Voorbij Zuyd Magazine for Zuyd University of Applied Sciences Alumni 2021|2022
Further study Abroad Getting on top of your thesis How do you approach this? Zuyd helps Read from whom and where you can get help Applying for jobs The best way
Hi there ! This magazines contains everything you need to know about the final phase of your studies!
Content
10
Ferné started studying abroad
30
12
The best way to apply for jobs
Getting on top of your thesis!
Publisher’s imprint Voorbij Zuyd is the magazine for Zuyd University of Applied Sciences Alumni. If you have any ideas for this magazine, send us an e-mail! This will help us make sure next year’s students are even better prepared for their graduation phase.
How do you approach this?
Editors Marketing and Communication Services, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences communicatie@zuyd.nl
20 Psychological problems? Zuyd helps!
And next… 4 Studying abroad 6 Internships abroad: A valuable experience 8 Speed date yourself to an internship 9 Keep learning even after you’ve graduated 14 Three thesis pitfalls 16 Cherish your study network 18 Psychological problems among students 22 Work first or do a Master’s degree? 23 Don’t let your student debt get you down 24 The icing on the cake: your thesis nominated for an award! 26 The recipe for a perfect CV 28 Find something that’s right for you! 32 Yes! Got the interview! 33 Alumni magazine 34 For yourself or for the boss? 35 Ten steps to set up your own business 36 End of study checklist
Text Corine Castenmiller Eveline de Bruijn-Mevis Franc Coenen Jos Widdershoven Judith Houben Linda Hoogsteden Lizette Colaris Nicole Vijgen Sjoukje Dijkstra Students from the Journalism and Commercial Writing minor at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences Photography Debbie Gropstra Johannes Timmermans Jonathan Vos Nathan Marriott Design Homo Ludens design agency Printing De Bondt Grafimedia Communicatie Thank you to all the students and staff who have contributed to this magazine. Edition: April 2022
Follow us on social media
Foreword
The time has come: the final phase of your university of applied sciences bachelor’s degree is fast approaching! Maybe it's sooner than you thought, or maybe you’re thinking, finally... what an exciting phase. And will this mark the end of your studies, or would you like to study further? In the Netherlands or abroad? Graduating starts with finding an internship, doing the internship and writing a thesis or completing a graduation project. You’ll have to deal with a lot during this teaching period, as well as all the practical matters that need to be arranged when you graduate. Do you already have an idea of everything you’ll need to do? That’s why we’ve produced this Voorbij Zuyd, the magazine that gives you so much information and tips that will be really useful for you at this stage. Browse through and read the articles and tips that look interesting for you! We hope this will help you on your way to a fantastic graduation period and, of course, to that one goal that it’s all about: your bachelor’s degree! We hope you enjoy reading it and wish you all the best for your studies and graduation! Editors
* Check the lightbulbs throughout the magazine for all our handy tips .
voorbij zuyd / 3
Interview with graduate
Want to lea rn more about studyi ng in Aachen ?
Studying abroad:
‘Overcome your fear and just go for it’
Take a look at studerenina ken.nl
Ivo Merk Alumnus Engineering
RWTH (Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule) is just over the border in the
Text: Eveline
If you’re considering further academic study after your Bachelor’s degree, you don’t
de Bruijn-Mevis
need to look far from home. And you also immediately gain valuable international
German city of Aachen. It’s a top university in our own EU region with a huge number of international students. Various Zuyd research centres cooperate with this university.
experience. It’s really interesting for Zuyd bachelor students looking for a follow-up study at Master’s level! Are you interested? Ivo Merk has been there and done that. Read about his experiences here.
Family and friends thought he was mad when he decided to do a Master’s degree after his Engineering degree. But that’s just what Ivo Merk did. He went to study in Germany at the RWTH in Aachen. Ivo was certainly not the model of German-style efficiency, and certainly didn’t have particular talent for languages. It was hard work, but really worth it. ‘After my Bachelor’s degree I still didn’t feel ready to start work,’ explained Ivo Merk. ‘I was looking for more depth and wanted to investigate how things work.’ He decided on a three-year Master’s degree taught in English: Electrical Power Engineering at RWTH. Why Aachen? ‘Actually it’s quite simple. The study really appealed to me and the tuition fees were quite a bit lower than at TU Eindhoven or TU Delft.’ No language barrier Ivo first needed to successfully complete a mathematics and an English course before he could start. ‘I’d expected to face problems with 4 / voorbij zuyd
English during my studies, as I’m not that great with languages. But things were only a bit awkward and clumsy for the first week. After that you develop quickly because you’re in a group with other international students, and that also made it really fun. You meet people from all kinds of nationalities, and you learn a lot about each other’s culture and customs.’ Another mindset needed The study programme itself was a disaster in that first semester. ‘The gap between the Bachelor's and Master's degree programme was huge and I was really behind in certain subjects. It made me wonder whether I should continue.’ But it was what Ivo wanted so he changed his mindset and adjusted to the German study mentality. ‘In Germany you’re expected to really understand the subjects and acquire in-depth knowledge. The Dutch way of scraping a 5.5 just to pass is absolutely not done. You need to perform and you need to
know what you’re doing. You need to go for a 9 or 10.’ I gained so much ‘It was a huge switch, but I was really motivated and I gained so much. I learned to work so hard in those three years, made new friends, and acquired huge amounts of knowledge. For my thesis I worked at the IAEW Institute in Aachen. We conducted dielectric tests in the lab up to 100,000 volts and created ‘lightning flashes’ even up to 1,000,000 volts. An invaluable experience. ’ And... armed with my Master’s degree, I was able to choose from three jobs. Just do it! Ivo recommends that everyone should study abroad. ‘I notice that there’s not much interest among Dutch students for studying in Aachen. They think it will be too much work or too difficult. But they couldn’t be more wrong. Don’t be afraid of taking that step. Overcome your fear and just go for it.’
‘
Make sure you find out everything about the country, the language, the culture and customs Pascalle Manderveld Internship Coordinator Oriental Languages and Communication
Working/studying abroad
Internships abroad Doing an internship abroad is a unique way to learn a new language or culture. So it’s no surprise that more and more students are choosing to do this. However, the coronavirus pandemic means you can’t assume you can arrange such an internship. So, how do you approach this? And what kinds of things do you need to take into account? Pascalle Manderveld, coordinator at the Oriental Languages and Communications (OTC), study programme, ensures you are completely up-to-date.
