Start your own business ‘It is okay if you stumble’
Writing your bachelor’s thesis
Useful tips
Zuyd helps Even when you are feeling down
Publisher’s imprint
Voorbij Zuyd is the magazine for Zuyd University of Applied Sciences Alumni. If you have any ideas for this magazine, please send us an email! This will help us make sure next year’s students are even better prepared for their graduation phase.
Editors
Marketing and Communication service department
Zuyd University of Applied Sciences communicatie@zuyd.nl
Text
Jos Widdershoven
Judith Houben
Jules Coenegracht
Lizette Colaris
Linda Hoogstede
Margo van Vlierden
Martine Boutz-Schijvens
Mirjam Flink
Sandy Ederveen
Photography
Debbie Gropstra
Johannes Timmermans
Laura Knipsael
Marijke de Gruyter
Design Ontwerpbureau Homo Ludens
Printing
De Bondt Grafimedia Communicatie
Thank you to all the students and staff who have contributed to this magazine.
Edition
June 2024
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Foreword
The time has come: the final phase of your university of applied sciences bachelor’s degree is fast approaching! This may be sooner than you thought, or maybe you are thinking, ‘finally...’ It is a very exciting phase.
The graduation process starts with finding an internship, completing that internship and writing a thesis or completing a graduation project. You will have a lot to deal with during this time. There are also many practical matters that need to be arranged for your graduation. Do you already have an idea of everything you will need to do?
And will this mark the end of your studies, or would you like to continue? In the Netherlands or abroad? This magazine contains a bunch of information and tips that will be really useful for you during this phase. Why not browse through and read the articles and tips that look interesting to you?
We hope this will help you on your journey to a fantastic graduation phase and, of course, to the goal you are all striving towards: earning your bachelor’s degree!
We hope you enjoy reading the magazine, and we wish you all the best for your studies and graduation!
6
Do not let borders hold you back – move beyond them
Working in the Euroregions
8
I got to meet people from all over the world
Studying abroad
12
Broaden your horizons with a language internship
Studying abroad
14
I have grown, both personally and professionally Career
18
Keep improving yourself at Zuyd Professional
Zuyd Professional
20
All Zuyd master’s degrees
Continuing your studies
21
Find your dream internship Internship
22
Everything you need to know about your master's degree and the money involved
Studying abroad
24
Know your core talents! And choose what really suits you Career
Eric Bruls
EURES at UWV
EURES (European Employment Services) is a European network established by public employment services (such as the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) in the Netherlands and the Flemish Service for Employment and Vocational Training (VDAB) in Belgium) to assist people who want to work abroad.
On the EURES website, you can find a lot of practical advice and information:
Don't let borders hold you back – move beyond them
Since you will soon receive your bachelor’s degree (or have already done so), you are probably already looking for the right job. You could simply stay in the Netherlands, or you could look across the border. This is not as complicated as you might think and sometimes a lot closer to home. There are people who can really help you out with this. In this article, you can read more about the opportunities to work abroad. Regardless of whether you want to continue living in the Netherlands (cross-border worker) or want to pack your suitcase and move to another country, the sky’s the limit!
There are many reasons to work abroad: love, a thirst for adventure or simply because it’s close to home, especially if you live in Limburg. Limburg is the most international province in the Netherlands. The Meuse–Rhine Euroregion offers a lot of opportunities for working abroad. ‘People from Limburg often commute up to 45 minutes to Eindhoven or beyond, even though there are lots of job opportunities much closer to where they live,’ Eric Bruls explains.
Support in many areas
‘Imagine that you’ve graduated as a physiotherapist at Zuyd and want to work in Aachen. It’s important to know whether your bachelor’s degree will be recognised there. eures can help with things like that,’ says Bruls. However, that is not the only thing eures can help you with. eures can also answer all your questions about social security. And what about insurance? How do mortgages work if you want to live abroad, or tax returns, for that matter? eures has answers to all of these questions.
Obtaining information
Of course, before you start working abroad, it is best to be well informed. What is possible, and what is not? Is it the right step for me? You can go to eures for help, or you could go to Grensarbeid Grensarbeid acts as an intermediary and provides information to people who are looking for work just across the border. ‘We put you in direct contact with employers, give you tips about your CV and, if necessary, help you prepare for your job interview,’ says Ramona Corsius from Grensarbeid. You can also contact eures and Grensarbeid if you intend to move to Germany or Belgium. Working abroad is still far from being the norm, but it is not as complicated as you might think. So, are you ready to start your next adventure?
German or English language course at Zuyd
‘Working abroad is easier than you think, especially with the right guidance.’
Communication is crucial. Not only in the Netherlands, but especially when you want to start working abroad. If you have already mastered the language, this will give you a head start. You can follow a German or English language course at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences. In most cases, these courses are free of charge or very inexpensive. For more information, visit Zuydnet. You can sign up at language.courses@zuyd.nl
I got to meet people from all over the world
In 2018, with her degree in European Studies in hand, Chanou left for Glasgow to get a master’s in Global Migrations & Social Justice. She found a job after a traineeship with the Province of Limburg. Over the past few years, Chanou did not just develop her theoretical knowledge, but mostly her personality: ‘Don’t hesitate to stand up for yourself to your employer when it comes to personal development.’
