Felicia Kooistra
Felicia Kooistra (alumna) studied International Business during the COVID pandemic. It required flexibility, a skill that now proves invaluable in her work as a freelance marketer and content creator. During and after her studies, she has already gained extensive work experience both in the Netherlands and abroad
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From vocational education to higher education – and on to a Master’s
“I clearly remember that after finishing my vocational education, I didn’t feel done learning at all. Going on to higher education was never something I had to do, but I did want to keep developing myself. I had done my research and set my sights on International Business. From the very first moment, NHL Stenden felt right because of its international focus and the practical experience.”
“After completing my International Business degree, the plan was to start working full-time. But then the right match for a Master’s came along: International Fashion & Luxury Management at Rome Business School. My passion lies in fashion and creating, so the decision was easy. I applied, got accepted, cancelled my apartment in Leeuwarden, packed my bags and left.”
“Living in Rome was special. The city felt like an open museum and I loved the culture. But at the same time, something else became clear. Italy was a chapter, not the final destination.”
“Back in the Netherlands, I started working as a Content Marketer and a year later I moved to another company. It was good work, great colleagues, and still something didn’t feel right. Even in an environment where I felt comfortable, I noticed something was missing. At the end of the week, I didn’t feel fulfilled. The urge to build something of my own has been there for as long as I can remember.”
Taking the leap
“After eight months, the new year was approaching and I realised I couldn’t ignore that feeling any longer. It was time to take the leap. While working in employed roles, freelance projects had already come my way quite naturally and I was active as a content creator. I had been registered with the Chamber of Commerce for quite some time. That made the step to full-time entrepreneurship feel like something that had always been coming.”
That I officially started as a full-time freelancer in January 2026 wasn’t something I had planned in advance. Still, it felt like the most natural step I could take.”
“Becoming self-employed was never a plan B or a coincidence. It has always been my end goal.”
Future dreams
“I’m a real dreamer. My mind is full of ideas, concepts and things I still want to build and experience. At the same time, I know that without action, they will remain dreams. So in the coming years, I expect a lot of action, growth and continuous learning.”
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