Every year Pascalle guides students in their search for their graduation internship at companies both at home and abroad. This search actually starts from the third academic year. During this internship students put the knowledge and experience gained during their study into practice. Go for an international experience During the orientation phase, students decide for themselves whether they want to stay in the Netherlands, or go abroad. But where to exactly? Pascalle responded: ‘Where you can and are permitted to do your internship depends on the study programme requirements. OTC is an internationally-oriented communications programme with the focus on Chinese, Japanese or Arabic language and culture. But that doesn’t mean that you can only gain international experience by doing an internship abroad. There are so many opportunities. For instance, a number of students following a language specialism in Chinese have chosen to do an internship at a large logistics company in Venlo. They did, however, go on a business trip to China.’ Nevertheless, Pascalle does recommend choosing an internship abroad if you get the chance. ‘Such an international internship really offers added value and can help you stand out from the rest, both on your CV and on the labour market.
Text: Students from the Journalism and Commercial Writing minor at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Jordan, or Egypt, for instance. Currently the number of students that can and want to go abroad varies per study programme and school. If you’re still looking for an international internship, it’s no longer a certainty that you can actually go abroad for it. ‘Fortunately however, the number of opportunities is increasing, including hybrid. Many students are working partly at home and partly at the internship provider’s location. Unfortunately, as the coronavirus regulations keep changing students also need to be really flexible.’ Important to know If you want to do your internship abroad, in addition to the current pandemic restrictions, you’ll need to take certain things into account. Pascalle stated: ‘Read up, make sure you find out everything about the country, the language, the culture, and customs. Each country has its own customs, norms, and values. You’re plunged into a culture that’s not your own so you need to be well-prepared for this. Also consider your financial situation because you can’t always rely on getting an internship allowance. Are any scholarships available? Do you need a visa? Is it achievable? Do they have a student community? What can you arrange in terms of accommodation?’
Internships during a pandemic The pandemic and the constant changes in legislation and regulations, mean that internship arrangements are different from usual. ‘Before the coronavirus crisis, our students mostly did internships in Japan, China, Dubai,
voorbij zuyd / 7
Networking
‘Be honest about what you want, what you’re looking for and about your strengths and weaknesses,’ she explained. Was speed dating a success? Maud continued: ‘Well, I managed to find an internship via speed dating! Without speed dating, I think I’d still be searching now,’ says Maud.
Speed dating with potential employers Find an internship in fifteen minutes Text: Students from the Journalism and Commercial Writing minor at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences Speed dating: a fast and truly efficient way to find potential partners. That’s why Zuyd organizes spring and autumn speed dating events, under the heading: Meet your Future. This enables you to get to know potential internship companies in a flexible and fun way. Hundreds of interviews took place between students and companies during the first editions of Meet Your Future. Speed dating enables both parties to get a good idea of each other so you can see immediately if there’s a match! Zuyd students Dahnee, Vincent, Maud, and Michiel tried the speed dating in their search for an internship. Dahnee de la Croix (fourth-year Business Studies) had already sent many e-mails and open applications letters but without success Her internship
8 / voorbij zuyd
coordinator recommended that she take part in the speed dating event, which had actually already started. At the eleventh hour Dahnee still managed to arrange a few interviews. Would she have preferred to speak to the internship providers in person? ‘Although it’s not exactly same communicating via a laptop, the differences are not so huge. Companies did their very best to make a good impression'. Dahnee’s got a good tip on how important it is to be well prepared for the interviews: know what you want to ask. Maud Maluche (fourth-year Facility Management) was looking for an internship. Even though she was still busy doing her minors, she wanted to find out more about interesting sectors and organizations. After the speed dating, she’s got a good idea of what she wants and knows what kind of internship would suit her.
Michiel Miermans (fourth-year Oriental Languages and Communication) kept putting off arranging his graduation internship. When he heard about the speed dating he thought ‘Oh no, that’s not for me. I’d have to really sell myself to them.’ After a meeting with the student counsellor, he decided to give it a go. ‘I was terrified, but everyone was so nice. I am so pleased I did it. It’s not about whether it goes perfectly; it’s about having that discussion. ’Michiel’s tip: ‘Just go for it without having any expectations. You’ll maybe even learn something surprising about yourself. For instance, I learned that it’s important that I only grow if I step out of my comfort zone.’ Vincent Welling (fourth-year Marketing Management) had found three companies that he really liked the look of. ‘How do you know whether you’re choosing the right companies? You don’t actually know that, which is what’s so great about speed dating’, smiled Vincent. Having a click with a company was really important for him, and he felt that immediately with one of the speed dates. ‘Without speed dating I would’ve had to make loads of phone calls and visits only to find out that a company wasn’t even on the lookout for an intern. With speed dating, the companies are already looking for someone so the chance of a match is much higher.’ Vincent has good memories of the event: ‘For me it wasn’t only a success because I found an internship, it also gave my self-confidence a huge boost!’ We will be organising another ‘Meet your Future’ at the Nieuw Eyckholt location in Heerlen on 11 May 2022. This will be a ‘live’ festival. If you’d like more information about this festival or other ways to get in touch with regional employers, visit https://www.careerservices.zuyd.nl
Zuyd Professional
Zuyd Professional Tower of strength after your studies
Further information You can find information on all the options within your field of work at: www.zuydprofesional.nl Or contact us via our contact form: https://www.zuydprofessional.nl/contact
It’s important that you keep on developing in this rapidly changing labour market. But sometimes you find a suitable job, and after a while discover you still need some in-depth knowledge. Zuyd Professional enables you to develop your management skills, for instance, or you can retrain for a switch in career. Zuyd offers a range of options, from training days, short courses, and masterclasses to entire Bachelor's programmes, Master's degree programmes, and Associate degrees. Zuyd Professional offers suitable courtes in Maastricht, Heerlen, and Sittard for every professional field. The programmes are designed specifically to accommodate the needs of people who work and study. These include flexible starting times, the introduction of practical case studies and using learning material directly in your workplace. Zuyd Professional also provides customization for organizations that aim to offer an in-company study programme. There’s a course or study programme to match every professional! In-person education In-person education is important for Zuyd Professional. We will keep doing this as long as this is permitted. Zuyd Professional does everything it can to offer you safe on-campus education because, after all, you learn a lot from others. That’s why they follow the RIVM guidelines. The groups are generally small (five to twelve people) and the rooms are large.
