Marie Nowak, 27
Country: Germany
Bachelor's degree: Hospitality and Tourism Management

- Why did you decide to apply for the EMTM program?

I decided to apply for the EMTM program after I finished my bachelor’s degree in New Zealand because it sounded exactly like what I was looking for - an opportunity to continue my studies with a focus on sustainable tourism while getting out of my comfort zone, living in different countries and learning about different cultures.

- What is your best EMTM memory?

It’s impossible to pick only one! The numerous international dinners we shared, road trips through the Balkans and Norway, our visits to ITM in Berlin and the Smart City Expo in Barcelona and many interesting lectures...I think overall I would say sharing all these experiences with so many great and motivated individuals from all around the world!

- What was your next step after EMTM? Why did you decide to pursue a PhD?

At end of my fourth semester, I started looking for PhD positions in the field, as I realised how much I enjoyed research and felt like doing a PhD would be an exciting new challenge for me.

Now as a PhD candidate at Dalarna University and Mid Sweden University, I’m involved in different research projects while writing my thesis. Apart from conducting field studies, taking courses, writing journal articles and my thesis, I’m also involved in teaching and supervision of Bachelor thesis at the University.

- How did the EMTM program help you in your professional career?

Interacting with a wide range of researchers and practitioners and the mix of classroom lectures and field trips allowed me not only to develop my theoretical knowledge in various tourism-related subjects but also to connect this knowledge to practice. Particularly one of the lectures at the University of Ljubljana has inspired my PhD topic and made me realise my interest in sustainable consumer behaviour and field experimental research. Getting to know the different learning and teaching styles has also helped me greatly in working together with diverse researchers and teaching students from different backgrounds.

- What is you career goal?

For now, I’m focusing on finishing my PhD. I can see myself continuing in a career where I’m able to conduct research and apply it in practice, as a postdoc or consultant...we will see!

Questions answered by Marie Nowak (Germany), Alumna of EMTM Generation 2017-2019