Interested in a scholarship?
VSBfonds offers students the opportunity to apply for a scholarship. Scholarships are made available every year to bachelor’s or master’s students who want to continue studying or conduct research abroad. VSBfonds scholarships are capped at €10,000. More information is available at www.vsbfonds.nl.
Vlog
Leon Frantzen (23), a graduate of Conservatorium Maastricht, is doing his master´s programme in Manchester. Watch his vlog and read his story.
‘I am very glad that I got to do the master's programme. I use the substantive knowledge in my job every day.’
Discovering the world
Chanou found studying abroad in a big international city very valuable. ‘I attended classes taught by inspiring professors who are pioneers in their field. Glasgow is also an amazing city for students. I got to meet people from all over the world.’
Get to know yourself better
Chanou was only 19 years old when she graduated. After she got her master’s degree, she was two years older and had gained many new experiences. ‘I am very glad that I got to do the master's programme. I use the substantive knowledge in my job every day. But most importantly, I learned critical thinking and discovered my passion for academic research.’
And then...?
She spent two years in Scotland to obtain her master’s degree. Chanou has now been back in the Netherlands for a while. The only thing Chanou was sure about after finishing her studies was that she wanted to do socially relevant work. ‘I didn’t know exactly what job I wanted or in which sector. I didn’t even know where I wanted to live and work.’
Pushing and setting boundaries
Because of the pandemic, Chanou stayed close to home and began a two-year traineeship with the Province of Limburg in 2020. ‘During the traineeship, I learned a lot about different employers and jobs, but most importantly, I got to know myself better. I am an incredibly ambitious person and always strive for perfection. My perfectionism became an obstacle during the traineeship. Having ambitions is great, but they need to be balanced with a realistic workload. This meant I had to learn to set boundaries for myself.’
Back
home
‘Learning and selfdevelopment do not end after you have earned your bachelor's degree.’
After her traineeship, Chanou found a job in the area where she grew up: Parkstad. ‘At the Municipality of Heerlen, I am a “Policy Officer for Integrated Safety and Prevention with Authority”. Quite a mouthful. In this national programme, I work with young people to prevent them from getting involved in crime, among other things. Thanks to my experiences during my master's and the traineeship, I knew this job was perfect for me.’
Tips for graduates?
‘I am a huge advocate of lifelong learning. Learning and self-development do not end after you’ve earned your bachelor's degree.’ Try different jobs and get to know various companies, especially at the start of your career. We have to work our whole lives, so it’s best to find out as soon as possible which job truly suits you.’
Canals-Llosent Spanish lecturer and internship coordinator
Broaden your horizons with a language internship
• text mirjam flink image johannes timmermans
Speaking multiple languages enhances your career opportunities. It is also interesting and enjoyable. That is why doing a language internship is strongly recommended! While this may not be an obvious step at every study programme, it is at the Maastricht School of Translation and Interpreting. Students at the Maastricht School of Translation and Interpreting do an internship abroad in their third year. The internship must be in a country where the main language they have chosen to study is spoken. They will work, or study and work, there for five months to fully master their main language. Quite exciting! They also get to know the culture.
‘The main languages are English, German, French and Spanish. Students who have English as their main language can do an internship in England or Malta, or in Australia or New Zealand. ‘Your interest is the most important factor when finding an internship,’ says Irene.
Also keep the financial aspect in mind
‘Even when the spoken language is the same, there are often major differences between countries and even between regions. An example of this is the difference between the northern and southern parts of Spain. If you want to do an internship in Barcelona or Madrid, it’s important to keep in mind that you will have to spend a lot more money on rent compared to other cities, like Valladolid. We try to make students aware of the financial aspect as well,’ she continues.
Immerse yourself in the local culture
‘Even for those who work during their internship, the main focus is on becoming familiar with the language, the culture, the customs and the country they are temporarily living in. We want students to immerse themselves in the local culture and have a lot of contact with the locals. If you choose to do the internship in Aachen, for example, you should rent a room in Germany and not stay in the Netherlands and commute every day,’ Irene explains.
Embracing cultural differences
‘The French and Spanish lifestyles are a lot more relaxed compared to the Dutch lifestyle. In general, Dutch students are very punctual, while Spanish people are a bit more laid back in that respect. In Latin America, the culture is even more relaxed. Spanish business culture is also a lot more informal than in the Netherlands. Only large companies have a hierarchy. In Spain, even though they have both a formal and an informal
way to say ‘you’, people address their boss informally, and the same goes for lecturers and doctors,’ she says.
Variety is the spice of life
’The Spanish daily routine is something a lot of interns really have to get used to. A typical Spanish working day starts at 8 am and continues until 3 pm, with two short breaks in between. People do not have lunch until after 3 pm, and they usually eat dinner at 8 pm or later in the evening. Most students struggle with that, especially in the first few weeks of their internship,’ Irene tells us, based on her experience.
‘But that is also something you can prepare for. You can start by adjusting your mealtimes even before you go abroad.’
Irene explains what you need to consider when doing an internship abroad.
‘Becoming familiar with the language, the culture, the customs and the country you are temporarily living in is the main thing.’
Ask yourself where your interests lie.
Keep the financial and practical aspects in mind.
Immerse yourself in the local culture and embrace cultural differences.
