“Don’t worry if your English is not perfect.”
Bente Broekman completed the Business Innovation programme at Inholland last year and now lives in Portugal, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in management at ISEG, the Lisbon School of Economics & Management. The focus of the programme is on sustainable development goals. "Actually, I find Lisbon more enjoyable than the course itself. But the combination balances it out," she shares.
What made you enrol at Inholland?
"After a gap year abroad, I wanted to pursue an international degree. During the Business Innovation programme you go abroad in the second year: that really drew me in. I have always wanted to explore different places and experience the local culture. During my gap year, I lived near New York to improve my English. It was an exciting time, being surrounded by people I didn't know. I've always had the drive to meet other people and their cultures and experience different things from my home life. I love challenging myself in this manner."
How did you experience the BI programme?
"When I started the programme it was relatively new, with just two student batches having graduated. What was great about this was that everything within the programme was new, and as a student, you could influence how the programme is being structured. On the other hand, several aspects of the programme were quite bustling as not everything ran as smoothly as with other studies. On the bright side, it also made for a fun dynamic and teachers who really got to know you. In hindsight, it gave the programme a very personal touch, something very much commended within this programme."
Which personality traits align with this programme?
"You need to have an open-minded and flexible personality, which is essential for studying and living in a globalised setting. I found that a large variety of students enrolled in this programme. There were students from Amsterdam, but also students from Southern Europe. The latter have a different work ethic. Furthermore, working intensively as a group, you really get to know each other well. Perseverance is another important personality trait for being successful within the programme, you need the ability to work independently a lot."
What made you enrol in the master's programme in Portugal?
"My student exchange programme and my international internship sadly were cancelled due to the COVID pandemic. I therefore was forced to continue both internships at an international Dutch company. I still had a strong desire to go abroad though, focussing on sustainable fashion. You might find it to be a funky combination with business innovation, but sustainable fashion certainly involves tons of innovation. This all led me to explore topics like marketing and sustainability, all steering me in the direction of this master's programme. At the core, it is a true-to-form management programme, but highly focused on sustainable development goals. All this rounds out my profile nicely. On the back end of it, I found Lisbon to be a delightful city!"
What does the future have in store for you?
"I'm currently in a transitional phase. My exams will be done in June and henceforward I will then progress into completing my master’s degree from September onwards. So I will be here for at least another six months. I plan to move to Spain afterwards because I want to master the Spanish language. I hope to find my first job in Madrid or Barcelona. I can't say where I'll be in two or three years, but Spain would be really nice!"
How did the BI programme enrich your life?
"During my internship, I realised that what you learn in the BI programme - how you attack and solve a problem, and translate it to the customer - helps in all kinds of situations. My belief that an international study would fit me well was confirmed. Most of the problems or challenges that arise on your path, you can tackle and solve yourself. The BI programme incites you to be independent in that regard, which makes for a very educational experience."
Any heartfelt do's and don’ts for future students?
"Don't worry if your English isn't perfect. Many people struggle with this, but you'll see yourself improving quite quickly during the programme. I strongly advise future students to attend the Open Day and experience the atmosphere. When you feel a sense of belonging, the programme is probably the right choice for you. So, I urge you to follow your heart. That's the most important thing.”