Training on offer There’s a wide range on offer within: • business administration & management • construction & technology • career guidance • education • personal skills • care and welfare STAP budget: a new allowance for learning while working The government is restructuring the student expense allowance from March 2022 and is introducing the STAP budget.This means that employees and job-seekers can apply for a STAP budget of up to €1,000 for training and development. STAP stands for Stimulating Employment Market Position and replaces the current tax deduction for student expenses. Zuyd University of Applied Sciences is a recognized trainer and is registered in the STAP training register. If you’d like to know more about what the STAP budget can mean for you and how you can apply for it, read more on zuydprofessional.nl
voorbij zuyd / 9
Interview with graduate
Ferné Vranken studies in England:
‘Don’t underestimate how much you have to arrange’
Ferné is doing his chiropractor master’s programme in Bournemouth.
Ferné opted for a VSBfonds scholarship for studying abroad. ‘I didn’t necessarily want to go abroad. But in Europe you can only follow a chiropractor programme in France, Spain, Denmark, or England. I opted for English because of the language barrier.’
‘Before you study abroad, don’t underestimate how much you need to arrange. For me, that already started with the choice of institute. Should I go to London, Cardiff in Wales, or Bournemouth on the south coast of England? After various orientation interviews, I opted for EACC in Bournemouth. That was the only place I could start on the three-year course straight after my bachelor’s degree. What’s more, the programme in Bournemouth is regarded as one of the best. ‘The Dutch professional association of chiropractors (NCA) really helped me. They told me everything about the application procedures for the various study programmes abroad, gave me examples for a personal statement and a reference for the admission procedure.’
Text: Nicole Vijgen
10 / voorbij zuyd
Roller coaster! 2021 wasn’t the easiest year to start studying in England. Because of Brexit tuition fees were 18,000 euro per year and Ferné also needed to apply for a visa. Ferné received a 10,000 euro scholarship from VSBfonds. As he wanted to have his rent and living expenses arranged for those three years, he took on three part-time jobs. He was able to convince DUO to loan him the maximum 1,900 euro per month. Ferné’s internship supervisor put him in touch with a former Zuyd student who was already studying in Bournemouth. That’s how he
found his accommodation. ‘I had extra English lessons to make sure I passed the mandatory language test with the required 6.’ Independent learning Studying in England is, however, really different: ‘You need to find out everything for yourself. You get information from films, for example, within a digital learning environment. The lecturer helps you during practicals where needed. He only demonstrated treatment techniques if you asked for this. The master’s degree in England proved to be just what I was searching for. As a chiropractor you can quickly provide relief from pain by restoring proper movement and function to the joints and muscles. With this training, I want to specialize so I can help people even more. Having my own practice is my ultimate dream.’ Compatriots Ferné really enjoys living in England. He shares his home with a Dutch student. They travel together on their electric scooter to the campus just outside Bournemouth every day. They also regularly make appointments with other Dutch people, organizing a Sinterklaas evening, for example. ‘If something happens, we’re there for each other. There’s also a gym on campus that I go to every week. And I’m on the beach within a five-minute walk from my home! What more could you want as a student!’
Interested in a scholarship? The VSBfonds offers students the op portunity to ap ply for a schola rship. Scholarships ar e made availabl e every year to bachelo r’s or master’s degree students who want to contin ue studying or conduc t research abro ad. VSB fonds scholars hips are capped at €10,000. Furthe r information ca n be found at www. vsbfonds.nl.
Vlog
Leon Frantzen (23), graduate of Co nservatorium Maast richt, is doing his mas ter´s programm e in Manchester. W atch his vlog and read his story (in Dutch) .
Want to study abroad too? Ferné’s tip: Tip 1: ‘Collect as much information as possible. For example, get in touch with people who are already there. Attend an online or on-campus open day to see whether the programme really is the right one for you. Tip 2: Are you willing to go abroad, with all the obstacles that throws at you? It really needs to be your own choice. Write down why you’re making that choice.’
‘
OK, last time, I swear: drink. coffee. with. someone. A new approach can sometimes work wonders Annelies Falk Graduation supervisor and founder of the Graduation lab
12 / voorbij zuyd
Graduation
Writing your thesis! How do you approach this? We asked Annelies Falk, graduation supervisor and founder of the graduation lab the most frequently asked questions about writing a thesis. In the graduation lab, Annelies helps long-term students graduate, partly by helping them finish their theses. She shares her best tips.
How do I choose a topic that’s worthwhile for me and my internship or client? According to Annelies it all starts with a cup of coffee. Just chatting with a lecturer, co-student, client, or internship representative. Bouncing ideas off someone can really help. First examine where your own interests lie, then talk with your client and work from there. Make sure you reflect too. Maybe you’ve done an interesting assignment in the past that you can build on. What should I watch out for when conducting research? This varies quite a lot between study programmes. But in general, you need to make sure your research questions are clear. Because: how can you do research if you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking for? Keep your target group in mind and keep talking to experts and those with experience. And research doesn’t mean you need to sit with your nose in books the whole day... How much time do I need to spend on my thesis? You should spend most of your time on the research, as writing your thesis is only part of that process. But that writing is a huge amount of work. So start by drawing up an ‘outline’ that defines the chapter layout and what you want to say in them. That will help you fit your research into your thesis.
Text: Students from the Journalism and Commercial Writing minor at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
How can I stick to my plan? Make sure you don’t take on too much in one go. Don’t work more than five hours a day on your thesis. According to Annelies, if you work intensively on your thesis for five hours a day, you’ll easily hand in your thesis on time. Set-
ting interim deadlines for yourself can help too. Set these on Fridays, for example, so you can enjoy a well-earned rest at the weekend. Reward yourself when you’ve finished something, too. Even if it’s just one chapter. Useful tips
Language use Annelies notices that students often find it hard to express things on paper, while they can explain it to her. It is perfectly fine to explain it as you would in the pub after a beer. Just in your own language. That’s how to start. You can always take out any errors later or rewrite sentences.
Feedback It can sometimes be difficult to get focused feedback. So make sure you’re asking clear questions: what do you want to know? And the rule applies here too: you only get out what you put in. If you put effort and time into your thesis, someone else will do that for you too.
