The MSc MADE program immerses students in the challenges of urban contexts, while equipping them with essential entrepreneurial skills and data analysis abilities. Through two years of rigorous study, students develop into metropolitan innovators with a creative and collaborative mindset, ready to tackle the complex problems facing our cities. As these two years flew by, the students earned their diplomas, proudly graduating with a joint degree from TU Delft and Wageningen University & Research, and can now proudly call themselves MSc MADE alumni. Their hard work and dedication have prepared them to make a meaningful impact on the world, and we can't wait to see the positive changes they will bring to our urban environments.
MADE graduation traditions
The Graduation Ceremony is a cherished tradition for us, a time to reflect on two years of learning, researching, and tinkering in the dynamic city of Amsterdam. It's a momentous occasion to celebrate our students' achievements as they graduate and step into the next chapter of their lives.
Yesterday, we gathered together to honor our 18 graduating students, surrounded by their loved ones, as they received their joint degree diplomas from Wageningen University & Research and Delft University of Technology.
And, of course, we continued our favorite tradition: the students marked their most beloved spots on our Alumni Map during the ceremony, highlighting their most treasured memories of Amsterdam. We're excited to see where their paths will take them next, as they venture forth to make their mark on the world. Congratulations, graduates, and welcome to the alumni family!
“We are really proud to see a new group of MADE students changing their status into MADE alumni. It’s inspiring to see the diversity and creativity of this group of students. It’s been a privilege to be a temporary home for this group during during the start of their individual academic and professional journeys”
Arjen Zegwaard
Former Program Director MADE at AMS Institute
Finding strength in unity amidst pandemic disruptions
The MSc MADE graduates of this year faced many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a lot of uncertainty and having to take many classes online. However, their resilience and commitment to one another has shone through. According to Anita van Oosten (Educational Coordinator MSc MADE), this group of urban engineers has demonstrated a remarkable ability to support each other despite the distance imposed by online learning. This cohort has truly become a tight-knit community, which is a testament to their resilience and empathy.
The cohort's size also grew significantly, from 35 to 61 students, making them the first group to receive education with such numbers. In addition, they were the first group to complete their internship and/or travel abroad for their thesis, thanks to the change in the order of the Living Lab and thesis in their curriculum. "The pandemic may have disrupted their education, but they have been able to spread their wings and seize new opportunities as a result," Anita notes.
As the graduates embark on their next phase of development, we will continue to follow their careers and support their ongoing connections to the institute. With their expertise and skills, these urban engineers have a bright future ahead of them, and we look forward to partnering with them to develop metropolitan solutions for Amsterdam and cities worldwide.
“This cohort had to deal with a lot of uncertainty and take many of their lessons online. But they found ways to connect and support each other, and despite the physical distance, they've become very close. This group is truly invested in each other's success.”
Anita van Oosten
Former Educational Coordinator MSc MADE at AMS Institute
And now what?
As our MSc MADE graduates take the next steps in their journeys, we're excited to see the paths they'll follow. Some are taking a brief pause to explore new opportunities, while others are diving headfirst into positions as sustainability experts, landscape designers, urban planners, consultants, and more.
Regardless of their specific plans, one thing is crystal clear: our urban engineers have a bright future ahead of them. With the creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills they honed during their time at AMS Institute, we're confident that they'll make a meaningful impact on the world around them. Congratulations again to our graduates, and best of luck on your next adventures!
Good luck MADE alumni!
As we bid farewell to our MSc MADE alumni, we can't help but feel a twinge of bittersweet emotion. We'll miss their unique perspectives, their enthusiasm for tackling urban challenges, and their infectious energy that filled our hallways for the past two years.
But even as we wave goodbye, we're thrilled to see the incredible paths they're forging in their professional lives. From urban planners to sustainability experts, our graduates are already making an impact in their respective fields. And we have no doubt that they'll continue to do amazing things in the years to come.
At AMS Institute, we're committed to staying closely connected to our alumni and supporting their ongoing development. After all, their success is our success, and we're proud to have played a role in preparing them for the next chapter of their journeys.
So to our MSc MADE alumni: best of luck in all your endeavors, and know that you'll always have a home at AMS Institute. We can't wait to see what you'll achieve next!