Why did you choose MCE?
Before starting the programme, I worked in a startup, which sparked my passion for entrepreneurship. When I was looking for a master's programme to deepen my knowledge, I discovered MCE in Rotterdam and the combination of entrepreneurship and consultancy immediately caught my attention. To me, both a consultant and an entrepreneur have the same core: problem solving. Since I like to solve a diverse range of problems this study was the ideal fit for me.
What was special about the programme?
Studying alongside driven, international peers made the experience truly memorable and the friendships I built along the way are ones I continue to count on until today.
Another particular highlight was our study trip to Lithuania, where we worked on a sustainability assignment for Nestlé. It was an insightful experience that revealed how significantly consumer attitudes towards sustainable food consumption can differ between Eastern and Western European markets.
What did you think of RBS and RUAS as a university?
I had a wonderful time at RUAS. The programme offers a well-balanced mix of group and individual work. In the professional field, teamwork is essential, and the soft skills I developed through working with people from different backgrounds such as intercultural communication or adaptability, help me today to work more effectively with new and international colleagues.
What is the most important thing you learned at RBS?
One of the most valuable lessons MCE taught me was to resist the impulse to think straight in solutions when approaching a problem. It is easy to fall back on your own perspective and experience, but doing so rarely leads to a sustainable solution.
It is crucial to first understand the root cause of a problem to solve the right problem, not just a problem. Meaning that the program showed me co-developing solutions with the users who actually need to use the solution makes the difference when solving a problem. That is what transforms a good idea into a solution that truly works in practice. This lesson was definitely an eye-opening insight I learned during the master.
How did the programme prepare you for the professional field?
MCE prepares you in a very practical way. Throughout the programme, you work on real assignments for real companies, which means you are not just learning theory, you are applying it. The consultancy skills I developed, such as critical thinking, structured problem solving and stakeholder communication, are things I use on a daily basis in my current role.
For what types of companies or organisations can you carry out practical assignments?
The programme offers great flexibility when it comes to practical assignments. Throughout the year, we collaborated with companies across various industries, which helped me discover where my professional interests lie and it led to my first professional contacts in The Netherlands.
For the master's thesis, you are free to choose any organisation you would like to work with, including companies in your home country if you are an international student. However, I would personally recommend choosing a local/Dutch company, especially if you are planning to stay in The Netherlands after graduation. It is a great way to build your professional network, potentially land a job through your thesis company, and demonstrate your commitment to integrating in The Netherlands. The exposure to real-world assignments is one of the aspects I value most about this master.
Which company are you working for now?
I am currently doing a traineeship at Venturn, a consultancy firm specialised in the maritime sector. Over the course of two years, I have the opportunity to work on two to three assignments across different companies, which gives me a broad perspective on the industry and various ways of working. It is exactly the kind of role I was looking for hands-on, demanding, and closely connected to what I studied. Every day I am applying the consultancy skills I developed during MCE.