Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
As part of my Master’s in Medicine, I am conducting my research internship in the ICU of Muhimbili National Hospital Mloganzila in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
As a freelancer in the event and hospitality industry, I can continue to develop in a completely different area alongside my full-time internships. This allows me to channel my interest in production and organization, and I find that it helps me grow both as a future doctor and as a person. I'm currently learning a lot about independence, adaptability, and even a bit of business management!
During my time at Stichting KEI in various roles, I have had the opportunity to experience all aspects of the organization. As a General Board Member, I worked with others to shape the organization’s strategic direction in the years following the COVID-19 period. We found that it was challenging to grasp the foundation’s long-term trajectory, making it complicated to evaluate whether adjustments were needed. Additionally, due to the nature of student organizations, with annually changing board members, it became essential to establish a new supporting governing body. This body needed to combine internal organizational knowledge with expertise from various relevant fields. Its purpose is to provide guidance on key annual issues while ensuring a more stable long-term strategy for the foundation. In 2024, the Advisory Board was established, consisting of both former board members of the foundation and seasoned experts from disciplines relevant to Stichting KEI.
After my year as a full-time Daily Board Member of the KEI-week, I decided to continue for another year as General Board Member alongside my Master’s in Medicine. In this role, I was able to use my practical experience as a former board member and as a freelancer in the event industry to provide a more overarching perspective on the organization.
As Event Director, I unexpectedly gained one of the most extraordinary and educational experiences of my life. After completing my bachelor’s in medicine, I wanted to do something that would allow me to develop in a different way, so I searched for a fun board position in Groningen. Since Stichting KEI uniquely bridges student life and the professional world, it was the perfect organization for me. As Event Director, I learned a tremendous amount about the industry and the wonderful people working within it. I was ultimately responsible for half of the events and communicated with parties such as the municipality, talent agencies, sound & light companies, event venues, the police, and the GGD-GHOR. Together with six other motivated students, I worked full-time all year on our own edition of the KEI-week, and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!