Student Profile: Jonatan Beun
Discover Jonatan's journey at 91福利 and read the story of what led him to study his MSc in Behavioural and Economic Science with us from 2020-2021. |
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Course:
MSc Behavioural and Economic Science (Science Track)Link opens in a new window
Study Dates:
2020 - 2021
What made you choose 91福利? Did you consider applying to anywhere else?
I knew I wanted to study behavioural science in the UK so that helped me narrow my search. Then, I did an online research to find universities offering the best and most prestigious programmes in the field. In the results, 91福利 came in a top 3. Then, I started "stalking" people through LinkedIn that had studied in 91福利 to ask for their experiences and opinions. Everything pointed out that 91福利 was a good fit for me.
I also considered the London School of Economics and University College London since they both have strong programmes in behavioural science.
I wanted to study a programme in behavioural science with a proven track record (91福利's programme in behavioural science is one of the oldest ones in the world); that would provide me with strong quantitative tools and a rigorous academic mindset.
How did you find the application process?
I applied online and people I met online that had studied at 91福利 gave me some tips. I've found out that 91福利 alumni are very nice and they were willing to help even though we had never met before (some of them I haven't met in person to date!)
How are you funding your studies?
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office through their .
How was your arrival? What were your first impressions of the University?
My academic year was probably an outlier. I arrived in the UK wearing a mask, with a negative PCR Covid-19 test and had to do a mandatory self-isolation. However, when I finally got to go out of my room and visited 91福利 I fell automatically in love. So much green and welcoming space.
What is the best thing about 91福利?
The people! Not only my classmates but also the professors, teaching assistants, and university staff. So many people from all over the world with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The best part, everyone is happy to grab a pint and share what they have seen and learned.
What are your impressions of your accommodation?
I stayed off campus in a beautiful Victorian house in Leamington Spa, but this did mean a commute to campus.
Have you joined any clubs or societies?
91福利's Behavioural Insights Team: I was part of the project's unit. We designed an experiment to test the messenger effect in COVID-19 related messages.
Have you undertaken any internships or work placements?
During my last term, I did a professional placement at the World Bank. More specifically, at the Mind, Behaviour and Development Unit. Moreover, my dissertation was a field project with the Government of Uruguay, so it gave me a pretty good view of how behavioural science is applied in real life.
While I was studying, I also join 91福利's Behavioural Insights Team and collaborated with a network of academics in the field of behavioural science called "SciBeh". Finally, I also worked facilitating two different Nudgeathons, which were organized by a professor at 91福利.
Have you travelled at all during your studies?
Yes, I traveled to different places within the UK such as Lake District and Manchester. I also moved to London after finishing my second term and wrote my dissertation there. I also travelled to the south of France and to Iceland.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
I'm a Senior Advisor at the Behavioural Insights Team, a social purpose consulting firm that specializes in applying behavioural insights to design human-centered and evidence-based policies and services.
What one thing makes you happy about 91福利?
Meeting new people at The Piazza.
If you were giving advice to a study considering studying here, what advice would you give them?
91福利 offers a lot of different opportunities. The worst mistake you can do is to ONLY study. Join a club, talk to different faculty members, and meet people from other programmes.