Make sure you are well prepared, be open to learning new things and have a good time!
Danielle: ’Yuverta aims to better respond to the job market's needs and adopt a more entrepreneurial approach to teaching. To bring students and colleagues on board, we needed to understand innovation, change processes and leadership – all of which are covered in the PLIC study programme. I felt really positive after the introductory meeting at Zuyd Professional; it was a great experience.’
A new way of teaching
Danielle: ‘The first masterclass I participated in was Personal Leadership. It addressed questions such as: who am I? What do I want? What can I contribute? It made me more aware of my approach and my talents, and I learned how to better connect with others. After the Change masterclass, I worked with a garden centre to change the way we teach. We transitioned from traditional classrooms to a space within the garden centre. Now, students are surrounded by plants and customers, allowing them to gain a quicker understanding of the industry, and it is more enjoyable too!’
Reflection Lab
‘A masterclass typically spans three months. During the sessions, the afternoons focus on the theory, often with an external speaker. This is followed by dinner with the entire group and working in the Reflection Lab in the evening, translating theory into practice, sometimes through a real-life case study. Each masterclass concludes with writing an essay or paper.’
‘Now, students are surrounded by plants and customers, allowing them to gain a quicker understanding of the industry, and it is more enjoyable too!’
New York
The icing on the cake is the study trip to New York, where the emphasis lies primarily on the international aspect.
‘One of the themes was the impact of migration on cities. We worked on the assignments in teams. We conducted street interviews with New Yorkers in various boroughs and compiled them into a video. It was an amazing trip.’
Like a fish to water
Last year, Danielle completed her programme with a thesis on working smarter and the type of leadership that entails.
‘Working on my thesis taught me a lot about focusing, formulating clear questions and writing to the point.’ After completing her programme, Danielle started working at Yuverta Academy. ‘I train fellow teachers, teach workshops and contribute to change processes. A few years ago, that would’ve really scared me, but I’ve taken to it like a fish to water.’
‘A few years ago, that would’ve really scared me, but I’ve taken to it like a fish to water.’
In today's organisations, there is an increasing need for managers who can maintain an overview within the complexity of an issue. The master's programme Personal Leadership in Innovation and Change encourages you to initiate and successfully navigate innovation and change processes from a deeply authentic perspective. Personal Leadership in Innovation and Change is a master's programme that empowers individuals to leverage their strengths, enabling them to empower others.
Keep improving yourself at Zuyd Professional
text margo van vlierden image johannes timmermans
•
’Every morning, I go to work with a spring in my step,’ says Pia van de Ven (34 years old). ‘I have a varied job as a nurse practitioner in a GP practice. To ensure job satisfaction in the long term, it’s important for me to keep improving myself. Because the practice is welcoming more and more elderly patients, who continue to live at home for longer, I decided to take the Elderly Care course at Zuyd Professional. Eight years after getting my bachelor’s degree in Nursing, I am back in the classroom at Zuyd! It has been a fun and informative experience!’
In 2014, Pia received her bachelor’s degree in Nursing and graduated as a ‘Nurse practitioner’. ‘I have a wonderful job,’ she says. ‘In 2010, I worked in a general practice in Ghana for a while. That is what planted the seed in my mind. I currently work at a practice in Heerlen via the HOZL (Huisartsen Oostelijk Zuid-Limburg, a network of general practitioners in the eastern part of southern Limburg).’
A bit like coming home
I wanted to learn everything about elderly patients as a target group. I frequently visit older patients at home to check up on them and to intervene where necessary, for example if someone has a high risk of falling. I really enjoyed taking classes again and being back at Zuyd! It felt a bit like coming home. I still knew the building like the back of my hand. I also still recognised some lecturers. It felt almost the same as it was when I was pursuing my bachelor’s degree. The lecturers are very approachable and answer questions quickly.’
A matter of effective planning
‘I found it easy to combine my studies with my job. I went to school for two days each month. Other than that, I mainly worked on assignments at home. It was largely a matter of effective planning. I always did my homework on Saturdays, and because I kept track of everything and planned ahead, this would usually only take me an hour. Basically, studying is just like riding a bike. If you haven’t done it for a while, it may take some getting used to, but it’ll soon be like you never stopped.’
Do you have any tips for fellow colleagues in healthcare?
‘Go for it! It’s so much fun to meet new people and to spend time together. We graduated in March 2022, but we still keep in touch. And I loved immersing myself in something and learning something new again. It has left me hungry for more.’
‘Studying is just like riding a bike. If you haven’t done it for a while, it may take some getting used to, but it’ll soon be like you never stopped.’
Study programmes and courses for professionals
Zuyd Professional helps you advance in your career, whether you want to elevate your knowledge or are looking for a specific update. We also provide customised training for groups of employees within an organisation.
Something for everyone
We provide study programmes for both employed individuals and people seeking employment in the following fields:
→ Management and Leadership
→ Healthcare and Well-being
→ ICT and Technology
→ Professional skills
Just for you!
Soon, you will be a Zuyd alumnus. That means you will be able to take advantage of a 10 per cent discount on study programmes and training courses! This alumni discount is applicable to almost all study programmes and training sessions. Some exceptions apply, including associate degrees, master’s programmes and part-time bachelor’s programmes.
Want to know more?