The unavoidable dip At some point, maybe more than once, you’ll be extremely frustated and you’ll not be able to see a way forward with your thesis. That’s unavoidable, unfortunately, but it’s not the end of the world. Make sure that your thesis keeps ‘developing’. Keep asking questions, keep trying things out and above all, don’t let your thesis come to a standstill. That only makes it more difficult to get started again. OK and here it is again, I swear: drink. coffee. Talk to someone. A fresh approach sometimes works wonders.
voorbij zuyd / 13
Thesis
Three thesis pitfalls (and how not to fall into them) Text: Jos Widdershoven
Your thesis. You’re certainly not the only one who finds this the most difficult part of the study. You suddenly need to come up with a complete research project, implement it and write it up. You also need to meet your client’s requirements and those of the study programme. It’s not without reason that many students get delayed at this final hurdle. Some even drop out during the thesis. Imagine, you’ve completed your entire study and you stop just before the finish! How do you avoid thesis problems? Bachelor’s thesis expert Kinge Siljee explains using three pitfalls and, of course, offers her solutions. 14 / voorbij zuyd
Pitfall 1: Vague subject Your thesis topic, including a good main question and method, needs to be incredibly clear before you start your research. If you submit a vague plan, your client and supervisor don’t know exactly what you’re going to do. Then you run the risk of submitting something they weren’t expecting. If you say: ‘I’m doing something with logistics’, or ‘my thesis is about sustainability at my client’, then it’s too vague. Solution: try to tell a co-student in normal language what you’re going to do (and how you’ll do it) before putting it on paper. Let your co-student ask critical questions. Why are you researching this?
What goal do you want to achieve? What causes and consequences do you think you’ll find? How will you get an answer to your main question? This will help you clarify your topic. Pitfall 2: Poor contact with your supervisor Your programme’s supervisor largely determines whether your thesis is approved. If he doesn’t know what you’re doing, he’ll maybe think you’re not doing anything. On the other hand, if you’re constantly bombarding your supervisor with questions, he’ll think you’re too dependent. The way you respond, for instance brusque or impolite, can also have a negative effect on your final grade.
Thesis
Kinge Siljee is founder of the national student coaching organization Studiemeesters and is an authority on thesis supervision. She is author of three books on studying: Mastering your study avoidance, Mastering your thesis, and Survival guide for autistic students.
Make agreements about contact from the beginning. For instance via e-mail or in an interview. And stick to those agreements. Be polite and grateful for the help you’re receiving. That’s always appreciated. Pitfall 3: Life is not thesis proof Many students start working before they’ve finished studying. Avoid that as far as possible. Starting a new adult job is hard and takes a lot of energy. You’ll then not have enough energy for your thesis in the evenings and weekends. Work as little as possible, but keep doing those things that give you energy, such as exercise, social contacts and making music. In short: view your thesis as a full-time job.
Podcasts Want to know more about writing a thesis and study avoidance? Listen to these two podcasts (in Dutch) in which Lizette Colaris (student counsellor), Annelies Falk and Kinge Siljee discuss these themes in more depth.
Tips to avoid being in 'thesis turtore'
How to battle procrastination
voorbij zuyd / 15
Interview with graduate
Britt's tip: Cherish your study network Britt Dear Personnel adviser Vrouw, Moeder en Kind Centrum, MUMC+ Text: Franc Coenen
For Britt Dear, graduating didn’t mean saying goodbye to Zuyd University of Applied Sciences forever. As an HR adviser and alumna, she now assesses Zuyd students’ Bachelor's theses herself.
On the other side of the desk After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in People and Business Management (now known as Business Studies), Britt followed the Master’s programme in Law and Labour at Maastricht University. She is now a second assessor for theses submitted by Zuyd students. ‘People and Business Management is a broad programme, which is exactly what I wanted to do after finishing intermediate education (MBO). But as I definitely wasn’t the only one who had this idea, I wanted to go into even greater depth,’ stated Britt, personnel officer at Vrouw Moeder en Kind Centrum within MUMC+. ‘I started as HR adviser in 2015. ‘I was one of 120 applicants. After I got the job, I heard that my Master’s degree was one of the reasons I was chosen – it’s a specialization that makes you stand out.’ Maintaining links with Zuyd Britt sets aside time for her old programme department on several occasions each year. In addition to organizing the annual Business Studies Day together with a fellow former student, she assesses fourth-year students’ final theses. She enjoys maintaining her link with Zuyd. ‘When I read the theses, I notice that the students are still thinking and writing based on theory. It reminds me of myself, gathering knowledge from books and the internet. But now, I can combine this theory with practical experience.’ Practice is often a bit more abstract than the more solid theory. When students are coming up with their plan of approach, Britt is there to give 16 / voorbij zuyd
them tips on how to better incorporate the practical side of things in their thesis. ‘I ask questions that get students thinking, which is something that didn’t happen when I was a student.’ Informative If she can, Britt likes to attend the thesis defence. ‘It’s great seeing how students have used my tips.’ Zuyd pays her a fee as a second assessor. But that’s not de reason Britt does this work. ‘It’s a learning experience for me as well. It’s been five years since I learnt about theory. Although I follow courses on a regular basis, assessing the theses means I get to learn about even more new theories.’ Cherish your network! Aside from her formal work, Britt just loves coming back to her old programme department. ‘I always enjoyed my time here. But I must say, it was a little strange sitting on the other side of the desk.’ How long do you think you’ll be doing this for? ‘I hope I can still be part of this group in twenty years’ time,’ says Britt, smiling. Continuing to be involved in her old programme department also enables her to promote her work as an HR adviser. ‘Quite a few first-year students have a certain view of HR. In reality, it’s very different. HR is broader. I’m able to show them that.’ Britt finishes with a tip: cherish the network you built up during your student years. ‘It’s always important to stay in touch with your connections. Without them, I probably wouldn’t even have had this job.’
