Afbeelding
Opportunities
“Working in the business office, you’re constantly surrounded by figures and financial overviews. Although the work environment at NHL Stenden was great, I didn’t feel the same about my job. I was in the right company, but in the wrong place – until I got the chance to switch to timetabling. In this position, I could often be found in the Leisure and Event Management department and I loved the dynamics with the students there. When I saw there was a chance to do a course in problem-based education, I seized it with both hands. It meant I could coach students as they tackled questions set by businesses. You really do get every opportunity here to develop your talents.”
Lecturer and coach
“I so enjoyed working with students that, two years ago, I decided to do a master’s in Learning and Innovation. It was a little stressful, but I’m so pleased I did it. Teaching is mainly about experience and the more you teach, the better you get. The best thing about it is being able to really help students. They can sometimes be a little insecure or lost, don’t who they are or where they are in life. You help them find out more about themselves. And sometimes students think that they should be able to do everything straight away. I teach them about self-analysis and help them become more empowered. It’s nice to be able to provide insights like these and in this respect, you’re often more of a coach than a lecturer.”
You go faster on your own, but further together
“What’s special about working at NHL Stenden is that you really feel we all have the same goal. We’re all there for the students and for each other. We really do work together. You see this in the partnerships we have with businesses and municipalities and within the programme. For instance, we use the feedback we get from students so that we can make the programme even better. And the link to industry means we stay up-to-date with what’s happening. The saying ‘you go faster on your own, but further together’ really is true.”
Energy
“The international mix at the university of applied sciences is really special. It means you learn how to work with different people and cultures. I’d love to do a six-month exchange at some point, and the great thing is that NHL Stenden gives you exactly this kind of opportunity. I really enjoy working with the field too, like when the Leisure and Event Management students get to collaborate with a company like Euro Disney, thinking up and shaping new concepts like a park attraction. I really think that’s what makes the education here so groundbreaking, but there are other smaller things too that I really appreciate, like Friday afternoon drinks or a good discussion with a colleague. By the way, my new colleague is more than welcome to call me anytime to chat about the job. I enjoy a good sparring – and preferably a good cup of coffee to go with it.”