Martina Pagano, BA Digital Society
When we asked her why she chose to study the BA Digital Society, she stated, "I chose the BA Digital Society because I wanted an interdisciplinary approach to understand how digital transformation affects society as a whole. The programme allowed me to analyse emerging technologies from a theoretical perspective and apply these concepts to real-world examples. Given the growing impact of digital tools on our lives, I saw this degree as a perfect opportunity to explore how data, algorithms, and platforms shape the world we live in."
She went on to highlight what made the programme unique, telling us, "The uniqueness of the bachelor's degree lies in its interdisciplinary approach, which combines insights from sociology, technology, and data science. It's not just about developing technical skills, but also about exploring the broader implications of digitisation. The critical thinking and problem-based learning (PBL) methods were particularly valuable, as they allowed me to collaborate with my peers and learn from different perspectives."
When we asked about her favourite course, she eagerly shared, "My favourite course was Digitalisation and Politics. It offered a fascinating exploration of how digital technologies influence political processes, governance, and public opinion. The discussions on digital democracy, algorithmic power, and the societal implications of digital policies—especially in applied contexts like e-voting in Estonia—were incredibly thought-provoking."
Of course, every academic journey has its challenges, and she was no exception. Reflecting on the toughest moments, she told us, "Balancing group work and individual study was a challenge when I first started. The PBL approach, which emphasises teamwork, required me to get used to preparing for tutorials and engaging in meaningful discussions with my fellow students. I had to manage my time efficiently and learn how to integrate different perspectives into our collaborative work."
Looking back at her time in Maastricht and at FASoS, she remarked, "I look back fondly on my time in Maastricht. The international and open-minded atmosphere enriched my learning experience. The city itself is perfect for students, with its vibrant cultural life and student-friendly environment. It made my time here unforgettable."
When asked to describe her student life in Maastricht, she recalled, "Student life in Maastricht was lively and inspiring. I was involved in study groups, student organisations, and cultural events. The city isn't too large, so it was easy to connect with others, explore cafés, and enjoy nature by the Maas River. It felt like a close-knit, yet dynamic, community."
Although she is currently focused on her studies, she shared a bit about her future aspirations: "At the moment, I am pursuing a master’s degree in Business Intelligence and Smart Services, so I’m not working right now. I’m looking forward to continuing my studies and exploring how data science and smart services intersect in the business world."
We were curious about how the BA Digital Society had influenced her current path, and she explained, "The bachelor's programme gave me critical thinking and analytical skills that are essential for both my master's programme and any future career. The courses on digital tools and their societal impacts provided a broader understanding of how technology shapes the real world, not just from a technical standpoint. The PBL approach also taught me how to work both independently and collaboratively, which I apply every day."
Finally, we asked if she still kept in touch with people from FASoS, and she said, "Yes, I do! I still stay in touch with some of my peers, and I occasionally reconnect with professors who supported me during my studies. It's inspiring to see where everyone has ended up, and it's great to exchange insights from our professional journeys. I also work occasionally as a student ambassador, welcoming new students and attending Open Days."
Her story is a reminder of how studying in an interdisciplinary and international environment can shape both academic and personal growth, and the lasting connections that can be made along the way.