Zuyd helps
Psychological problems increasing among students ‘It’s no secret that I see a psychologist’, stated crown princess Amalia in the biography ‘Amalia’ by comedian, Claudia de Breij. Student psychologist Michêlle Lacroix of Zuyd University of Applied Sciences is grateful to the crown princess for standing up for psychology. Text: Judith Houben
18 / voorbij zuyd
‘Talking to a psychologist shouldn’t be taboo’, stated student psychologist Michêlle Lacroix. And yet, young people are often called ‘snowflakes’ if they do that. But students are increasingly struggling with questions such as: ‘who am I?’, ‘what do I do after studying?’, ‘how do I make sure I pass that test or graduate in time?’. Study stress Students are increasingly unable to cope with their lives. Lacroix: ‘Much more than twenty years ago. Studying looks cool with lots of beer and fun. But it’s also become
stressful.’ Together with her Zuyd colleagues, student psychologists Marcel Bellefroid, Dianne Verluyten and Jolanda Navis, Lacroix is seeing how issues such as these are becoming increasingly complex. A student recently called her from the school toilet. She was cutting her arm with a knife. She couldn’t cope with the pressure of a test. This is often due to heartbreak, a sick mother, divorced parents or bullying in childhood.’ Jeep and Botox Lacroix is touching on a sore point: ‘We’re living in a socially
engineered ‘me’ society. You need to have a jeep and inject yourself with Botox at a young age. And if you call a student gifted or excellent, what are those others? Retarded? Poor? What’s wrong with you if you have ADHD or autism.’ Talking about negative feelings and growing towards a ‘we’ society are the solution. Listening and suffering Social Media doesn’t make things easier either. ‘A photo of partying co-students makes it feel like you’re the only one sitting alone at home.’ It’s good if you have someone who’ll
listen to you and empathize with you. ‘This creates a bond of trust so that we can look at what a student needs. Young people also need to learn that suffering is part of life and shapes you. As a listening ear is crucial, we teach our lecturers and listening-ear students (Zuyd students you can turn to) to really see students. Everyone can do that. Asking how things are really going or maintaining eye contact for just a little longer offers support.’
‘Going along with the government all the time makes you tired. Some students go crazy in lockdown. Loneliness can even lead to early death because your immune system weakens. Love and touch produce substances in your body that keep you healthy.’ Lacroix hopes that everyone will look out for students more. Tell them that talking to a student psychologist isn’t so strange.
Lockdown is deadly Lacroix is really concerned about the many lockdowns.
voorbij zuyd / 19
“
There's always a solution Marcel Bellefroid Student psychologist
For privacy reasons, ‘Susan’ is not the student's real name.
Zuyd helps
‘Take all the help you can get!’ ‘My father was seeing someone else and that caused a lot of arguments. My parents threw stuff at each other and they each had their own lawyer’, explained Susan (23). The custody battle has left her less able to concentrate on her Speech and Language Therapy study at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences. Text: Judith Houben
Since the divorce, Susan has had no more contact with her father. She’s angry with him. ‘I also have three younger brothers. We felt so powerless when they were arguing. I was already living independently and if I went home at the weekend, I heard everything that had happened and my mother would talk endlessly about how she was feeling.’ Susan’s grandma and grandpa also died during that time. ‘Together with my aunt, they were the only family in the neighbourhood.’ Music helps Susan’s study is suffering under all the stress. When her school coordinator asks how things are going, she answers: ‘bad’. And then Zuyd’s safety net comes into play. The coordinator advised her to visit student psychologist, Michêlle Lacroix. ‘Because Michêlle is also my mentor, she advised me to talk with
one of the other student psychologists.’ That’s how Susan ended up with Marcel Bellefroid. ‘He always has handy tips. For instance, if my mother starts pouring her heart out again, Marcel taught me to say: ‘Oh mum, I’m really not the person you should be saying this to.’ Because I worry a lot, I sleep badly. Until Marcel told me about an app about mindfulness. When I listen to that, I just fall straight asleep. Marcel also said that problems disappear for a while if you play music. And that’s true. I play violin and I sing really loudly in the car along to the radio. That really helps!’ Drugs In the meantime, the situation at home got worse. Last summer, her brother (15) got involved in drugs and wanted to end his life. ‘I try to be there for him by doing nice things together. He also sometimes asks
for money. I find that difficult. I don’t want to say ‘no’ but I also don’t want to give him money for drugs. Marcel suggested that I could also give a gift token, which I thought was ideal.’ Free support! It’s these handy tips that help Susan keep her head above water. She’d like every student with problems to have such support and someone to trust. ‘Of course the step toward a psychologist is high. But once you’re there, you won’t be sorry. Just think: 'Who cares?' Take care of yourself. Take all the help you can get. It’s free. You get six sessions, plus an introductory meeting. If you have problems, just tell someone. There’s always a solution. Especially at Zuyd. It’s so small that everyone knows each other. At Speech and Language Therapy, there’s a real close connection with all the lecturers. I already notice that I’m getting stronger. Thanks to Marcel.’
voorbij zuyd / 21
Further study
Study finance for your master’s degree
Should I work? Or should I study for a master’s degree?
You may be entitled to study finance, but only if you’re going to follow a funded Mast er’s programme.2 Zuyd has various funded and non-funded Master’s programmes. Loan from DUO After your Bachelor’s programme, you’r e usually no longer entitled to supplementary study finance. However, you can get a loan from DUO: you determine how much you want to borrow per month and how much debt build s up. The conditions for taking out a loan with DUO are more favourable than with a bank, for example.
Got your degree but feel there’s still more you want to learn? Then go for a Master’s pr0gramme. A master’s degree shows that you can also look at your subject from a strategic perspective while integrating theory and practice. It also
Free public transport If you didn’t use more than four years’ study finance and the student travel pass for your Bachelor’s programme, you can use your student travel pass for one more year as a Mast er’s degree student. Some multiyear Mast er’s programmes even allow for an additiona l one-year extension, but only if you’re enrolled as a fulltime student.
offers additional growth prospects. Here is a list of the Master’s programmes offered at Zuyd.
Master of Advanced Nursing Practice Master of Architecture
Loans on good terms If you borrow money during your Mast er’s degree, you build up student debt that you have to pay back to DUO after graduation. You also pay interest on this loan, but this rate is low. You have 35 years to pay back your debt, in accordance with your income and ability to pay. See www.duo.nl. for information on inter est and repayments.
Master of Facility and Real Estate Management Master of Health Innovation
Temporary postponement of repayme nt You repay your student debt according to your income and ability to pay. This means that you pay a maximum of four per cent of the extra income you earn above the minimum wage. If you earn less than the minimum wag e, you do not need to make repayments (tempora rily). For more information regarding your pers onal situation, contact DUO via www.duo.nl.
