Over 200 People Celebrate Together at Wittenborg's Annual Barbecue

Event Features Delicious Food and Drinks, Music and Opportunities to Socialise

Wittenborg’s Annual Barbecue was an astounding success, gathering a diverse group of approximately 200 people, including students, staff, graduates, neighbours and expats based in Apeldoorn.  

Held at the Brinklaan campus on 30 August, the event marked the start of the new academic year and featured a variety of enjoyable activities. Attendees indulged in a barbecue with an assortment of grilled foods. Alongside the BBQ, drinks were available, ensuring a lively social atmosphere. Music played a key role in setting the mood, creating an environment where people could relax, interact and have fun. 

The school’s Annual Barbecue has been a tradition for around 20 years. Wittenborg External Relations & Events Manager Sophia Faraji, who organised this year’s activity, highlights that the diverse group of participants from different backgrounds reflects the multicultural and inclusive nature of the institution’s community.  

She adds that events like this offer significant benefits to the community by fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students, staff, graduates and locals. “These gatherings provide opportunities for networking and cultural exchange, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to connect in an informal and enjoyable setting. They also contribute to building a supportive environment where attendees can relax and celebrate achievements, strengthening relationships within the Wittenborg community and enhancing overall morale.”

IBA (International Business Administration) student Alexandra Kukhtina mentioned that this was the second time she attended the school’s barbecue, underlining that it allowed her to chat with old and new friends and catch up with everyone after the summer break. 

“Because we are the most international business school in the Netherlands, people from the Wittenborg community always have fascinating stories to share about their travels, explorations and discoveries. On top of that, the food and hospitality provided by the Urban Cafe and Wittenborg volunteers were, as always, outstanding.” 

For BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) student Jiwon Kim, specialising in Marketing & Communication, the event was a new and refreshing experience. “This was the first time I attended a barbecue party during my higher studies. Meeting new people was great, and I also had more time to talk and interact with my friends and lecturers. The food was delicious and very different from the barbecues we have in South Korea; I’d love to participate in more events like this,” he commented.  

WUP 18/09/2024 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press

Apeldoorn Municipality Welcomes Students with Special Introduction Day

Exciting City-Wide Puzzle Tour Introduces Students to Apeldoorn

For the September academic block, the Municipality of Apeldoorn kicked things off with a lively and interactive introduction day, designed to give first-year students from Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Aventus, and Wittenborg a warm welcome. The day was packed with activities, including a city-wide puzzle tour, helping students not only get to know each other but also discover the unique charm of Apeldoorn.

Over 250 enthusiastic students explored the city's vibrant centre, solving puzzles, completing challenges, and interacting with local entrepreneurs.  

First-year students participated in a joint introductory event, where they were organised into teams to explore the city, answer questions, and complete assignments. Prizes were awarded for creativity and performance, with participants receiving Apeldoorn-themed gifts that supported local charities.

Students were encouraged to appoint a team captain, wear comfortable shoes, and bring essential items for the day. Through the puzzle tour, which included photo tasks and trivia about the city, students also had the chance to meet local entrepreneurs and learn more about Apeldoorn.

The hope is that this introduction will inspire students to visit the city centre more often.

Alexandra Kukhtina, a student and External Relations & Events Administrator (intern) at Wittenborg, was invited to participate in the introduction video, alongside a Saxion student and Nick Derks.

Her advice for first-year students? “It’s important to be active from day one and chase opportunities – until the day they start chasing you!”

This introduction day followed Wittenborg’s own orientation week, where new students had the chance to learn about the school’s staff, infrastructure, and facilities while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. The programme included workshops on academic writing, immigration procedures for students studying in the Netherlands (or in Munich, Germany), career development, and an English assessment for all bachelor’s and master’s students.

The week culminated in an introductory lunch at each location, providing an opportunity for students and staff to meet and connect, just before classes began for the September academic block on 2 September.

WUP 16/09/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Guest Lecture Sheds Light on Intersections Between Intellectual Property and AI

Legal Expert Pauline Verheijen-Dop Delivers Insightful Session to Bachelor’s Students

In the world of business, understanding how contracts work and the updates technology brings to this field is essential for professionals. To provide bachelor’s students with valuable insights into this subject, Wittenborg recently held the session ‘Contracts, IP and AI: Navigating the Future’. The guest lecture was delivered by entrepreneurial senior legal counsel Pauline Verheijen-Dop, also a member of the school’s advisory board.  

