If, like Deijkers, you want to do a double program, some projects may count double, which means you can often complete two master's programs in three years, De Putter explains. "Normally, the SEC master's takes two years, but if you follow two master's programs simultaneously, you can save time. If you already have teaching experience, it can often be done even faster."

This concerns your first-degree qualification. If you only want a second-degree qualification, you can also do this by following an educational minor. With the second degree certificate you can teach the first three classes of havo and vwo (the highest levels in Dutch secondary education). With a first-degree qualification, you can also teach in the exam years of havo and vwo.

“I would certainly recommend the ESoE program, but the master more than the minor, because the latter often peaks at the same times as the major,” Deijkers explains. “That is less convenient. Although the minor can help to get a taste of the concept if you are not yet that sure. And speak a lot with people who have completed the program. However, each process is different, depending on what you've done before. In any case, I thought it was really cool. A tip I want to give is: take your time. It takes more time than you think. I managed to stuff it in about two and a half years, but if you can afford an extra six months, take that time. It gives you the peace of mind to discover what suits you best and it helps with you with your personal development.”

ESoE as a real department

Deijkers: “I really think it's a great program (the master SEC, ed.). There are so many different people walking around. If you are in a science program, you will find yourself surrounded by the same kind of people, but during an educational program you will meet the more social engaged people from the different departments. Discussing different teaching methods and building a new network together is really nice. Taking a look outside your own department. Only ESoE is currently a center of expertise instead of a department and it shows; there is less money and fewer resources. If you have two subjects that need a classroom: one taught by ESoE and one taught by a department, the department always has priority to get the classroom. I think that ESoE should be a department with the corresponding resources and money. Our graduation ceremony was streamed with Teams via a simple computer. Other programs had enough money for something festive, a real event. By turning it into a department, it gets the status it deserves. The fact that you can only follow a master and a minor at ESoE, should not matter.”

Finding things out 

“In the beginning you have to figure out a lot of stuff,” Deijkers says, looking back at her own student days. “What are you like as a teacher and how do you deal with students? Your first observational internship is very helpful during that time. You notice very quickly whether teaching suits you. I really like the social aspect; to work with the students, transfer my knowledge and keep them fascinated. Teaching is so dynamic; if you have a bad day, it will directly reflect in your class. But if you give positive energy, it shows too. It really is an interaction and that makes it special.”

“In my PhD track with additional teaching assignments, I see the combination of physics and teaching in practice,” Deijkers says. That’s how I see myself in the future as well: as a hybrid teacher. I really have my dream job now: in-depth research in physics, teaching and improving education. I don't know yet where I will be in five years. Maybe I’ll try the business world, which also seems interesting. You could combine that with teaching at a university of applied sciences. That's pretty common there. I wouldn't just do research in a small cubicle. The social aspect of education is very important to me. But first I will be working here at TU/e for the coming years. In addition to my research, I want to improve propaedeutic education. In that context I am involved in the redevelopment of Applied Natural Sciences (ANS) to an online modular form. The subject is compulsory for all freshmen but the form has to be changed due to corona.”

Neuraij: “The great thing about education, for me, is the interaction with students. But I don't want to convince people to choose this profession; you really have to want it. And you have to realize that if you choose this job, you are stuck with it. After three years, the business world no longer wants you. In the past, getting the license was a breeze. You could get it fast, during your studies. But the longer process we currently have, also has advantages: you can better assess whether education is a fit for someone.”