Why did you choose MCE?
After completing my bachelor’s degree in International Business Management and entering the corporate world, I realised that I wanted to deepen my skill set. I felt the need to strengthen competencies such as strategic thinking, leadership, innovation‑driven problem‑solving, and the ability to approach organisational challenges with a more critical and analytical mindset. In my work environment, these skills were essential to making meaningful impact.
Because I was working full‑time, I looked specifically for a programme that I could combine with my job. Suitable part‑time or dual options within my field were limited, and I ultimately could not find a programme that matched my ambitions.
I ultimately chose the MCE programme because it offered a strong academic foundation, a practical and project‑based learning approach, and the opportunity to complete the degree in one year without a pre‑master. This made MCE the ideal next step in my professional and personal development.
What was special about the program?
The MCE programme is highly practical, with real‑life cases and project‑based learning at its core. Because it is a one‑year programme and a significant part of the workload is dedicated to the thesis (the BSR), it is an intensive experience in which you gain a remarkable amount of knowledge in a short period of time. The strong international character of the cohort also stood out to me. Working closely with students from so many different backgrounds creates a unique group dynamic, and it allowed me to build friendships that will last a lifetime.
What did you think of RBS and RUAS as an university?
I really appreciated the teaching style at RBS and RUAS. In my experience, it is quite unique for a master’s programme, offering a strong balance between theoretical depth and practical, real‑world application. The campus facilities also stood out to me; modern, accessible and well‑equipped, which creates a very supportive learning environment.
What is the most important thing you learned while studying at RBS?
I learned many different things throughout the programme, which makes it difficult to highlight just one. However, the skill I benefit from most in my work is developing a critical mindset — learning to look beyond the obvious and identify the question behind the question. This way of thinking is highly valued, especially in a corporate environment, and it has helped me approach challenges with more depth, clarity and intention.
How did the programme prepare you for the professional field?
The programme has given me clear tools to approach complex challenges and a mindset that helps me structure problems, analyse them from different angles and translate insights into concrete actions. This way of thinking has stayed with me and continues to shape how I tackle new situations in my professional life.
For what type of companies or organisations can you carry out practical assignments?
I believe the possibilities are virtually endless, as the programme trains you to become a world‑class problem solver, and every organisation—regardless of sector—faces its own unique challenges. During the master, I worked on assignments for the Municipality of Rotterdam and Nestlé, as well as for a major Dutch telecom provider and a large family‑owned company in the insurance sector.
Which company are you working for now?
I am currently in the middle of my traineeship at ABN AMRO, an 18‑month programme in which I rotate across different departments to develop into a well‑rounded professional within the banking sector. The traineeship combines on‑the‑job learning with an intensive development programme focused on personal growth, leadership and deepening sector‑specific expertise. It also includes masterclasses on topics such as sustainability and Artificial Intelligence (AI), which broaden my perspective on the future of the financial industry.