Art and Design - Advanced Master, Masters by Research, KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts

Studies at KdG

The autonomy that the study track allows the student has surprised me in a good way. The teachers act like coaches, but the student is the one who conducts their learning process, and I think that’s a perfect way to learn responsibility and be able to dig deeper into the material that matches our interests.

I started the 1st year with no previous experience in programming (my high school track was totally unrelated, as I had studied natural sciences, literature & languages), but I managed to keep up with the rhythm of the class, turn in all of my assignments, and pass my exams.

The teachers were especially helpful in the first weeks when they explained the basics of programming and answered all of my questions. After that period, I found the slides, videos, exercises and books to be very comprehensive and “took it into my own hands” to improve my skills as much as possible.

Being away from home

While the first month was a tougher period as I was missing family, friends and home, I believe that coming to study in Antwerp is one of the best choices I could have made.

Moving to a different country alone has made me more responsible, trained me to take care of myself and made travelling 10 times more fun. 

Going home has become more than just “staying for the week”, I somehow manage to meet & spend the day with my friends, talk for hours with my parents, visit my favourite spots of my hometown (eat double ‘cause I have to kill the cravings for my favourite traditional sweets & savoury meals), meet with my old teachers from high school and visit all my relatives in nothing more than a couple of days. While long-distance friendships aren’t easy, I have found that moving away has done nothing, but bring me closer to the people I love back in Romania.

After coming to Belgium I have also visited other countries & cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and Vienna, either solo or with friends and all these trips were lovely experiences.

Making friends

I am happy to say that I have found an amazing collective of students and made friends from all around the world. I think it is important to build a close circle of friends from the same study track as it is the best way to cope with learning under pressure. My friends helped me study and we answered each other questions, sharing materials and exercises, and we all got through exams smoothly.

The international aspect

All my classes are conducted in English, which is fantastic. While it can be challenging at times, the teachers and the study support team are always ready to assist, for which I am deeply grateful.

 What I appreciate most about this university is the diversity among the teaching staff. Some lecturers come from different countries like India, Germany, or Mexico to teach courses. It's incredibly fascinating for me because I've gained valuable insights and learned a lot from individuals with diverse experiences from around the world.

Learning style

Another remarkable aspect of this university is the emphasis on teamwork. Engaging in group projects has not only taught me how to collaborate effectively but has also enhanced my planning, communication, and professional skills.

Personal growth

On a personal level, studying at KdG isn't just about long hours spent at the computer or buried in books; it's also been an opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone, discover new aspects of myself, and prepare for future challenges. Moreover, it's been a chance to connect with a diverse array of individuals. Although this school year marks just the beginning of my journey, I can confidently say that I'm content with my choice and eagerly anticipate what the next academic year holds for me.

Tell us about your role as Ad Ops Associate at POLITICO

I help set up Advertising campaigns both through digital media and in print. I use Photoshop and inDesign for creative work, cms and mailchimp for newsletters. I also analyse campaign performance using Excel, DOMO, Adobe Analytics, Parse.ly. And I’m involved in project management, setting up trackers and communicating both internally and externally.

In what ways did KdG prepare you for your chosen career?

MCT really turned me into a problem solver. My colleagues have described me as “solution-oriented”, “team worker” and “digital expert”. No doubt these three can be attributed to my KdG background. On a technical level, a lot of tools that we use daily at work, I was already introduced to during my studies.

How did you prepare for your career search?

I wasn’t super sure what I wanted to work as but I was quite sure where I could see myself working. I wanted it to be in Belgium (Gent, Brussels, or Antwerp), in an international environment, ideally young, and most importantly: the company should do something I was passionate about.
I care a lot about the EU (this was also a central topic in my bachelor thesis), so POLITICO was pretty much on top of my list.

What advice would you give to new MCT students?

• Don’t worry about not having enough knowledge. We all start from zero. Ask for help from fellow students and from your teachers.
• Find an internship at a place that you find interesting so you can test out your skills.

Read the full interview and more Alumni success stories to find out what you can do with a degree from KdG.