Simone Wilke: “What you do alongside your study is at least as important for your development as the studying itself”

Could you briefly tell us about your time at Radboud University? What did you study and how did you find that period?

I started studying political science at Radboud in 2017, but after a year I decided I’d rather do something else. After a year and a half of working full-time in the hospitality industry and travelling full-time, I switched to studying philosophy. I completed this bachelor’s degree in 2022. During my bachelor’s degree, the courses on social and political philosophy appealed to me the most, which is partly why I took courses offered by CICAM as part of my minor. When I heard there was a master’s programme in conflict studies, I knew straight away that I wanted to do this further course. Before starting the Master’s, I first completed the pre-Master’s in Human Geography, after which I finished the Master’s in Conflict, Territories and Identities in two years. 

My bachelor’s period was largely characterised by Zoom lectures and studying at home, as it fell almost entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic. I was very lucky, however, to be given the go-ahead to spend a semester studying at the University of Malta through the Erasmus programme. This was definitely an experience I’ll never forget. During the pre-master’s and master’s programmes, I realised that, in terms of the course content, I was exactly where I needed to be. There was plenty of scope for personal choice, which meant I could focus many assignments, papers and modules on my own areas of interest: primarily migration, refugees and mobility. The absolute highlight of my time at university was the internship I did during my Master’s with a local NGO: WEAVE. This NGO works in refugee camps in northern Thailand, aiming to support women and children living in the camps by helping them generate their own income and offering various educational programmes. 

Which skills from your degree do you use in your work?

In my current role, I am often in direct contact with the residents of the reception centres; this sometimes involves making decisions or dealing with situations that can have a significant impact on the lives of people at the centre. In this context, the principle of ‘do no harm’ is important. In all interventions within social care, it is essential that they do not cause any (unintended) harm. When weighing up the options, the benefits must outweigh the potential harm. During my studies, we discussed this principle at length, particularly how to apply it in the field of research. As I was in frequent contact with the residents of refugee reception centres in Thailand during my placement and research for my thesis, making careful assessments in this regard was essential. A significant element of reflection and my own position also played a key role here. During my studies, partly due to this principle and through exploring many topics relating to humanitarian aid and (inter)national organisations, I became aware of their influence and am able to view them critically. I apply this a great deal in my current work, and it is particularly relevant in more complex cases. 

How has your career progressed since graduating?

I graduated fairly recently and do not yet have a very extensive career. Whilst writing my master’s thesis, I started working at the Netherlands Red Cross. I have worked at various reception centres, both for Ukrainian displaced persons and at asylum seeker centres. At the moment, I am mainly working in Venray at a reception centre for Ukrainian displaced persons. I really enjoy this work and I’m keen to take on new challenges. I’d love to work outside the Netherlands and I’m curious about what comes next.

What does your average working day look like? 

What I love about my job is that every day is different. As a site coordinator at various reception centres, I am responsible for the day-to-day management of the centre and providing individual support to residents as needed. Usually, the day is shaped by whatever comes up at that moment. This might involve mediating conflicts between residents, managing the intake and outflow of residents, or coordinating a move between reception centres. The individual support focuses on helping residents find their feet in the Netherlands, assisting with practical matters and helping them look for work. We also frequently deal with residents who have various (mental health) care needs. Following discussions with the residents, we assess what kind of help we can offer and when to refer them to appropriate agencies. In addition, we regularly organise activities for the residents, such as workshops, games afternoons for children and gatherings with residents from neighbouring neighbourhoods. 

It’s a cliché, but I do think it’s true: you gain a lot of knowledge and ideas by experiencing things first-hand, not just by reading about them.

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

As I myself graduated quite recently, my advice is mainly aimed at current students. My advice would be, if you have the opportunity, to seize every chance that enriches you and your course or subject. For example, study abroad if the opportunity arises, or do an internship either in the Netherlands or abroad. But also: take on a fun part-time job alongside your studies, do some voluntary work or join a sports club. I am convinced that everything people do alongside their studies is at least as important for their personal development and professional growth as the studying itself. Especially in a field where you work with people a lot, I think you’ll benefit from interacting with different people with different ideas, values and cultures. It’s a cliché, but I do think it’s true: you gain a lot of knowledge and ideas by experiencing things first-hand, not just by reading about them.