Elske on her career after Environment and Society Studies: 'I continue to develop myself'

Where do you work now and what does your job involve?

‘I work for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. I am the environmental coordinator for the Woensdrecht air base. This air base is used for training, logistics and maintenance of aeroplanes and helicopters. As environmental coordinator, I help to ensure that we comply with legislation and regulations, including those relating to soil quality, air and noise, and the handling of hazardous substances. I also conduct audits within the organisation, coordinate investigations into environmental issues and am involved in the environmental management system. 

Why did you choose to work in this field?

'The environment is a subject that really appeals to me because it covers so many different topics. Think of soil quality, water, air, noise, nature and the handling of hazardous substances. That variety means that no two days are the same; I am always working on a different environmental issue. In addition, as a society we face various challenges related to sustainability and climate change. It gives me satisfaction to contribute to addressing these societal challenges.'

How did you end up in your current position?

After completing my master's degree, I knew what I wanted: a job in which the environment and climate would be important elements. I found the vacancy for my position with the Royal Netherlands Air Force via Werkenvoornederland.nl, a website focused on working for the national government. During my studies, I hadn't considered working for the Royal Netherlands Air Force, but their vacancy immediately appealed to me. I also had a few friends who worked for the Ministry of Defence and were positive about it. That gave me a good feeling.

What did you learn during Environment and Society Studies that you now use in your work?

‘My thesis was about how climate adaptation fits into the Environment Act at the local level. In my job, I now also work a lot with the frameworks of the Environment Act. In addition, I apply research skills that I learned during my studies, such as interview techniques and research strategies. I use these when conducting audits or implementing the environmental management system.’

How do you continue to develop yourself during your career?

‘Within the Ministry of Defence, it is possible to take courses and training programmes. For example, I took a course to become an auditor and I am also going to take courses on environmental management and the Environment Act. The nice thing about developing on the job is that you can immediately make the connection with practice. That makes it meaningful, fun and relevant to continue learning. Because I am very eager to learn, that appeals to me enormously.’