Amelie Soares, alumna BA Digital Society

Digital Society stood out because it treated technology as a societal phenomenon, something that must be understood in its political, legal, and human context. The programme promised a critical, interdisciplinary perspective on digitalization, which aligned perfectly with my interests in regulation, public policy, and social responsibility. After reading and learning more about FASoS’ problem-based learning approach, I felt confident that this was the right academic environment for me.

What was your favorite course and why?
It’s difficult to choose just one, and I believe the curriculum changes over time too, but I very much appreciated courses focused on hands-on skills, or courses that made us think, debate and question the contents we engaged with.

But what I did particularly enjoy was Regulating the Digital, as it offered a structured way to think about the role of the state, markets, and civil society in governing emerging technologies. The course helped me understand how regulatory frameworks evolve, how political interests shape technological development, and how concepts like digital rights, accountability, and public interest can be translated into policy. Looking back, it directly influenced my decision to pursue a master’s degree in public policy and to specialize professionally in AI governance.

Looking back, what are some of the things you learned during your studies that have truly helped you?
One of the most valuable skills I developed during Digital Society was critical thinking, learning how to analyse complex socio-technical systems and question dominant narratives around innovation and progress. The programme trained me to work with academic literature rigorously, structure arguments clearly, and communicate complex ideas in a concise and convincing way.

I also benefited greatly from the programme’s emphasis on research methods. Learning how to work with both qualitative and quantitative data, including tools like R, gave me a solid foundation that I continue to rely on in policy research and advisory work today.

Beyond technical skills, the programme strengthened my ability to collaborate in diverse, international teams and to approach problems from multiple disciplinary perspectives, skills that are essential in my current work.

Could you tell us more about your current career?
I currently work as a Data & AI Consultant in Munich, focusing on AI governance, regulatory compliance, and responsible AI adoption. My role involves advising organizations on how to design and implement AI systems that align with the EU AI Act, GDPR, and emerging global governance standards.

I work closely with legal, technical, and executive teams to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical governance frameworks. What I enjoy most is acting as a bridge between cutting-edge technology and public policy - ensuring innovation can move forward while maintaining public trust and accountability.

Looking ahead, I aim to continue working at the intersection of frontier AI, public policy, and international governance, contributing to regulatory approaches that are both innovation-friendly and socially responsible.

Which milestones in your career are you most proud of?
As I am still at an early stage in my career, the milestones I value most are those that allowed me to take on responsibility and learn quickly in complex policy environments. One important milestone was contributing to AI governance and regulatory projects early on, working directly with legal, technical, and policy experts to translate abstract regulatory requirements into practical guidance for organizations.

I am also proud of having worked across different sectors - consulting, civil society, and international policy - which has given me a well-rounded understanding of how technology governance works in practice. Supporting policy research and stakeholder engagement on topics such as AI regulation, platform accountability, and digital inclusion helped me understand how academic insights can inform real-world decision-making.

These experiences confirmed my interest in working at the intersection of technology, policy, and public interest, and laid a solid foundation for the next steps in my professional development.

What is your fondest memory from your time in Maastricht as a FASoS student?
What I remember most fondly is the people. FASoS brought together such a warm, open, and international group of students, and I am genuinely grateful for the friends for life I met during my studies. The sense of community made even intense study periods feel manageable and, at times, genuinely fun.

Some of my favourite memories are the long study sessions at Banditos Café, balancing deadlines with coffee breaks, and talking through ideas that started as coursework but often turned into much bigger conversations about life, politics, and the future. Beyond the classroom, student life in Maastricht was simply amazing. The city is small but vibrant, and it creates an environment where studying, social life, and personal growth blend naturally. Looking back, it was a very special place to be a student.

What advice or tip would you give to current or prospective students?
My advice would be to embrace the breadth of the Digital Society programme, but also start identifying what truly excites you. The programme offers many directions and having a clearer focus will help you make the most of it.

At the same time, do not be afraid to explore unfamiliar topics. Many of the skills and interests that now define my career emerged precisely from courses and discussions I had not initially planned on pursuing. Digital Society gives you the tools - what you build with them is up to you.

December 2025