You can find information on all the options within your field at: www.zuydprofessional.nl.
Subscribe to our newsletter or contact www.zuydprofessional.nl/contact if you have any questions.
Voorbij Zuyd
All Zuyd masters
Advanced Nursing Practice
⌚ 2 yrs. Heerlen
Master of Architecture
⌚ 4 yrs. → Sept. start Maastricht
Master of Facility and Real Estate Management
⌚ 1 or 2 yrs. Maastricht
Master of Health Innovation
⌚ 2 yrs. Heerlen
Interior Architecture
⌚ 2 yrs. → Sept. start Maastricht
Master of Music
⌚ 2 yrs. Maastricht
Personal Leadership in Innovation and Change
⌚ 3 yrs. Sittard
Scientific Illustration
⌚ 2 yrs. Maastricht
Theatre
⌚ 2 yrs. Maastricht
European Master of Science in Midwifery
⌚ 2 yrs. Maastricht
Leading Hospitality
Innovation
⌚ 2 yrs. → Sept. start
Maastricht, Dublin, Barcelona
Find your dream internship
In the final year of your studies, you need to make some decisions: finding a graduation internship and a job. Ideally, something that suits you well. But if you are not sure yet or if you still have questions – you should come and join the Kies je Toekomst (Choose your Future) workshop. Previous participants have left very positive feedback.
‘At first, I felt incredibly overwhelmed. However, since attending the workshop, I can now see a potential path that could lead me to the right assignment and company.’ • text jules coenengracht
What kind of questions did the students ask during the workshop? When talking about internships, they asked questions like: what do I really want, and what suits me? Which company, which organisation? Nearby or farther away? What are the possibilities? What are sensible decisions, bearing my future in mind? And in terms of a job: what do I want to do? Should I work for a major international company, or should I avoid doing so? Which sector suits me best? How can I contribute in a meaningful way? What am I good at? What am I passionate about?
How does it work?
The goal of the Kies je Toekomst workshop is finding a personal career perspective. You will describe your talents, what motivates you and how you can contribute in a meaningful way. Understanding what motivates you allows you to make better decisions. During the workshop, you learn together. You find answers to your questions through interactive exercises. Ultimately, you will have a clearer idea of what you want and where to start looking. Last but not least: the workshop is completely free of charge. Zuyd pays the bill.
Interested?
Send an email to stages@zuyd.nl, and we will inform you about the possibilities.
‘After the workshop, it became less daunting for me to apply to internship companies, even those I initially thought would be too far away. Through the introductory interview, I discovered that the company offered facilities that made the internship possible after all. From an ‘impossible scenario’ to what may just be my dream internship!’
Students about Kies je Toekomst:
22 Continuing your studies Master’s degree and student finance
Everything you want to know about you master’s degree and the money involved
You have finished your programme. Well, the first one at least. Now, you would like to specialise. But in what? How do you figure out which study programme suits you? Which requirements do you need to meet? How much will it cost? And why should you choose to do a master’s degree in the first place? Student counsellor Marjo Dullens from Zuyd answers five important questions.
Why should I even get my master’s degree in the first place?
’A master’s degree can help you specialise. You’ll gain more in-depth knowledge. This is ideal for students who want to improve their career prospects. With a master’s degree, you increase your possibilities when it comes to climbing the ladder at your future place of employment. Others may want to expand their career options. And then there is another group of students who prefer to keep studying because they feel like they are too young to start working.’
1 2 3
‘Sometimes, it feels like looking for a needle in a haystack. It is not a choice someone should make after spending half an hour on Google. First, it is important to know what you want. What are your interests? For example, did you find one course during your bachelor’s degree more interesting than the others? If you are still unsure, gain some work experience first. Discover your interests. Your employer may even be willing to cover some of the costs if you later decide to pursue a master's degree. The difference between master's programmes at universities of applied sciences and master's programmes at research universities lies mainly in the type of research involved: master's programmes at universities of applied sciences involve applied research, whereas master's programmes at research universities involve academic and theoretical research. A good starting point in the search for your ideal master’s programme is the Keuzegids, which is a Dutch guide that lists all available master’s programme (www. keuzegids.nl).’
So, you want to get a master’s degree, but how do you find a suitable study programme? What are the admission requirements?
‘This really depends on the study programme. Each study programme determines its own admission requirements and which tests prospective students need to take. Some master's degrees at universities of applied sciences require a few years of professional experience, and most master's
degrees at research universities require a pre-master's programme in addition to a bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences. And there are many more possibilities. That is why you should inform yourself as effectively as possible.’
What does it cost? 4
‘For funded master’s programmes, you pay the statutory tuition fee. For non-funded master’s degrees, you pay the institutional tuition fee, which is a lot more expensive. These non-funded master’s programmes do not receive funding from the central government. You may need to pay around 10,000 euros per year, or perhaps even more.’
Do you still qualify for student finance? 5
‘For funded master’s programmes, you will usually still be eligible for student loans from the Education Executive Agency (DUO) and in some cases for a public transport card. You can personally determine how much you want to borrow per month and thus how much debt you take on. The conditions for taking out a loan with DUO are more favourable than with a bank, for example. Did you receive less than four years of student finance and a public transport card for your bachelor’s programme? Then you can still use your public transport card for your master’s programme for one or two years. If you are doing a multi-year master's programme, you may even get an extra year. This only applies if you are enrolled as a full-time student. For non-funded master's programmes, the options are limited, but you can in some cases still get a loan. DUO or your student counsellor can inform you about your options.’
