Jón Ingi, former student at the International two-year master’s program in psychology.

Why did you choose this specific master’s program? 

– When I finished my bachelor's degree I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with the rest of my career. My plan wasn't to become a clinical psychologist, I wanted to go in to research. However, in the last semester of my bachelor's studies, I was asked: Why bother studying psychology if not to alleviate psychological distress and facilitate human well-being? I didn’t have a good answer to this question, but decided to apply to Stockholm University and the International master's program in psychology to get the opportunity to meet people from all over the world in a research-based program. I figured that the international master's would prepare me for whatever I would decide to tackle next, and that turned out to be correct!

– I also have a part of my family who lives in Sweden which was a nice bonus.

What are you doing today?

– Today I'm back in Iceland and I'm actually studying to become a clinical psychologist while also doing research in both Iceland and Sweden. When I wrote my master thesis, I was lucky to get to know Professor Per Carlbring; he supervised my thesis project and we have collaborated on a few other projects since. I also do part-time work as a research assistant, and assistant teacher through my current university in Iceland. I also work as a specialist support worker for individuals with autism. 

At Stockholm University, I got the opportunity and joy of learning things about areas that I wasn't very familiar with.

What use do you have from your master's education in psychology today?

– I use my education in so many different ways. For example, I learned R programming which I use almost every day in my research. However, the most valuable component of my master's education was that during my time at Stockholm University, my critical thinking was fostered beyond what I thought I was capable of! 

How was your time at Stockholm University? 

Always close to the nature at Campus Albano. Photo: Lennart Johansson, Stadsbyggnadskontoret

– I had a great time at Stockholm University and in the international master's program in psychology. I met engaged teachers and students; it was such a pleasure to be in a class filled with smart and engaged people! At Stockholm University, I got the opportunity and joy of learning things about areas that I wasn't very familiar with; things that hadn't been introduced during my bachelor's degree, like positive psychology. 

– And I really enjoyed being at campus Albano. Everything is so modern and close to nature. 

Jón Ingi keeps a blog where he talks about his educational journey, available at jonhlynsson.com