The inspiring achievement of Marília Trindade
The trajectory of Marília Trindade is an inspiring example of how dedication, focus, and self-confidence can lead to the realization of big dreams. A former student of the Master’s in Emerging Technologies in Education at MUST University, she has just won a place in the doctoral program at the University of Minho, in Portugal — and on her first attempt!
According to Marília, the thrill of being accepted right away was immense, especially because she imagined that the selection process would follow the Brazilian model, with a focus on an extensive academic resume. However, what counted most were her grades, professional experience, research proposal, and letter of intent. “I was surprised to see that the announcement placed much more value on our grades and professional background than on a resume full of titles. This allowed me to really show my potential.”
She also believes that the master’s degree she obtained at MUST University played a significant role in her acceptance. “I found a program that aligned with my qualifications, and the fact that I already had a foreign degree in a current field such as educational technologies certainly made a difference.”
During her master’s degree, Marília overcame her fears and gained new perspectives on distance learning. “Before, I thought I wouldn’t adapt to distance learning, but MUST showed me otherwise. I learned that research and study go hand in hand, and that a well-founded article is the result of this combination. I also developed proficiency in APA style formatting, which will be essential in my doctorate.”
Balancing work, personal life, and studies was also part of the challenge. But with organization and discipline, Marília managed to adapt her routine and even took advantage of free moments at work to advance her studies. This experience contributed to her personal and academic growth.
The decision to pursue a doctorate came after UNAMA recognized her degree. “That’s when I understood how much the master’s degree had already impacted my career. And I realized that a doctorate could take me even further, both academically and in terms of professional recognition. That is my greatest incentive: to grow and delve deeper into what I love.“
For those who also dream of pursuing international paths, Marília offers valuable advice: ”Dedicate yourself to getting excellent grades, above 9.0. Universities abroad value academic history. Take advantage of every opportunity to connect with professors and publish your articles whenever you can — even if you are still in Brazil.“
And finally, a powerful reminder: ”Believe in your potential. I discovered that the international academic world is much, much bigger than we imagine!”
Marília Trindade’s journey is proof that it is possible to go far with a solid education, institutional support, and, above all, faith in yourself.
MUST University celebrates her achievement and continues to encourage other students to explore the world with courage and knowledge.