Do not be discouraged by student debt
After graduating, you may still need to repay student loans to the Education Executive Agency (DUO). Is that a problem? And how does the repayment process work?
How does it work?
You will only have to start paying back your loans after two years, and the repayment period can be a maximum of 35 years. Monthly repayments are based on income and the amount of student debt. This means you do not have to worry about being forced to pay back a large amount of money despite not having a job yet or having a low income. See www.duo.nl for the current interest rate.
Can I get a mortgage?
If you have a student debt, you can still get a mortgage. Making extra repayments is allowed, which can be beneficial, especially if you are planning to buy a house. However, your student debt will be included in the calculation of your maximum mortgage.
Study debt in perspective:
→ In the Netherlands, 1.6 million people have student debt.
→ The average student debt is €17,100.
→ In 2023, there was €28.2 billion in unpaid student debt.
Use the calculator function on www. duo.nl to find out how much you will need to pay each month.
What are the repayment conditions of DUO? Does DUO take your salary into account? Are there possibilities for repaying less or more, if needed?
Scan the code or visit www.duo.nl for more answers.
Jacqueline Schepers Achter de Spiegel
Know your core talents! And choose what really suits you
• text martine boutz-schijvens image laura knipsael
Do you ever ask yourself: where do I really want to go? What kind of work environment would suit me? Which tasks give me energy? Which ones take energy? Knowing your core talents and pitfalls can help with this. Owner of the company ‘Achter de Spiegel’ (behind the mirror) Jacqueline Schepers can assess your core talents through a ‘core talent analysis’. ‘Such an analysis gives you something to go on to for the rest of your life,’ she says. ‘It offers you a personal instruction manual. From that moment onwards, you can make choices that serve your own interests.’
Put energy into something that gives you energy Jacqueline herself has experienced the benefits of a core talent analysis: ‘It made me understand why I couldn’t find my footing in the job I had at the time. We are capable of doing many things, if we try hard enough. However, when we do many things that do not feel right or we actually do not like, we lose tons of energy. I filled my days with tasks and activities that were exhausting. I couldn’t do the things that gave me energy.’ Balance is key, she now understands. ‘You should be able to use 75 to 80 per cent of your best core talents at work every day.’ Currently, as a ‘wondernemer’ (an entrepreneur of wonders, as Jacqueline refers to herself), study choice adviser and career counsellor, she is able to do just that. She is much happier, because she can provide others with insight into themselves through the core talent analysis. ‘It starts with filling in a questionnaire about the things you loved to do as a child. We discuss the answers, so I can translate them to what they mean to you as an adult. This method has been tested on 20,000 people and is practically always spot on. I often see people nod in agreement when they hear their core talents: ‘That’s so me!’ This helps them stay true to themselves when it matters.’
You probably worked with your core talents during student counselling as well. Do you remember yours? Include them when you have to take important decisions in your career. A core talent analysis as pictured above is very valuable, but it is also expensive. For more information, visit: https:// www.achterdespiegel.nl/english/.
‘You should be able to use 75 to 80 per cent of your best core talents at work every day.’
curriculum vitae
How do you write a perfect CV?
• image marijke de gruyter
Your CV might be the most important piece of text you will ever write. In a CV, you are pitching yourself. Learn the dos and don’ts of writing a perfect CV.
— Recruiters screen CVs the same way you browse Instagram.
Employers keep your CV
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 hire someone else for that particular job. The next time a job opening comes up, HR reviews the file of previously received CVs first. That is why your CV should stand out. That puts you right back in the race for the next job opening. Of course, a good CV is crucial.
— Employers seem to prefer someone who has just graduated, but with work experience.
Two A4 sheets should do
Do you like reading long documents? Probably not. Neither do recruiters. They screen CVs the same way you browse Instagram. Two A4 sheets should do. Thirty seconds should be long enough to leave a good impression with your elevator pitch; your CV should be able to impress in the same amount of time. Be concise and to the point. Start with something that has the strongest relation to the position you are applying for. Then describe your work experience and education. In chronological order. Limit your CV to:
→ your personal profile;
→ a photograph;
→ your name, address and date of birth;
→ training and education;
→ diplomas;
→ internships and work experience;
→ language skills;
→ four to six competences.
Wanted: recent graduates with work experience
You know how it works. Employers seem to prefer someone who has just graduated, but with work experience. Are you sure that’s not you? Think again:
→ If you have relevant internship experience, say it! You can even mention relevant projects or assignments that you did during your study programme.
→ Are you on the programme committee? Maybe the Central Participation Council? That is relevant experience. Show your commitment.
→ Have you participated in a student company? That counts as well.
→ Are you active on the board of the student association? Add it to your CV!
→ Let work experience that matches the requested competences or experience stand out a little more. Consider how relevant any information is for the job. If you are applying for a management position, and you have coached a youth football team, mention it!
→ Mention your student jobs.