Master of Architecture Master of Music Master of Personal Leadership in Innovation and Change Master of Scientific Illustration Master of Theatre Master of Midwifery
1
The Academy of Midwifery Studies has no longer been participating in the European Master of Science in Midwifery since 1 September 2021. They are establishing a joint degree (Master of Midwifery) with the other Midwifery programmes in the Netherlands. This concerns a modular part-time master's degree. It is planned to start in February 2023.. 1
22 / voorbij zuyd
Financial compensation for coronavi rus The government has taken various mea sures to support students financially during the coronavirus pandemic. The provisions are mainly to compensate for any study delay but can also benefit you if you’re planning to keep studying. See www.duo.nl for the current statu s. A funded programme is one that is supported by the government. You pay the statutory tuition fee. These are usually much lower than the tuition fee for a non-funded Master’s programme, for which you pay the institutional tuition fee. 2
r u o y t e l t ’ n Do t b e d t n e d u st n w o d u o y t ge
Financial matters
After graduating, you may still need to repay student loans to DUO. Do you think you might struggle? And how do you repay your loans? How does it work? You only have to start paying back your loans after two years, and you only make repayments for max. 35 years. Your monthly repayment is based on your income and how much student debt you have. So you don’t have to worry about having to pay back a large amount of money if you don’t have a job yet or if you have a low income. The current interest rate on study debts is also very low. See www.duo.nl for the most recent interest rate. Can I get a mortgage? As said, you don’t need to start repaying straight after your graduation, and you don’t need to pay more each month than what DUO has calculated. However, you may make extra repayments, which can be useful if you’re planning on buying a house. Having student debt will not prevent you from getting a mortgage, but your debt will be included in the calculation of your maximum mortgage amount.
n o i l l i m
In the
1.6
ds
rlan Nethe
have e l p o pe
ent d u t s a
debt
Tip: Use the calculator function on www.duo.nl to find out how much you will need to pay each month.
dent debt is
stu The average
0 0 2 , 5 1 €
In 2021, there was
€24.4 billion (Source: CBS)
in unpaid student debt
voorbij zuyd / 23
Interview with graduate
‘My thesis is nominated for an award. For me that’s the icing on the cake!’ Niels Kooiman Hospitality Management Alumnus and Master of Facility and Real Estate Management.
Text: Nicole Vijgen
page.2 2
→
Within a year of obtaining his Hospitality Management bachelor’s degree, Niels Kooiman (24) passed the Master of Facility and Real Estate Management master’s degree at Zuyd. This didn’t only enrich his knowledge, but gave his career a real boost.
Immediately after completing his master’s degree, Niels started work at the renowned real estate company Jones Lang LaSalle (JJL) in the Zuidas district of Amsterdam. This fantastic opportunity was partly due to his master’s degree. This was a great match for his job as a property consultant where he gives strategic advice on the valuation of office complexes and logistics buildings. ‘During my master’s degree, I wrote a thesis on calculating the financial added value of an energy label for office complexes in the Amsterdam real estate world. My thesis was nominated for the FMN Student Awards. For me that’s the icing on the cake and a huge honour!’ Niels graduated cum laude for his master’s degree. Niels discovered that in a first-time job seeker’s role, they often look at your average grades. ‘That motivated me to get the best result I could for my master’s degree. Due to the coronavirus, I had more time 24 / voorbij zuyd
More in forma tion about furthe r s and a tudy Maste r at Zu can be yd found on
to study as my entire social life had come to a standstill.’ Perfect combination After higher general secondary education, Niels didn’t know what he wanted to study. The hotel business, where you study and immediately start working in the industry, appealed to him. So he opted for the Hotel Management School. For him it was also the perfect combination for an instructive and great student life! The planned internships in Hong Kong and London during his bachelor’s degree couldn’t go ahead because of the coronavirus. He realized that he was in a difficult sector. The obvious choice was further study. Two master’s degrees on your CV After finishing this master’s degree you don’t just get one diploma but two, from the ‘Master of Facility and Real Estate Management at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences’ as well as the ‘Facility and Real Estate Management’
diploma from the University of Greenwich.’ ‘I think it’s really cool that I also have an English master’s degree. I always studied everything in English at Zuyd anyway. The master’s degree was in English too. An English master’s degree helps reduce that step towards a career abroad. Working abroad seems like an ace idea to me.’ Challenging Niels really enjoyed the combination of individual and group work during the master’s degree. The best challenge was the project at Maastricht Institute of Arts, in which he worked with students from this study programme to redesign the programme building’s ground floor. The layout of the space was adapted in such a way that the general public could also get an idea of what happens at the art academy. The programme really prepares you for working life. But don’t get me wrong, work takes some getting used to and is really different from study.’
Niels’ tips: Tip 1: ‘Use the personal coaching Zuyd has to offer! Talk with lecturers, the programme director or students who are following the master’s degree. Their experiences taught me a lot. Take the time for this and decide together whether the study is a match for you and your ambitions. Tip 2: Found a study programme? Take a good look at your personal statement. Show that you’re making a considered choice. And don’t forget self-reflection! Look critically at yourself and include that in your personal statement. Tip 3: Go to study fairs and get information about the master’s programme you’re interested in.’
voorbij zuyd / 12
oto from the image bank
How to stand out from the crowd?
Applying
The recipe for a perfect CV Possibly the most important piece of text you will write is your CV. In a CV, you are pitching yourself. Learn the dos and don’ts of writing a perfect CV. Is my CV really that important? Employers want to avoid being deluged by applications every time they have a job opening, so they save the CVs of the candidates they like, even when they give the nod to someone else for that particular job. The next time a job opening comes up, HR reviews the file of previously received CVs first. So your CV should jump out. That puts you right back in the race every time there’s a job opening. Of course, it’s always important to have a good CV. Two pages is enough Do you like reading long documents? Of course not – nobody does. Especially not recruiters. They screen CVs the way you browse Instagram. Two pages is long enough. Thirty seconds should be long enough to make an impression with your elevator pitch; your CV should be able to stand out in the same amount of time. Be brief and to the point. Start with what you think the employer will value the most. So start with the strongest work experience and education. Only then start describing your school experience, in reverse chronological order. Limit your CV to:
Wanted: new graduates with work experience You know how it works. Employers are really looking for that mythical creature: someone who’s just graduated, but also has work experience. Are you sure that’s not you? Think hard: •
I f you have relevant internship experience, say it! • Are you on the programme committee? Maybe the Advisory Council? That’s relevant experience. Show your commitment. • Have you participated in a student company? That counts too. • Are you active on the board of the student council? Add it to your CV! • Always think about how relevant any information is for the job. If you’ve coached a youth football team and you’re applying for a management position, that’s an interesting aspect. However, they’re probably not interested in knowing about your passion for rock-climbing!