The activity covered basic notions of topics such as the various forms of intellectual property (IP), contract drafting and the challenges that Artificial Intelligence (AI) poses in this regard. Verheijen-Dop started by explaining the characteristics and differences between trademarks, copyrights, patents and trade secrets. Next, she focused on how intellectual property legislation applies to AI-generated content and whether IP contracts that comply with all legal requirements can be generated by Artificial Intelligence tools. The guest lecturer emphasised that contracts are a necessity, and while AI offers great tools, it still needs human controls. 

Verheijen-Dop said that she loves teaching at Wittenborg because the varied backgrounds of its students lead to interesting and insightful discussions. “We had an interesting discussion about whether or not a contract should be fair to all parties. Sometimes there is an imbalance between parties and you have no choice but to accept this,” the guest lecturer highlighted.  

She added that Wittenborg holds a special place in her heart because her late father, Jan-Albert Dop, spent many years collaborating with the school and even taught a few classes himself. Dop’s involvement with Wittenborg began in 2009, and between 2019 and 2021 he was the institution’s Vice-President of Corporate Affairs. 

“He loved the time he spent at Wittenborg and the interactions with the students, and of course Maggie and Peter. Sadly, he passed away three years ago but he worked for Wittenborg literally until the very last day, which was exactly as he would have wanted it to be. I am deeply honoured to be able to follow in his footsteps, fully knowing that his were very big shoes to fill. I really think it would have made him quite proud.”

WUP 13/09/2024 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Exploring Neuromarketing’s Impact on YouTube Advertising for Generation Z

Techniques like eye tracking and facial coding could be key to engaging Gen Z on YouTube

Wittenborg student Nafiseh Fayyaz recently completed an insightful graduation project that explores how neuromarketing can enhance YouTube advertising strategies for Generation Z. Her study, which involved interviews with various marketing professionals, provides fresh perspectives on how to engage the younger generation in the digital advertising landscape. 

Originally from Iran, Nafiseh pursued an EBA (Entrepreneurial Business Administration) with a specialisation in Entrepreneurship & Small Business at Wittenborg. Her choice of research topic was quite personal. “As a member of Generation Z, I’ve always been fascinated by how our generation responds to advertising,” Nafiseh shares. “I'm excited to delve into neuromarketing's role in understanding our behaviour and its potential impact on advertising strategies."

For her research project, Nafiseh defines neuromarketing as using neural processes like attention, emotions and memory to enhance advertising effectiveness. Techniques include measuring brain activity and physiological responses to predict purchasing decisions and optimise marketing strategies.  

She proceeded to use a qualitative research approach, interviewing marketing and neuromarketing professionals. "Access to neuromarketing techniques and finding experts to interview were significant challenges,” Nafiseh explains. “However, the interviews provided me with insights into how neuromarketing can transform advertising for Gen Z.”

Through her research, she discovered that advanced neuromarketing methods like Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Electroencephalography (EEG) are crucial for understanding consumer behaviour. “fMRI helps us delve into subconscious emotions, while EEG offers insights into immediate reactions to content,” she explains. “Techniques like eye tracking reveal what captures attention and facial coding shows emotional responses.”

Key findings and recommendations

Nafiseh’s study ultimately revealed several key trends and practical recommendations for marketers targeting Gen Z on YouTube:

Personalisation is key

Nafiseh found that Gen Z responds best to personalised and emotionally engaging content. “Gen Z prefers ads that feel authentic and connect with them on an emotional level,” she says. “They are quick to ignore traditional ad formats, so marketers must be creative and innovative.”

Use of advanced neuromarketing techniques

Her research underscores the importance of using advanced neuromarketing tools to gain deeper insights into consumer behaviour. “Techniques like fMRI and EEG can help create more effective and engaging ad content for Gen Z,” Nafiseh recommends. “These tools offer a deeper understanding of how ads affect viewers on a subconscious level.”

Stay agile and responsive

Nafiseh also emphasises the need for marketers to be adaptable. “Marketers should continuously monitor and adjust their strategies based on real-time feedback from neuromarketing techniques,” she advises. “This agility will help them stay ahead of changing consumer preferences and trends.”

