Preparing for the Future: Workshop Helps Students Improve CVs

Career Coach Jenny Campos Shares Practical Tips for Stronger Job Applications

To help bachelor's students develop key skills for crafting a CV or LinkedIn profile and applying for jobs, Wittenborg held a series of special workshops with career coach and counsellor Jenny Campos on 3 June. Titled ‘Step into your Future: Reflect, Explore and Prepare with Purpose’, the activities were part of the Job Fair Central Netherlands 2025, organised by the school. 

One of the session’s main topics was how to create CVs and motivation letters that stand out, either by passing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) or by catching recruiters’ attention, with a focus on key elements to include and common mistakes to avoid. 

The workshops also explored how to identify and leverage transferable skills that might appeal to employers. According to Campos, people at the beginning of their careers often mistakenly believe that only paid jobs help them develop skills, overlooking valuable abilities gained elsewhere. “We can develop skills through schoolwork, personal activities, volunteer work and, of course, internships. So, we discussed how to uncover those skills and use them to find job opportunities that truly resonate with us,” she said. 

The session also included one-to-one feedback, during which the guest lecturer gave students advice on their application materials.  

Campos pointed out that, when creating a CV, it is important to keep it simple and straightforward. “You don’t have to overdo it with colours and designs. Avoid anything that might distract the recruiters, because otherwise you might not get noticed by them. Additionally, go for a structure that is similar to a LinkedIn profile, with your headline, summary and then your experiences and education. Recruiters are used to looking for that in a CV.”

The career coach emphasised that first impressions are crucial, and for this reason, job applicants need to pay close attention to how they present themselves, both in person and online. She added that candidates should also reflect on their key skills and how these could help potential employers achieve their goals and solve problems, which in turn will strengthen their applications. 
“The most important tip is: don’t underestimate any experience you’ve had. You can gain skills, growth and abilities from everything; every experience counts if you’re able to recognise what you’re getting out of it.” 

Giman Guruge, a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) student specialising in Hotel and Hospitality Services Management, commented that learning how to create an effective CV is very important, as it helps students become more competitive when applying for jobs. 

According to Diana Gayevskaya, an International Business Administration (IBA) student specialising in Economics & Management, the workshop was very helpful and provided valuable examples of what to do, and what to avoid, when crafting a CV. “Events like these are very useful for students, as we will soon be building our careers and need to understand what will bring us good results. I think many of those present are grateful to Jenny for the helpful information she shared with us.” 

WUP 10/06/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg Shifts Classes Online in Apeldoorn and Amsterdam Due to NS Strike

School Monitors Developments Through NS and Media Updates

Due to the NS strike taking place this Friday, 6 June, all the classes held at Wittenborg’s campuses and study locations in Apeldoorn and Amsterdam have been moved online. The decision is intended to minimise disruption as much as possible for the school’s students and staff.  

Timetable & Registry Administrator Devanshi Vyas emphasised that Wittenborg is well prepared to respond swiftly to major incidents. “The school has procedures in place to efficiently shift classes online and inform changes to both students and staff on a timely basis. The adaptability and readiness of our teaching and support personnel contribute to our quick response as well as the continuity of our activities in such situations,” she said. 

If the strike goes on, Wittenborg will analyse the situation and decide whether to continue with the online activities. Any such adjustments will be communicated to students as soon as possible via official channels, mainly through Moodle announcements and, if necessary, direct emails. 

The school is actively watching the situation and following updates from official NS sources and national media.  At present, there is no confirmed continuation of the strike going beyond today, but Wittenborg will continue monitoring the events and take appropriate action if necessary.

WUP 06/06/2025
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Meet Wittenborg’s IAAP Members: Beatrice van der Heijden

Radboud University Professor Highlights Importance of Cultural Intelligence and Competencies

“I see Wittenborg playing an increasingly leading role in attracting international students and fostering lifelong alumni connections,” says International Academic Advisory Panel (IAAP) member Beatrice van der Heijden, for whom the school stands out because of its commitment to quality and family spirit.  

Holding a PhD in Management Science from the University of Twente, van der Heijden is a professor and Head of the Department of Strategic Human Resource Management at Radboud University. Additionally, she is a work and organisational psychologist and specialises in career research, with more than 30 years of experience.   

Van der Heijden joined Wittenborg’s IAAP in 2019. She highlights that her decision to become a member was motivated by the desire to engage in mutual learning and to contribute to the school by sharing her insights on research, teaching, impact and leadership. 

