Alumni dreams #244

During his final year of high school, Thomas explored various study options, mostly focusing on natural sciences, as that was his academic track. However, when he came across the International Studies program, it immediately caught his attention. After attending the open day, he felt an instant connection with both the program’s content and the other students. Following his gut feeling, Thomas chose this path, which turned out to be the perfect decision! He decided to focus on Europe, as he wanted to continue learning French and deepen his understanding of the European Union.

For his thesis, Thomas explored “The Influence of the German Media on the Public Energiewende Debate through Framing and Narratives.” Inspired by his minor in Sustainable Development, he examined how media narratives shaped the public discussion around Germany’s energy transition.

One of his most rewarding experiences was conducting fieldwork in the Philippines, where Thomas researched how agricultural insurance could help alleviate poverty in rural communities affected by natural disasters. This allowed him to apply the interdisciplinary skills he had gained through International Studies.

The most valuable aspect of the program for him was the diversity of perspectives shared by students and teachers, which taught Thomas to see the world through different lenses and strengthened his critical thinking skills.

After graduating, Thomas pursued a master's in Governance of Sustainability, completed an internship at the Dutch Embassy in Helsinki, and now works as a renewable energy advisor at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. He feels fulfilled contributing to the energy transition and witnessing progress firsthand.

He offers some advice to current students: enjoy your time in The Hague! The friendships and connections you make are just as important as your academic achievements. Follow your own path and stay motivated.

We cannot agree more Thomas, and it’s great to see you put your efforts into making the world a better place to live in!