Avoid:
→ spelling mistakes and typos;
→ gaps in your timeline. They may raise questions. If you switched to a different programme, give an honest account of what you did in the meantime;
→ using colours and illustrations. This can make you stand out if you are applying to a creative employer, but it will be frowned upon at the tax office, for example;
→ posting overly frivolous photos on your public Instagram profile;
→ using an unprofessional email address. Do you really think hot_mess@... would make the right impression?
Useful sites
Aaltje Vincent is a great source for tips and articles about this topic. Very useful when you start the search for your first job How to job interview: visual – Aaltje Vincent. And did you know about the templates for CVs in Microsoft Word. You can find them under File>New>CVs and letters of application. The best CVs of the year are available on sollicitatielab.nl. There, you can see that different approaches are possible.
Yes! I got the interview!
→ Stay positive. Even when you are talking about that awful boss at your last job.
→ Do not defend yourself. Channel the discussion towards what you learned from the experience.
→ If you do not have an answer, just say so. And use the time to think about it, rather than thinking about how stupid it is that you do not have an answer.
Your palms are sweaty, your voice trembles and your mind blanks on the opening question, ‘Did you have any trouble finding us?’. It does not have to be this way. Job interviews can be stressful, but with the right preparation, you will take away all those pre-interview nerves.
→ Try to ask questions. Think about questions you would like to ask beforehand.
→ End on a positive note, because that is what people remember. For example, compliment them on how they conducted the interview or refer to a nice moment during the conversation.
Be well informed 1 2
Put yourself at ease
Remember, this conservation goes two ways. Whoever is sitting across from you should gain an impression of you that is as realistic as possible. And you can only give them that if you are simply yourself, so be comfortable. The interview is a good opportunity to get to know the other person as well.
Make sure you are well informed about the company/organisation you are applying to. Visit the website and look up the person who will interview you on LinkedIn. Know who they are before you go in.
Ask questions 3
Show you are interested and ask questions:
→ Why is this position available?
→ Who is on the team?
→ What are the ambitions of the team?
• text linda hoogstede image marijke de gruyter
Important: know yourself 4
What are your strongest qualities, and what pitfalls do you have to watch out for? It is impossible to be good at everything. Still, we are all tempted to think we should be. Sometimes, this puts unnecessary strain on us, and this affects adolescents 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. Unsure how to do this? Ask people you know, or do a quick Belbin team role test online. Think of some good examples of your qualities. It might be more challenging to come up with good examples of your pitfalls, but think of an example when you found a fitting solution, when you learned from it. A pitfall could have positive aspects. Try to think of an example where you solved something with good results and emphasise that you have learned from it.
The interview 5
You are now ready for the interview. The culture, your ambition and your qualities can eventually lead to a match, or not. Do not be obsessed with establishing a direct match with the recruiter. You probably will not work together anyway. Remember to ask about the procedure at the end of the interview. Will there be a follow-up? A second interview?
Yes! I’ve been hired:
→ Have an employment contract or a deed of appointment drafted.
→ Read the employment conditions/collective labour agreement carefully and consider joining a trade union.
→ If you are receiving any benefits from the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) or a public employment service (WERKbedrijf), remember to terminate them (www.werk.nl).
→ Apply for a transitional arrangement until you receive your first salary.
Eefje Helwegen
Multimedia Design and
Communication graduate
The graduation lab is a hub for support and generating ideas
Eefje Helwegen completed her Communication and Multimedia Design (CMD) programme at Zuyd University. She had support from the CMD graduation lab, led by Annelies Falk. Part of her final project was doing research on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the creative design process.
‘Accept that life will not always give you what you plan for and that you may have to adjust.’
How to choose a subject.
‘In February, when I had to choose a subject for my thesis, AI was booming. More specifically, everyone was talking about ChatGPT. I wondered what it would mean for us designers. Should we feel threatened, or were we getting more opportunities? I decided to do research on the role of artificial intelligence in the design process. Because the subject got big in no time, I decided – together with my supervisor (ankerdocent) – not to formulate an assignment at a company during the period of practical training. Instead, I got my research going by asking ChatGPT questions myself, for example. In addition to this, I talked to lecturers and fellow CMD students. Raoul Boers, a lecturer who has been using AI for some time now, and my supervisor Rob Delsing gave me valuable insights.’
What do you pay attention to while doing research?
’Doing my research was like being an explorer. I followed several courses and even went to a theatre play about AI. Because of this broad approach, I got sidetracked from my research question at times. It is important not to lose sight of the main question. Be careful when searching online, since you can easily lose sight of your goal. A lot of knowledge can be found in the people around you. Everyone wants to help, but do not let yourself get distracted by this either. Stay focused on your main goal.’
How much time do you have for your bachelor’s thesis?
‘In total, you have 20 weeks for your graduation project. The first half, you mainly spend doing research, and the second half on designing and building your product. After approximately eight or nine weeks, you should have a sound version of your thesis. This leaves you room to work on your product and make changes to your thesis. There is no need to work on your document at all times, but it is a good idea to plan set times so you do not fall behind.’
How do you stick to your planning?
‘I could often be found in the graduation lab. The advantage was that I could compare my progress to that of other students. I fell behind at the start, thinking: ‘it’ll be fine.’ But after a while, I realised I could not make up for the time I’d lost. When summer drew near, I knew I would not make the deadline. Still, at the start of the holidays, I kept on going. After that, I decided to take a break and enjoy some time off. I subsequently made a more realistic planning. It is crucial to make a good planning and accept that things don’t always go the way you expect, and that you may have to make adjustments.’
