Nienke Wierenga

Portrait Nienke Wierenga
The clear structure of the curriculum in combination with good teachers and supervision ensures that this study prepares you optimally for the future work field.
Name
Nienke Wierenga
Programme
Conflict, Territories and Identities
Study start date
Previous education
Bachelor Military Sciences - Netherlands Defence Academy

Nienke Wierenga is a Master's student Human Geography and specialises in Conflict, Territories and Identities.

"This Master's specialisation covers a wide range of conflict-related matters. The clear structure of the curriculum in combination with good teachers and supervision ensures that this study prepares you optimally for the future work field.

The most challenging thing about this study is building a network. My experience was of course complicated due to corona and the fact that everything was online. But it is also such a broad program, so it is really a challenge to find your way in it and to see which direction you want to go.

However, I did find my way! I am currently doing an internship at COA, researching why female residents participate less often in integration activities than male residents. In addition, I do voluntary work at VluchtelingenWerk.

The combination of study, internship, and voluntary work has given me the insight that working with refugees will be my starting point when looking for a job. Although, you can do so much more with this study. Students with this specialisation have a broad knowledge of conflict, territories and identities. Therefore, with this study, students can add a fresh perspective in NGOs, governments, private companies, and even in local businesses (because conflicts are not only wars abroad, but conflicts can also be small-scale and therefore take place at the bakery on the corner). All in all, I would definitely recommend doing this study!"