme, these factors led to a cohesive group of diverse people that tends to meet up; not only for class, but also for interesting lectures, cultural activities and, of course, Amsterdam’s night life. After a year, I can say that I made some good new friendships and simultaneously created an
international network.

In class, the diversity, existing of many different people and perspectives, enriches discussions and deepens your knowledge on issues related to conflict resolution and governance.

'Enjoy every moment and seize every opportunity'

Of course, every programme also has its own setbacks or shortcomings. In my case, a one-year Master was really too short. It took me a while to feel comfortable in class and get a grip on the different theories, and before I knew it, I was already writing my Master's thesis. Therefore, I have only one advice: enjoy every moment of it and seize every opportunity to learn through extra courses at the university (I followed an Ethics and Rationality course at the Philosophy course) or CREA (like the debating or writing course I took) and make sure you visit De Balie every once in a while for an interesting lecture or debate.

'Through in-depth interviews and a media-analysis I try to unfold the dynamics that characterize the complexity of credibility'

It is the interpersonal relationships between different people and the conflict to which this might lead in the interaction that I find fascinating. These interpersonal relationships form the basis of my Master's thesis, which is focusing on the concept of credibility. It are the difficulties around the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report of 2007 and the assessment of the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (Plan bureau voor de Leefomgeving) that form the starting point of my research. My main interest goes out to how stakeholders perceive credibility in situations with high uncertainty levels. Through in-depth interviews and a media-analysis I try to unfold the dynamics that characterize the complexity of credibility. In finishing your Master's thesis, the only advice I can give you is: choose a subject that has your interest, get yourself a study buddy, start writing immediately and do it well, your Master's thesis is your business card. 

'After my studies I hope to contribute to policy development and to solving today’s complex problems'

After my studies I hope to contribute to policy development and to solving today’s complex problems, either by doing a PhD or working as a policy developer for a ministry in The Hague. Therefore, I applied for the government traineeship, giving you the opportunity to get to know what it is like to work for the government through different projects at several ministries. Keeping in mind the consequences of the economic crisis I try to attend extra courses and career events, organised by the GSSS or other organizations. Though in the end, if you are able to convey your enthusiasm and ambition in any interview, I am sure you will get your preferred job.