Tips for anyone who is finishing their studies?
‘Many students struggle with writing a thesis. For me, writing content wasn’t challenging, but expressing my findings in an academic manner did not come naturally. I gratefully made use of the technology that was the subject of my research; I wrote my report in my own words and then used ChatGPT to elevate it to an academic level. Another
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tip is to finish the research phase in time. Finding good sources can be a never-ending quest. Define your research and set clear deadlines for yourself.’
Eefje’s experience at the graduation lab shows how valuable such a place is. The lab is more than just a place to finish one’s studies. The graduation lab is a hub for generating ideas and support. The support Eefje received helped to make her project truly successful. Eefje’s story shows doing research and writing your thesis is much easier with the right support. And that is exactly what the graduation lab is for: to help students graduate successfully and with confidence.
Podcasts
Want to learn more about writing a thesis and study-avoidant behaviour?
Listen to these two podcasts (in Dutch) in which Lizette Colaris (student counsellor), Annelies Falk and Kinge Siljee discuss these themes in greater depth.
Tips to avoid turning the thesis-writing process into your own personal hell
How to battle procrastination
Kinge Siljee is founder of the national student coaching organisation Studiemeesters and is an authority on thesis supervision. She has authored three books on studying: Je Studieontwijkend Gedrag de Baas (Mastering study avoidance), Je Scriptie de Baas (Mastering your thesis) and Survivalgids voor Autistische Studenten (Survival guide for autistic students).
Only softies seek help from a psychologist
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Studying is awesome. Drinking beer and having fun. But there’s also a lot of stress. More and more, students find themselves struggling with questions like ‘who am I?’, ‘what will I do after my studies?’ and ‘how can I ensure I finish my studies on time?’. ‘When life throws you a curveball, a student psychologist can be a big help,’ declares student psychologist Mîchelle Lacroix. And yet, young people are often called “softies” when they do seek help or support.
Contact
Mîchelle Lacroix, Marcel Bellefroid, Dianne Verluyten and Jolanda Navis are the student psychologists of Zuyd.
Visit Zuydnet for more information on help for students.
If you have any complaints about inappropriate behaviour, you can get in touch with the confidential adviser at Zuyd or the student psychologist:
→ vertrouwenspersoon@zuyd.nl
→ studentenpsychologen@zuyd.nl
Susan* did ask for help from a student psychologist
‘My dad was seeing someone else, and that caused a lot of arguments. My parents threw stuff at each other, and both had a different lawyer,’ says Susan (23). The custody battle has left her less able to concentrate on her Speech and Language Therapy programme at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences.
* Susan is not her real name. A pseudonym was used to protect her privacy.
Since the divorce, Susan has had no contact with her father. She is angry with him. ‘I have three younger brothers. We felt so helpless when they were arguing. I was already living independently, and if I went home for the weekend, I heard everything that had happened, and my mother would talk endlessly about how she was feeling.’ Susan’s grandma and uncle also died during that time. ‘Together with my aunt, they were the only family that lived near.’
Music helps
Susan’s studies were being negatively affected by all the stress. When her school coordinator asked how things were going, she answered: ‘bad’. That was when Zuyd’s safety net came into play. The coordinator advised her to visit student psychologist Michêlle Lacroix. ‘Because Michêlle is also my mentor, she advised me to talk to one of the other student psychologists.’ That is how Susan ended up with Zuyd’s Marcel Bellefroid. ‘He always has useful tips. For instance, if my mother starts pouring her heart out again, Marcel has taught me to say: “Mom, I’m really not the person you should be saying this to.” I couldn’t sleep well because I was worrying so much. That ended when Marcel told me about a mindfulness app. When I listen to that app, I just fall asleep immediately. Oh, and Marcel also said that problems disappear for a while if you play music. And that is true. I play the violin, and I still sing along to the radio in the car really loudly. That really helps!’
Drugs
In the meantime, the situation at home got worse. Last summer, her brother (15) got involved with 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 to deal with. 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 voucher, which I thought was perfect.’
Free support!
These useful tips help Susan to keep her head above water. She would like every student with problems to have such support and someone to trust. ‘Of course, it feels like a big step to go to a psychologist. But trust me, you will not regret it. Just think: “Who cares?” Take care of yourself. Accept the help that is offered. It is free. You get six sessions, plus an introductory interview. If you have problems, just tell someone. There is always a solution, really. Especially at Zuyd. Because Zuyd is small-scale, everyone knows each other. At Speech and Language Therapy, we have strong ties with all the lecturers. I’ve noticed I’ve become stronger as a person. Thanks to Marcel.’
Entrepreneurship Kenny
Mordang
Founder Dusk to dawn
It is okay to stumble
• text jules coenengracht image laura knipsael
Even while he was still doing the Commercial Management programme, Kenny Mordang dreamt of owning a company. He started with organising the Essential Festival in Oost-Maarland, close to Maastricht. These days, his company Dusk to Dawn Entertainment organises big events and manages prominent artists like Tisjeboy Jay and Rowena Konings. Together with his partner and four employees, Kenny does project-based work for artists like Fred van Leer, Guido Weijers and Nienke Plas. Why was he so passionate about being his own boss? Have his expectations been met?
