Alumnus testimonial
Femke Meulman - Trainee at Wageningen Economic Research (WEcR)
Alumna Femke Meulman completed the BSc and MSc International Development Studies in Wageningen, specialized in Sociology of Development. Throughout her studies, she developed an interest in qualitative research and sustainable food systems. Staying close to home, she found a job directly after graduation at Wageningen Economic Research (WEcR).
I have the opportunity to work and learn at the same time, which is really valuable to me. I believe the possibilities to specialize during MID have really made me a good candidate in my application for this traineeship.
You are a trainee at Wageningen Economic Research, what does this traineeship entail?
“In September 2022, I started this traineeship with 14 other young professionals from a range of different disciplines. During the traineeship, we work on applied research projects that link to the topic of sustainable food systems. Whilst the name may suggest, the projects are not merely focused on economics. We rotate between the different expertise groups of WEcR and we are also able to spend a rotation period at Wageningen Center for Development Innovation (WCDI), the other social-science based research institute of the WUR.
Typical for a traineeship is that - next to this project work - there is a lot of room for personal development. We set learning goals and follow trainings.”
What projects are you currently working on that you really like?
“One of the projects I am now working on is an EU project named Data4Food. In this project we study pathways towards a fair, inclusive, and innovative data economy for sustainable food systems. My role is to help design the methodology for visioning and backcasting workshops in six European countries. With these workshops, we will investigate the future of the data economy in European food systems. What I like most about this project is that I have used this methodology in my master thesis as well, be it on a smaller scale. I am now able to use what I learned in my master: this project thus allows me to combine my qualitative research skills with a lot of creativity.
I am also working on projects concerning Dutch agriculture. This is a very complex topic, for example when considering the nitrogen crisis and the farmers protests. Within these projects I really enjoy speaking to farmers and hearing about their perspectives.”
What attracted you to doing this traineeship?
“There are many benefits to this traineeship. It is a great way to start your career. I have the opportunity to work and learn at the same time, which is really valuable to me. Also, beginning this traineeship together with a group of young professionals has been super encouraging. We are all starting our first or second ‘real’ job, so we share a lot of experiences and can support each other when necessary. It is interesting that we all have different academic backgrounds and personalities. I really like the multidisciplinary character of the traineeship and WEcR in general.”
In what ways did the (BSc and) MSc program prepare you for your current position?
“In essence, the MID master educates you to become a researcher. All the research skills that I have acquired during my master are relevant for this traineeship. Another positive note to the master is that there is a lot of freedom to specialize in a topic that you are interested in. For me, this was the topic of food systems. I was able to use my electives to follow courses such as ‘societal transitions to sustainable food systems’ or ‘food culture and customs’. In addition, both my thesis and internship focused on food systems. I believe the possibilities to specialize during MID have really made me a good candidate in my application for this traineeship.”
Your traineeship is two years; what do you aspire for your next career step?
“I am really happy where I am right now. I am glad that there might be a possibility to stay with WEcR as a researcher after this traineeship. Although my future is wide open, I do feel that a research position suits me very well. If the opportunity arises, I would also consider to do a PhD.”