“Another reason was to share more years of collaboration with Ron Tuninga, my very dear friend and colleague over many years. We met when he was the Dean at Maastricht School of Management, and I was Head of the Department of Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour, and we have been in touch ever since. Ron believed in my competencies and created the possibilities for me to become a full professor,” van der Heijden comments.   

She is also grateful to Professor Bert Felling for believing in her and nominating her for several awards and recognitions which she subsequently received. According to van der Heijden, the most valuable lesson she learned from working in international education is that cultural intelligence and competencies are key. “They enable you to really enjoy your working life in the best possible way. There is nothing better than working in an international community. I truly love it.” 

Apart from her work, van der Heijden’s passions include travelling and reading. She highly recommends the novel ‘Alone in the World’ by Hector Malot.

WUP 06/06/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg Hosts Third Faculty Development Seminar on Microsoft and AI in Education

Xander Kupers Highlights Microsoft’s Vision for AI in Education

On 14 May 2025, Wittenborg held its third faculty development seminar both in Apeldoorn and online, featuring Xander Kupers, a leading expert from Microsoft. The seminar explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education, providing faculty with valuable insights on leveraging AI to empower learners, educators and organisations — while emphasising security and data governance.

Kupers started with a brief history of AI, highlighting that its origins predate recent public awareness. “Artificial intelligence was coined in 1956 by John McCarthy at Dartmouth College,” he explained. “But pioneers like Alan Turing laid the groundwork decades before, with the Turing test still guiding AI evaluation today.”

He underscored the rapid adoption of AI technologies like ChatGPT, which reached 100 million users in just three months, reshaping how people interact with digital tools. He also shared groundbreaking AI achievements such as Google’s AlphaGo, which stunned experts by making an unprecedented winning move that “changed the way people thought about artificial intelligence.”

Discussing AI’s impact on education, Kupers highlighted a widening skill gap since AI’s rise in 2022. “Schools aren’t fully preparing students for an uncertain future, but it’s not their fault — the world is changing too fast,” he said. “Fifty years ago, we knew what jobs were and what studies to take. Now, AI is helping fill in many technical skills, which means we need to focus more on creativity and understanding market needs.”

Referencing the World Economic Forum’s 2025 report, he stressed the continued importance of human skills like creative thinking, analytical reasoning, resilience, flexibility and agility. “Technology evolves quickly, so we must adapt fast,” Kupers noted. “But being human means we don’t always like change — we need to understand why before we accept it. That’s where educators must be the ‘human in the loop’ to help learners build resilience and agility.”

Security and governance were central themes. “To maximise AI’s benefits, a secure environment is essential,” he emphasised. “Clear AI policies, data governance and education on responsible use are vital. Institutions must ask tough questions: What data does AI access? How do we prevent leaks? How do we manage risky AI usage?”

He also shared findings from Microsoft’s annual Work Trend Index, surveying 31,000 employees across 31 countries. The study forecasts a future where AI agents become everyday assistants, managing tasks such as scheduling, reporting absences and support ticket triage. “Soon, everyone will have an AI assistant,” Kupers predicted. “Humans will set direction while agents run workflows — transforming the way we work and boosting productivity.”

Addressing expectations around AI capabilities, Kupers referenced Amara’s Law: “Don’t expect too much too soon — AI hasn’t yet fulfilled all promises. But soon, we will reach an inflection point where AI will not only meet but exceed expectations, pushing us into science fiction territory.”

He concluded by stressing the crucial role of human educators in this evolving landscape: “AI will help us do more, but it’s still our responsibility to guide, explain and support learners in navigating this fast-changing future.”

Dadi Chen, Deputy Head of the School of Business, said the seminar offered valuable perspectives on how AI — particularly Microsoft’s approach — is poised to empower individuals and organisations in education.

“Key takeaways included Microsoft’s vision to enable equitable education, support learners and educators to achieve more by adapting to pace and level, prepare students for an uncertain future, and significantly enhance efficiency through process automation. Crucially, the session underscored the paramount importance of security, data governance and lifecycle management when implementing AI solutions,” he noted.

Following the session, Chen also delivered his own guest lecture titled ‘Constructive Alignment in Practice: Designing Assessment for Business Modules’. A fifth faculty development seminar is already in the works.  

