Matthijs Maas, class of 2012

Major: Social Science

Further Education: MSc International Relations at University of Edinburgh

Current Occupation: PhD in Law (University of Copenhagen), focusing on the governance of artificial intelligence

What do you like most about your current job? The sheer breadth of fields (philosophy; political science; technology; society) which converge at my subject area; the ability to teach and discuss with students.

How did University College Utrecht prepare you for your life after the college? UCU gave me an affinity for tracking research questions and topics wherever they go, across disciplinary boundaries, which is invaluable in my research space. In turn, it also enabled me to talk across disciplinary boundaries to help translate findings amongst different communities or audiences.

What is your best memory of University College Utrecht? The sheer breadth of interests and activities you're able to pursue with your peers.

Do you have any advice for current and future students? Iterate and try out a lot of things. You're flexible and few career choices right now will 'lock you in' truly permanently. Also, for high-impact careers, check out the career coaching by the nonprofit 80,000 Hours.