Emma Wasser, alumna MA European Public Affairs
What was it about the EPA master’s programme that made you think, ‘This is the one for me’?
I graduated in another master’s programme before starting the European Public Affairs master, Intercultural Communication. Afterwards, I realised that I did not like to potential job that came with it. Besides that, I was not ready to say goodbye to my student life. I knew that I was interested in politics and the EU, even though I did not know much about it. I searched for MA programmes that had something to do with EU policy and politics. The European Public Affairs master’s programme was a perfect fit.
What was your favourite course and why?
My favourite course was the EU lobbying course. It taught me to collaborate with peers in a very intense way, and I learned a lot of practical skills. I really enjoyed making a lobbying strategy on nuclear energy, even though it made me realize I did not want to become a lobbyist for clients I do not agree with.
Looking back, what are some of the things you learned during your studies that have truly helped you in your current career, personal life, or other experiences?
The environment in general taught me a lot. You are studying and working together very intensely with the same people over a longer period of time, which is like working at any organization and in any team. Even though the preparations took some time, I really loved the debates. Time always seemed to fly during those sessions.
Could you tell us more about your current career?
I am currently working as a policy officer at the Dutch ministry of Education, Culture, and Science. I am responsible for the Dutch national exams at the end of secondary education. As a policy officer, I prepare debates, answer questions from Parliament and the press, I manage stakeholders, and I advise our minister on my topic. I am a huge politics nerd, so I love my job the most when we have an important debate and the stakes are high.
In the future I would love to live and work abroad for a few years, for example as an Education and Science Councillor at a Dutch embassy.
Which milestones in your career are you most proud of?
The milestone I am most proud off is writing a speech for our former Minister of Education, Robbert Dijkgraaf. He gave this speech at a Ministerial Council in Brussels.
What is your fondest memory from your time in Maastricht as a FASoS student?
My fondest memory of my time in Maastricht are definitely the people! I never spent an evening or a weekend by myself when I lived in Maastricht, and I made some really great friends that I still see, even though we live in different countries. I got married a few months ago, and my closest friends from EPA all came, so it was like a mini reunion.
What advice or tip would you give to current or prospective students?
European Public Affairs is not only a degree to become a lobbyist! There are so many other jobs out there, and the skills you learn are more important than the degree you receive at the end. Think about what gives you joy in your daily life, and see if you can find a job that contains that.
March 2026