Wouter en Jasper Wesseling
Studying and running your own business? Take a look at the Centre for Entrepreneurship page.
Sitting in the same lecture hall as your brother and running a company together at home? That takes some serious sibling synergy. For Jasper and Wouter Wesseling, it’s all in a day’s work. Both brothers study Computer Science at NHL Stenden in Emmen and, alongside that, run their own business: Hermanos Media & IT. Oh, and let’s not forget their part-time job at the local supermarket. As they put it: “We’re living proof that men can multitask too!”
Brothers in tech
“Our love for IT started way back in primary school. While other kids collected Lego sets or Pokémon cards, our bedrooms were filled with old computers and servers we’d taken apart and rebuilt. Things really kicked off when our school got a 3D printer — and we even got to take it home to assemble ourselves. From that moment, we were hooked: always building, repairing and designing cool gadgets together.”
From gift cards to the Chamber of Commerce
“In high school, we got asked to make a few promo videos. That’s when the idea of starting a little media company was born. At first, we only worked for people we knew — often being paid in gift cards. After finishing secondary school, we both went on to study Software Development at college. That’s where we really levelled up our skills, especially programming, and soon expanded our business. Signing up officially at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce was a proud moment: Hermanos Media & IT was born.”
In class with your brother
“We’ve always spent a lot of time together, but until September 2024, we’d never actually shared a classroom. That changed when we both started the Computer Science programme in Emmen. Fellow students were pretty surprised to find out we’re brothers, but for us? It just feels natural.”
Copying homework? Not anymore
“Ha, we don’t do that anymore. We’ve learnt our lesson there! These days, we make our assignments individually, discuss them in our study group, and learn from each other’s strengths.”
Practical tips from fellow students
“Since starting our degree, our company has become much more professional. That’s thanks to the lectures, but also because we joined the Center for Entrepreneurship. Other students running their own businesses have shared great tips with us — from writing quotes to setting up proper terms and conditions.”
A hotspot for entrepreneurship
“Through the Center for Entrepreneurship, we connected with Growing Emmen — a hub for young entrepreneurs. It’s the perfect place to work, meet new people and share knowledge. Sometimes we work from a hot desk there, especially when meeting clients. It definitely looks a lot more professional than the kitchen table!”
A brilliant springboard
“For us, the Center for Entrepreneurship is a real springboard. We’ve been to several events with inspiring guest speakers. Hearing how successful entrepreneurs started small motivates us massively. The centre could even help us arrange an internship within our own company in the future. It wasn’t possible in year one, but maybe by year three or four — and that would be amazing.”
From supermarket shifts to a super start
“Our goal? To one day say goodbye to the supermarket job and, diploma in hand, both work full-time in our own company. From supermarket to super start!”