WUP 05/06/2025 
by Erene Roux
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg Graduate Contributes to Sports Development in Nigeria

Onaopepo Adu is Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor

After completing a Master of Business Management (MBM) in Sports Business at Wittenborg, Onaopepo Adu embraced the opportunity to make a difference in his home country of Nigeria. Since May 2024, Onaopepo has been working as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Sports Marketing to the Lagos State Governor.  

In this role, his responsibilities include promoting youth and grassroots development through organising sports competitions and supporting the Governor in implementing policies that drive sports participation and foster economic growth through the sports sector. Additionally, he facilitates partnerships between the Lagos State Sports Commission and private organisations to drive sports development and strengthen the marketing and promotion of Team Lagos and the Commission through content and campaigns. 

According to Onaopepo, one of his major challenges is convincing corporate bodies to form long-term partnerships with the government, given that Nigeria’s sports sector is not yet fully developed. “On the positive side, this role gives you the opportunity to impact the youth of Lagos through the power of sports. We organise competitions that help us discover hidden talents, which in turn change the lives of these individuals. It’s truly fulfilling to see a young athlete grow into a celebrated and recognised sports star. I will stop at nothing to keep giving the youth a chance to grow through sports,” he says.  

Upping his game 

Before embarking on his journey at Wittenborg, Onaopepo earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Ghana and later worked as a sports marketing executive at a talent management company. Aiming to expand his qualifications, he moved to the Netherlands to pursue a master’s degree.  “My uncle, who lives in the Netherlands, was the one who recommended Wittenborg to me. Outside of the UK, the Netherlands has the highest English proficiency in Europe, which is why I chose it,” he underlines. 

Onaopepo comments that the biggest challenge he faced when starting this new experience was learning how to navigate a new country. “To handle that, I made sure to connect with locals and join various groups where important information was shared. In these environments, experienced people could offer tips and answer my questions.” 

The graduate highlights that Wittenborg’s international atmosphere makes the school really special. “I met people from different countries and that made me appreciate the various cultures we have globally. During my programme, I learned a lot from my peers and also my lecturers, especially from associate professor Mats Carlbäck, who taught us several sports courses.” 

One of Onaopepo’s most memorable moments at Wittenborg was volunteering at the 2021 F1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix, which gave him the chance to watch the races firsthand and experience what it’s like to stage a world-class sporting event. “Being at Wittenborg, and by extension in the Netherlands, gave me the belief that a lot is possible, you just need to have conviction and the right attitude,” he remarks. 

In addition to his studies, Onaopepo had the opportunity to complete an Inside Sales internship at Gracenote, a sister company of Nielsen. This experience helped him develop important professional skills such as conducting research and using marketing software.  

He advises current students to take advantage of resources like networking events and LinkedIn to stay up to date. “It was through LinkedIn that I got my internship. Reach out to hiring managers at companies you'd love to work for; you never know unless you try. Attend more seminars, whether online or in person. That’s where you get to connect with people from all walks of life. Just keep pushing and never give up until you achieve your goals.” 

Regarding his future plans, Onaopepo says they are focused on elevating Nigeria, and by extension, the African continent, to the highest level of sports excellence. “We can already see that momentum building, and I’d love to be a key player in making it a reality.”

WUP 04/06/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Open-air Events, Music and Sports: Discover Apeldoorn’s Best Attractions in June

Activities Include Various Fairs and Popular Dragon Boat Festival

As the days grow longer, sunnier and warmer, Apeldoorn offers plenty of open-air activities for those looking to enjoy the beautiful weather and have some fun. Check out some of the top events happening in the city this June: 

Longest Record Fair

On 9 June (Pentecost Monday), Apeldoorn’s city centre will be transformed into a paradise for music lovers during the fourth edition of the Longest Record Fair. Stretching from Hoofdstraat to the historic Raadhuisplein and Marktstraat, the event will feature around 80 to 100 stalls offering rare records, singles and turntables. Visitors can also enjoy plenty of live music and performances by local acts. Entry is free.

Packed Pentecost

People of all ages can enjoy the Pentecost Funfair (Pinksterkermis) in Oosterhuizen, a small village in the municipality of Apeldoorn. From 6 to 9 June, the event will offer plenty of fun and games, including a flea market, bumper cars, a merry-go-round, DJ music and much more. For information and tickets, visit the funfair’s website. 

