Student testimonial
Student Dominic – MSc International Development Studies
After completing his BBA in Tourism and Recreation management, Dominic started a pre-master to become admissible to MID. After this transition phase, he continued with the Politics and Governance of Development specialisation.
Dominic did his internship at the ‘Vereniging van Nederlandse Gemeenten (VNG)’, the Association of Dutch Municipalities. While their main office is located in The Hague, Dominic had the flexibility to work remotely from home and visit various Dutch municipalities during his internship. He was offered a job at VNG after graduation.
I have experienced that at MID, you are more than just a number.
The Vereniging van Nederlandse Gemeenten (VNG)
“As an intern-consultant in the field of ‘Supervision and Enforcement in the Social Domain’, I supported municipalities in various projects within the social domain. I work a lot on the participation law and engage in policy discussions about this law. This involves identifying needs within the social domain and addressing issues related to supervision and enforcement, such as fraud prevention. Questions that I work on are, for example, how a municipality can implement a particular policy that is fair and humane, while also ensuring that people do not receive certain benefits unfairly. The VNG supports municipalities in these areas.
In this internship, I worked in a political playing field, where different actors have their own interests. The projects that I worked on are truly multidisciplinary. We also try to establish collaborations with relevant partners. Exactly these aspects are also reflected in the International Development programme: there are several parties, both internal and external, and you have to weigh all different interests and stakes. My internship was deeply involved in social justice, both in the social domain and political governance.
I was able to apply many of the concepts and theories learned during my studies in my internship. It is interesting to see that these theories are really used in practice as well. I remember one particular course, ‘Politics, Policy Making and Accountability in International Arenas for Development’, which focused in a very interactive way on the practical aspects of politics. During the role plays, everyone is so invested in the role they get ascribed that it gets very passionate. In this course, theory is also put to practice and you learn how to negotiate by actually negotiating.”
One last thing…
“I have experienced that in MID, you are more than just a number. The study advisers are accessible and genuinely involved in your study trajectory. You can knock on their door, so to speak, and they would always be willing to help. It is heartening that a study advisor also approaches you to check in, during my BBA it was quite the opposite.
The same goes for all lecturers: they are also super approachable, whether for discussions, questions or a chat. You don't have to be afraid to say what's on your mind: you are respected as a student.”