From Nijmegen to Berlin: A journey through diplomacy and governance

Could you briefly tell us about your time at Radboud University? What did you study, and what were your experiences? 

I had a fantastic time at Radboud University, where I studied Political Science during my bachelor's degree. I also had the opportunity to serve two terms on the board, both at ismus (the study association for Political Science) and as Chair of the University Student Council (USC). 

In Nijmegen, I found like-minded people for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed the many discussions in lecture halls and the ismus common room. It was a period in which I learned to stand on my own two feet (a cliché, I know), made friends for life, and, through internships and board positions, got a glimpse into the world of governance. All these experiences provided me with the tools to discover who I am and what future suits me best. 

How do you see the influence of your education at Radboud University on your career? 

During my Political Science studies, I learned to look at the world or a case from various perspectives. This skill is incredibly useful now because it allows me to easily empathise with someone else's viewpoint. Moreover, the study programme, especially in the early years, had a broad scope. This allows me to effectively engage with people educated in other disciplines: lawyers, public administrators, economists, and so on. This versatility is invaluable in my work, where I encounter individuals with diverse backgrounds. 

As Chair of the USC, I regularly sat down with the Executive Board (CvB) to represent student interests and occasionally chaired the large participatory meetings in which the Works Council, the CvB, and the USC participated. I distinctly remember drawing confidence from these experiences when I spoke for the first time on behalf of the Netherlands in a Council Working Group of the European Union, where all EU member states negotiate European policy. In this European arena, many elements of my studies came together in a few buzzwords: intergovernmental cooperation, power, influence, institutionalism. 

How has your career developed since graduating? 

After graduating, I immediately started working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I have since moved from Brussels to The Hague and then to Iran, where I also supported colleagues in Islamabad for a short period. Since last year, I have been working at the embassy in Berlin. 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers the unique opportunity to work in a different country or on a different dossier every few years. This provides me with a challenging and meaningful work environment in which I thrive. Whatever role you take on, you are always contributing to a concrete implementation of Dutch foreign policy, alongside many inspiring colleagues. My passion lies primarily in the international security domain, where I am committed in various ways to creating a safer world and, consequently, a safer Netherlands. 

In my current role, I do this by seeking collaboration in Germany in the cyber domain to enhance economic security and resilience and to counter hybrid threats. In my previous role, this was much less abstract; due to the events in Afghanistan, I coordinated hundreds of evacuations and helped people reach the Netherlands safely. It was a deeply affecting experience. The human tragedy that accompanied it, and the stories of people who had to leave everything they loved behind in Afghanistan, touched me deeply and were sometimes hard to bear. 

What advice would you give to current students or graduates of the Nijmegen School of Management? 

If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be to develop yourself as much as possible outside your studies as well. This opportunity is increasingly under pressure due to the reduction of student grants, higher tuition fees, and the looming threat of fines for extended study periods – shortsighted policies, in my opinion. However, I am convinced that you should not be deterred by this – I consciously chose to make this investment in myself back then. I firmly believe that serving on boards, gaining international experience, learning foreign languages, and/or doing internships teach you things that cannot be learned in the classroom. Through extracurricular activities, you get to know yourself, start to build a network, contribute to the vibrant student life, and ultimately stand out when you pursue your dream job. 

Additionally, it might be an obvious point, but focus on what you are passionate about. It stands to reason that you will ultimately want to do something in your professional life that energises you and that you enjoy. And finally, dare to be a little bold and curious. As Chair of the Student Council, I once had the chance to dine with Mayor Bruls, then-EU Commissioner Kroes, and former Minister Ben Bot. I walked away with a stack of business cards, good advice, and a job offer for an internship.