Another great option for the Pentecost weekend is the ‘Hop to the City’ (‘Hop Naar De Stad’) fair, taking place under the Markthal on Marktplein square. On 8 June, from 13:00 to 20:00, visitors can sample 50 different beers during the Beer Festival, along with a selection of drinks, snacks and live music. Then, from 20:00 to 00:00, the 90’s NOW Outdoor Party, organised in collaboration with GIGANT, will get everyone dancing. Entry to this event is €15, and tickets can be ordered via this link. 

On 9 June, the Markthal will host the Italian Afternoon. From 13:00 to 20:00, attendees can enjoy authentic pizzas, delicious Italian wines and laid-back music – with free entry.

Additionally, antique lovers can hunt for treasures at the Flea Market & Car Boot Sale, taking place on 8 June from 09:00 to 16:00 at the Ice Skating and Roller-Skating Rink DNIJ (De Voorwaarts 440). It’s a great opportunity to treat yourself to second-hand finds or pick up unique gifts for friends and family.

Dragon Boat Festival

One of Apeldoorn’s largest and most popular events, the Dragon Boat Festival will take place from 20 to 22 June at the Zwitsalterrein (Vlijtseweg 120). Drawing thousands of visitors, the festival combines thrilling boat races with theatre performances, live music, concerts and a wide variety of food and drinks. For more information and the full programme, visit the event’s website.  

Sunday Afternoon Concerts

If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy music with friends, Oranjepark is the answer. Every Sunday until 31 August, from 14:00 to 16:00, this well-known Apeldoorn park will host concerts featuring a variety of styles, including jazz, pop, soul, rock, blues, folk, choirs and more. You can view the full programme here.  

Excitement on Two Wheels

The best Dutch BMX athletes will gather in Apeldoorn for the national championships on Saturday, 7 June, and Monday, 9 June. Expect thrilling races as riders showcase their speed, technique and agility. Organised by the Royal Dutch Cycling Union (KNWU), the competition features various categories, ranging from youth to elite. Events will be held at the BMX Apeldoorn track (Kanaal Zuid 130), from 08:00 to 16:00 on both days.

Buitenpost Wine Festival

Sip, swirl and savour over forty wines at this laid-back vineyard event on 28 June, from 14:00 to 21:00. The Buitenpost Wine Festival features Dutch natural wines and international favourites, complemented by food trucks and live music in a charming French-style setting. Bike travel recommended. Get more information here.  

Bird is the Word

The fascinating world of birds takes centre stage in the exhibition ‘Aerial Acrobats and Musical Artists’, on display at the Aardbalans study centre (Spadelaan 8) in Apeldoorn until 31 July. Organised in collaboration with the Natural History Museum, the exhibition includes a wide range of images and mounted birds, along with intriguing facts and insights into various bird species and their unique traits. Admission is free, and visits are possible on Wednesday afternoons, from 14:00 to 17:00.

WUP 03/06/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

How to Design Better Assessments: Session Outlines Importance of Constructive Alignment

Dadi Chen Delivers Guest Lecture Targeted at Education Professionals

On 14 May, Wittenborg Deputy Head of the School of Business Dadi Chen delivered the guest lecture ‘Constructive Alignment in Practice: Designing Assessment for Business Modules’, as part of the school’s Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) Programme in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. The activity was conducted in a hybrid format and attended by lecturers participating in the PGCert Programme, as well as other Wittenborg education professionals. 

During the session, Chen outlined the Constructive Alignment framework, which emphasises the importance of aligning teaching and learning activities, assessment methods and intended learning outcomes. Among other topics, he highlighted that assessment demands should be designed so as to orient students to distribute appropriate amounts of time and effort across all the important aspects of the course. Moreover, the guest lecture discussed the role of feedback in learning, the elements of assessment design and the different types and purposes of assessments. The session also included a discussion on current assessment practices at Wittenborg and delved into how Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered technologies impact constructive alignment.  

According to Chen, lecturers need to be mindful of the quality, reliability and level of difficulty of the exams they design. “Throughout my career, I’ve encountered situations such as multiple-choice questions being used to test higher-order learning, assessment workloads that don’t align with students’ available study time and even typos and grammatical errors in exam questions. Moreover, examiners are now challenged to verify the authenticity of students’ learning in an AI-powered world. These are just some of the reasons why lecturers must pay closer attention to assessment practices and continuously seek improvement in this area,” he said. 