Whatever you do, don't: • make any typos or spelling errors. • leave any gaps in your timeline. (they raise questions) – if you changed programmes or schools, give an honest account of what you did in the meantime • use colours and illustrations that can make you stand out if you’re applying to a creative employer, but will be frowned upon at the tax office. • post any overly frivolous photos on your public Facebook profile • use an attention-grabbing e-mail address. (do you really think hot_ mess@... would make the right impression?) Handy sites The year’s best CVs are available on sollicitatielab.nl. You can see there that there are many different approaches that work. www.stepstone.nl is one of the sites you can visit if you want to know how to make a video CV.
• name, address, date of birth • programmes studied • diplomas • internship and work experience as well as other relevant experience • language skills • four to six competences • personal profile
voorbij zuyd / 27
Interview with recruiter
‘Look for something that’s right for you!’ Monique Visser-Steegmans Recruiter at Randstad Text: Sjoukje Dijkstra
Monique Visser-Steegmans, employment expert and account manager at Randstad, gives advice on what you need to know when you graduate. ‘You may have chosen a programme that you’re still keen on, or you may be following a programme but don’t know where to look next. ‘Find something that’s right for you, whether in employment or further study.’
28 / voorbij zuyd
Keep improving yourself. ‘Being a graduate from a university of applied sciences will always help you in your career,’ says Visser-Steegmans. Her advice is to continue studying after obtaining your diploma. ‘Keep improving yourself. That doesn’t necessarily mean studying at university: you can gain knowledge at the company you’re working at or by attending workshops. That’s something that’s really big right now. And "life-long learning" is the motto here. If you keep developing/improving throughout your life, you make sure you are and stay interesting on the labour market.’ Students who are thinking about a gap year and then resuming their studies are advised NOT to do so. ‘If your study programme didn’t quite offer what you were looking for, pick another one, at a higher level, in an area that interests you. Don’t run away from it all by going on a gap year or travelling. The danger is in the distraction: you’re likely to get used to having money, enjoy having new experiences, and never return to studying. Only go travelling once you’ve finished studying.’
Staying on at your internship Visser-Steegmans says that many graduates stay on at their internship company. ‘If you’re offered that job after finishing your internship, take it! However, I know that not everyone is given this opportunity.’ She advises them to avoid looking for job openings and instead to find a job via contacts in their network. You’ll get there! ‘If that doesn’t work out, find five companies in the region that you’d like to work at. Try to get in contact with someone from HR and arrange an introductory meeting to get more information about the company and whether you’d enjoy working there. Of course, you still have to be well prepared and able to answer questions like: “Why you would you like to work for our company?”. Take a look at the annual report, the website, and research what the company is good at and less good at. In conclusion, these are my tips: Gather information, look for the study programme or work that suits you, apply, network, and get in contact with people! Good luck to all graduates! Don’t give up – you’ll get there!’
‘
You’ll have much more of a chance if they already know you Camiel Wolfs Business Studies Lecturer
Looking for work
Applying for jobs here’s what to do! The best way of applying for jobs You’ve made it: you’ve got your degree. Now it’s time to look for a job. But where to start? How to stand out among all the other applicants? And what should you watch out for at the interview? Business Studies Lecturer Camiel Wolfs has advice. Text: Students from the Journalism and Commercial Writing minor at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences
Apply where you’re known ‘The best way to find work is via your existing contacts. For instance, the organization where you did your internship’, says Camiel. ‘You can also apply where you’re not known, via job vacancy websites or an advert in the newspaper, but you’ll have much more of a chance if you’re already known.’ Make your personal statement stand out Want the job? Make sure your letter shows that. ‘It’s better to send one good letter to a company you really want to work for than fifteen letters to random companies in the hope that something comes out of it,’ states Camiel. ‘Don’t send a standard personal statement, – you need to adjust it to the vacancy and the company.’ ‘And don’t only say that you want to develop yourself further. Companies will appoint you because you’re good at something, not because you want to learn. So show what you’ve got to offer. But make sure you don’t come across as too boastful.’ According to Camiel, it’s important to find a balance between selling yourself and not exaggerating.
Ask someone you trust to read your letter to see how your message is coming across. Prepare for your job interview An employer wants be sure that you met the organization’s requirements. So it’s important that they gain a good impression of you. The employer knows what its requirements are and will ask questions about these. Camiel added: ‘It’s important that you memorize a few examples, both positive and negative.’ Additional important points are: be on time, be aware of your non-verbal communication, and dress according to the feel of the company. Trust yourself Many graduates are concerned about their limited work experience and doubt whether they have enough self-knowledge to put themselves out there. Camiel thinks that’s unwarranted. ‘Graduates underestimate themselves. Moreover, employers know you don’t have 25 years’ experience yet. In the end, it’s also important to do things and try things. You’ll not succeed all the time, but that’s normal.’ You’re sure to be successful using Camiel’s tips!
voorbij zuyd / 31
Applying when • Keep things positive. Even ul boss awf you’re talking about that at your last job. yourself. • You’re not there to defend what Channel the discussion towards nce. you learned from the experie er ready, • If you don’t have an answ to think time just say so. And use the about it, not to think about how an dumb it is that you don’t have answer ready. ns. • Try to ask your own questio up a few ahead of time.