‘I love to expand things, to think about: How can we make this bigger?’
‘Why did I want to found my own company? First of all, I was fond of the idea. The study programme challenged us to keep thinking about creative solutions for companies. I found that appealing, and I was full of ideas. You’re also building something that is yours, so you profit most. That is an interesting aspect as well. Morevoer, you can get as creative as you want. I love to expand things, to think about: “how can we make this bigger?”. This applies both to the artists we manage and to my company.’
What about balancing work and private life?
People usually try to balance work and private life in a sustainable way. How does entrepreneur Kenny Mordang feel about this? ‘Well, I’ve not yet had the pleasure of finding that balance. If that kind of balance is important to you, you should not start your own business, in my opinion. For me, it works because I run this company together with my partner and girlfriend Amber Eerlingen. Also, that balance is not relevant to me. I enjoy what I do so much that it doesn’t feel like work.
‘If balancing work and private life is important to you, you should not start your own business.’
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Setbacks
’In my opinion, owning a company is being romanticised on social media. When you start, you tend not to think about the obstacles and difficulties. But you’ll still face them. Problems with suppliers, with the neighbours, the public opinion about an artist and people lashing out to management. That’s why it’s so important you really get something out of your work. That will help you overcome those problems.’
Just start
I often notice that people who want to start their own business are trying to find their ultimate passion. Everything has to add up – they really want to contribute. People often have good ideas, but they’re usually just that: ideas. At a certain point, you just have to start. There is no shame in stumbling a few times before you find what you’ve been looking for.’
Harm Kleijnen
Study programme: Design | Visual Communication (2016) Fine Art and Design in Education (2023)
Lieve Otten
Study programme: Design | Visual Communication Graphic Design (2023)
Content creator at the School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University Voorbij
‘A few years ago, my former lecturer Willemien Min asked me to assist her in her classes. The first-year students were so numerous that an assistant would be more than welcome. Being a lecturer had always appealed to me, and this gave me a chance to try it. Soon, I felt I wanted more, so I enrolled in the accelerated teacher-training programme. For some years now, I have been a lecturer at Visual Communication, and I love it. Working with students is incredibly enjoyable. I feel committed to the academy, and I feel happy and privileged to be back. I feel Zuyd should do much more for alumni. They could be invited to teach workshops or classes or provide lectures, or to attend events, for example. Who knows where it might lead? I, for one, got a job out of it!’
‘After I graduated, I contacted my supervisor Diana. I’d missed the graduation ceremony and had missed the opportunity to say goodbye. This was something I regretted, because we‘d always gotten along very well. Initially, we only stayed in touch using WhatsApp, but now we meet every now and then in a cafe and chat about being an artist and life in general. We are both happy we still get along. Diana inspires me with her outlook and expertise. I see her as a mentor, and it is interesting to hear about the developments at the institute. The institute played an important role in my younger years, and this is how I stay connected.
Sara Bachour
Study programme: Fine Arts (2018)
Artist
‘After graduation, I was invited as a guest lecturer and to give workshops a few times. There was a need for a different voice and perspective. As a non-Dutch woman, I have both. In 2020, I was asked to be a substitute teacher, and in 2021, I was part of the minor The Sympathy of Things. For the past two years, I have taught different years of the Fine Arts study programme. I’ve also coached a few students in their final year towards graduation. It is a great honour and valuable experience to witness the thinking and creative processes of students. Coaching and teaching give me a huge amount of energy and satisfaction. In a society where the emphasis usually lies on making profit, it feels like a breath of fresh air to guide students to discover and express their unique voice. I enjoy witnessing their growth and creativity and the sincere joy they find in self-expression.
More useful tips!
1 Deregistering from Zuyd
Do this as soon as possible after being awarded your diploma. Go to www.studielink.nl and then to Opleidingen (study programmes) > Details > Uitschrijf-verzoek (Requesting deregistration). If you fail to do this, Zuyd will automatically deregister you by 31 August. Please note that this only applies to your enrolment at Zuyd. You will have to cancel other matters like your student finance yourself.
2 Terminating your student finance
Log in to www.duo.nl to terminate your student finance. Go to ‘Mijn producten’ (My products) and choose ‘Studiefinanciering stopzetten’ (terminating your student finance).
3 Cancelling your student public travel pass
When your student finance ends, make sure you also deactivate your student travel pass at a loading/collection machine. Do this by the tenth day of the first month in which you are no longer entitled to student finance. Please note that you may no longer use your student travel pass as of the first day of that month. Further information can be found on www.studentenreisproduct. nl/stopzetten (only in Dutch).
4 Insurance
You may have taken out insurance at a reduced rate (a special student rate). You may even be insured for free on your parents’ policy by virtue of being a student. If so, you are obliged to inform the insurance company of the fact that you are no longer a student.
5 Secure your online documents
Are there any documents left in your Zuyd folders? Please move them to your local folders. Thirty days after the conclusion of your studies, your Zuyd account will also expire.
Did you know...?
The Education Executive Agency (DUO) has an online diploma register? You can download a digital certificate of your diploma from their website. Visit www.duo.nl/diplomaregister.