The Deputy Head of the School of Business commented that the session was very productive, with participants being actively engaged. “They reflected critically on how they manage assessments and contributed significantly to the discussion about what needs to be improved at Wittenborg to increase the effectiveness of our assessments.” 

Wittenborg associate professor Gabor Molnar was one of the participants of the activity. According to him, the outcome was positive. “I enjoyed being part of the session; it was engaging and highly relevant to my teaching practice. Dadi's guest lecture offered valuable perspectives on how to rethink assessments in a way that not only embraces AI tools but also ensures that students continue to develop essential cognitive skills. It also reminded me of the importance of designing assessments that align with teaching objectives and support ongoing student development.” 

For Wittenborg associate professor Cha-Hsuan Liu, who also attended the workshop, lecturers often focus on developing their teaching skills by attending courses but tend to overlook assessment design. “Assessments are a very powerful tool to connect with students’ learning processes and help them improve. Nowadays, we’re dealing with the emergence of AI, and to effectively evaluate students’ critical thinking, we need to design new strategies, such as hands-on case studies. I joined this workshop to learn from Dadi and the other participants, and also to share my own perspectives. It was a great session, and since it was recorded, other lecturers will have the opportunity to watch it.”

WUP 03/06/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Running Towards his Goals: Wittenborg Student Completes Zandvoort Circuit

Arshia Baharloueiyancheshmeh Shares Journey of Physical and Mental Fitness 

For Wittenborg student Arshia Baharloueiyancheshmeh, running is more than a hobby – it is a way of life. Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Sports Business Management, Arshia began running while still living in Iran.  

“I started practising more seriously after arriving in the Netherlands in August 2023. At first, it was just a way to clear my head and deal with the stress of moving to a new country, not knowing anyone and adjusting to a new environment. It quickly turned into a routine, kind of like my own space to reset and reflect,” he says.  

According to him, the biggest positive effect of running has been mental. “Running gave me a sense of control and accomplishment, especially when everything else felt uncertain. It also helped me stay disciplined, which translated into my studies, coaching and daily life. Plus, it’s a great way to explore new places and meet like-minded people, whether during events or just out on a trail.” 

One of Arshia’s recent accomplishments was completing the Zandvoort Circuit Run, which partly takes place on the famous Formula 1 track and along Zandvoort Beach. In March, he ran both the 4 km course in the morning and the 12 km course in the afternoon. “This wasn’t my first event; I’d participated in a few smaller races before, like 10 Ks and local runs, but this was my longest race so far and one of the most memorable. I’ve always been passionate about fitness, but I wanted to push my limits both mentally and physically,” he comments.  

In addition to regular practice, the student’s preparation for the event included a balanced diet. “I prepared for about three months, following a structured plan that gradually increased my mileage each week. I usually ran twice a week – a shorter run on weekdays and a long run every Sunday. I also incorporated strength training and stretching to avoid injuries. Moreover, I focused on a balanced diet with a good mix of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats. A week before the race, I started carb-loading,” he explains. 

Most of Arshia’s training was solo, but he did occasionally run with a few friends who were also preparing for the race. “On race day, I ran alone but had friends cheering me on, which really helped.” 

According to the student, the beach section was the most challenging part of the race. “It was windy, and the sand made it tough to maintain rhythm. But the nicest part was entering the racing circuit, with music and spectators around. That gave me a burst of energy! Finishing the race was a mix of exhaustion and pure joy. My legs were tired, but I felt an incredible sense of accomplishment and pride. It was one of those moments where the mental victory outweighs the physical pain.” 

Looking ahead, Arshia is planning to take part in other races and eventually complete a full marathon in the Netherlands. In addition to running, he is involved in several other activities, including serving as the president of Wittenborg’s student representatives and volunteering as a coach for the U18 basketball team at WSV Basketball Club in Apeldoorn. 

The student highlights that he got involved with the club shortly after moving to the Netherlands, adding that coaching these young athletes has been one of the most rewarding parts of his journey.  

“At first, I helped with small tasks during training sessions but eventually, I was trusted with leading a team myself. The club is very community focused. We work a lot on player development, teamwork and confidence, both on and off the court. Most of the players are between 16 and 18 years old, and it’s been amazing to watch them grow not just as athletes, but also as individuals. It’s honestly like being part of a second family,” Arshia concludes.  

WUP 02/06/2025 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press