Think
use that’s • End on a positive note beca ple, what people remember. For exam
concompliment them on how they to a nice ducted the interview or refer n. moment during the conversatio
Yes! I’ve got an interview Prepare yourself properly for your job interview Your palms are sweating, your voice is quaking, and with the opening question, ‘Did you have any trouble finding us?’, you go into shutdown mode. But you don’t have to. Job interviews are stressful. But preparing for them will take away all those pre-interview nerves. Text: Linda Hoogsteden
1. Be calm, be yourself Remember, this conversation goes two ways. Whoever is sitting across from you should get as realistic an impression of you as possible. And you can only do that if you’re calm and if you’re yourself. 2. Get information Make sure you’re well informed about the company/organization you’re applying for. Go on LinkedIn and search for the person who’s doing your interview. Know who they are before you go in. 3. Get your ambitions straight You know the type of question: ‘Where do you see yourself in five years?’ or ‘What would be your dream job?’ Interviewers like to see where your ambitions lie, as it says a lot about you as a person and as a potential colleague. Is this your dream job? Or is it a stepping stone to the next one? You and the company might be able to work together to make this a reality. 4. Important: Know who you are! What are your strongest qualities and what pitfalls do you have to watch out for? It’s impossible to be good at everything. But lots of us still think it is, which puts a huge amount of pressure on young people in particular. So, although many people struggle to do this, try to be aware of your weaknesses. This is an important consideration
not only for your job interview, but also for your future career. Not sure? Ask people you know, or do a quick Belbin group role test on the web. Think of some strong examples of your qualities. Finding good examples of your weaknesses is a little trickier. For this, try thinking of a sticky situation that you managed to resolve in the end, emphasizing that you learned from it. The interview Now you’re ready for the interview. The culture, your ambition, and your qualities tell the recruiter whether you and the company click. Don’t focus on having an instant click with the recruiter, as you’re probably not going to work with them on the first day.
Yes! I got the job: tract or a • Have an employment con •
deed of appointment drafted. ns/ Read the employment conditio
carefulcollective labour agreement e union. ly and consider joining a trad , If you are receiving any benefits • remember to terminate them (www.werk.nl)
schemes • Find out about bridging your that can help you make it to first salary payment.
32 / voorbij zuyd
Opt out
Want to start receiving the Alumni Magazine? As an alumnus of Zuyd, you will receive another magazine (in Dutch) about six months after completing your studies: Alumni Zuyd. In it, you can read about the experiences of other Zuyd alumni who have started working, set up their own company, made a big change in their life, or gone on to further study. It will also tell you about interesting developments in the region and include messages from companies about any career opportunities they have. You will receive this magazine at the last postal address you shared with Zuyd.
If you no lo nger want receive the to magazine, se n d a n e-mail to communic atie@zuyd .nl stating your name , address a nd your st udy. We will th en delete y our data fr the magaz om the ine’s addre ss database .
Start for yourself
Mika Koenen and Sander Schoenmakers
For yourself or for the boss? Sander and Mika started a cosmetics brand for men Sander Schoenmakers and friend Mika Koenen had wanted their own company since they were children. What would you prefer: working for hours on end for your own company but not earning much? Or a 9-5 job with a good salary but where you have to work for a boss? Sander opted for the first. Text: Franc Coenen
34 / voorbij zuyd
They’ve been building the cosmetics brand Rossberck for some four years now. ‘We noticed that creams were still seen as ‘not manly’. While men certainly benefit from caring for their body and mind. We decided to do something about this, which is how Rossberck started.’
‘
Creams are still seen as ‘not manly’
They were shocked to discover the ingredients in a shampoo or cream. Rossberck wants to do that differently. They focus on the self-aware man who is prepared to pay more for a good and fair product. ‘We go for quality. Good ingredients cost money’, stated Mika. Student entrepreneurs Sander graduated in Marketing Management in 2019. Mika passed his chemistry technology diploma last year. The two friends founded their company while they were still studying. In the early years, Mika had to do everything alongside his study. ‘The lecturers saw that we were seriously committed to the company.’ That accelerated the growth of the business. It was a conscious choice. Mika
stated: ‘We see friends elsewhere working and earning money, but we really enjoy coming to the office every day. And what’s nicer than building a business together with your best friend?’, added Sander. ‘I’d rather earn two grand in a company that belongs to me and my best friend than five grand in someone else’s company. The freedom and feeling you get if you build a brand from nothing is priceless.’ Developing new products They’ve now launched the first five skincare products made from natural ingredients. They sell via an online store. ‘As new brand you’d never stand out on the shop shelves between all those established brands.’ Moreover, they’re able to maintain direct contact with their customers (often via Facebook and WhatsApp). This means you can use feedback immediately. To accelerate growth, they now have an investor on board, who doesn’t only offer money but also experience and knowledge. ‘With an external investor, you have to let go of something, but now we can grow faster and do things more professionally. Because in ten years’ time, we want Rossberck to be a wellknown brand for the self-aware man throughout Europe.’
10 Steps to your own business:
#10 Network, Network, Network!
#09 Present yourself: Get a logo and website
#08 Make a financial backup plan
#07 Stay on top of your bookkeeping
#05
#06 Open a business account
Apply to the tax authorities for a VAT number
#03
#04 Choose a legal form
Register with the Chamber of Commerce
#02
Go for that complex business plan
#01 Get started with market research
Make sure you don’t forget these practical matters! 1. Deregister from Zuyd
a. Go to www.
r being awarded your diplom
Do this as soon as possible afte > Details > Uitschrijfto Opleidingen (Programmes)
studielink.nl and then omatically ion). If you don’t, Zuyd will aut verzoek (Request deregistrat to your enrollies app y Please note that this onl deregister you by 31 August. pping your sto as h suc s tter ma to arrange other ment at Zuyd. You still have below. study finance – see reminders
2. Stop your study financthee'Mijn producten' p your study finance. Go to og in to www.duo.nl to sto L p study diefinanciering stopzetten' (Sto (My products) and choose 'Stu finance).
3 . Cancel your student public travel pass ctivate your student make sure you also dea
s, When your study finance end by the tenth day of the /collection machine. Do this
travel pass at a loading nce. Please note no longer entitled to study fina first month in which you are first day of the of as s r student travel pas that you may no longer use you enreisprodent tud w.s ww on nd tion can be fou that month. Further informa y). uct.nl/stopzetten (in Dutch onl
4. Insurance policies
t rate).
reduced rate (a special studen
ce at a You may have taken out insuran ue of being a on your parents’ policy by virt
You may even be insured free pany of the fact to inform the insurance com student. If so, you are obliged t. that you are no longer a studen
ts 5. Secure your online documen to move them in your Zuyd folders? Please Are there any documents left studies, your r you of s after the conclusion your local folders. Thirty day Zuyd account will also expire.
Did you know… dents can download a ine diploma register where stu That DUO has an onl iplomaregister a? Please visit: www.duo.nl/d digital extract of their diplom