Looking ahead

With her graduation project successfully completed, Nafiseh is excited about her future career in marketing. “I look forward to applying the innovative approaches I explored in my research to real-world marketing challenges,” she says. “I aim to gain practical experience and contribute to developing more effective marketing strategies.”

Nafiseh is also enthusiastic about the future of YouTube advertising. “I believe we will see a shift towards more personalised, immersive advertising experiences,” she predicts. “Interactive content, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) will become central to engaging Generation Z in meaningful ways.”

Advice for future students

Nafiseh’s advice for students working on their theses is both practical and inspiring. “Choose a topic you are genuinely passionate about,” she recommends. “Your enthusiasm will not only make the process more enjoyable but will also drive you to produce insightful and meaningful work.”  

WUP 12/09/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Exciting September Events in Amsterdam: A Guide for Students

Exciting September in Amsterdam: Your Ultimate Event Guide

As September rolls in, Amsterdam buzzes with events perfect for students looking to unwind or explore the city. From lively festivals to cultural experiences, here’s what’s on offer this month in Amsterdam:

Amsterdam Cocktail Week – 3 to 10 September

Cocktail enthusiasts will delight in Amsterdam Cocktail Week, where 17 top bars across the city will showcase their creative concoctions. Whether you prefer alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, the week features a variety of events, tastings and workshops. Don’t miss out on seeing international guest bartenders at renowned spots like Fitz’s bar and Super Lyan. Plan your cocktail tour and enjoy the best of Amsterdam’s mixology scene.

Amsterdam City Swim – 8 September

Support a great cause while enjoying an extraordinary spectacle as thousands of swimmers take on the challenge of swimming through Amsterdam’s iconic canals. The Amsterdam City Swim raises funds for ALS research and runs from 12:00 to 16:00, starting at Keizersgracht. Come cheer on the participants and experience this unique event.

Tapt Festival – 13 and 14 September

Head to Rembrandtpark for the Tapt Festival, a delightful celebration of craft beer, wine, cocktails and street food. With a range of entertainment options including Mega Jenga, pétanque, and both silent and main stage discos, it promises a fun-filled weekend. The festival kicks off on Friday from 17:00 to 23:00 and continues on Saturday from 13:00 to 23:00. Tickets start at €22.90.  

Open Monument Day – 14 and 15 September

Explore Amsterdam’s rich history during Open Monument Day, where 50 historic sites, including hidden gems like cellars and secret churches, open their doors for free. This year’s theme, 'The Underground City', offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s subterranean and lesser-known locations. The event runs from 10:00 to 17:00 on both days.  

Thuishaven Summer Closing Party – 29 September

Celebrate the end of summer with the Thuishaven Summer Closing Party. Held from 13:00 to 23:00, this outdoor festival promises good vibes and a lively atmosphere. Tickets are priced at €29.50, making it an ideal way to wrap up the season with friends.  

WUP 11/09/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

EMBA Students from Texas Experience Dutch Culture and Business with Wittenborg

Students from the University of Texas in El Paso Explore the Netherlands

From 24 to 31 August, Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences welcomed eight Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) students from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) for a week-long educational tour of the Netherlands.

UTEP, America’s leading Hispanic-serving university, is located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande. Accompanying the group was Erik Devos, a finance professor at UTEP and Wittenborg’s appointed AACSB mentor.

Since 2019, Devos has guided Wittenborg through the accreditation process, helping the university align with its strategic goals in faculty and programme development. Devos has been instrumental in Wittenborg's progress and has visited the campuses in Apeldoorn on multiple occasions.

Through the strong relationship built with Devos, the idea to support UTEP’s EMBA students on this international learning experience in the Netherlands was born. Peter Birdsall, President of Wittenborg, said, "Such partnerships often continue beyond the accreditation process, and this collaboration is an example of how relationships between universities can foster mutual learning and exchange."  

The week’s itinerary offered students an immersive experience in Dutch culture, history and business. Kicking off the visit was a scenic canal cruise, setting the tone for the days ahead. Students also visited the Anne Frank House, which was followed by a meeting at Zuidoost Werkt where they learned from local programme manager Wouter Plaisier about the socio-economic challenges and opportunities in the region.

Amy Abdou, Senior Lecturer at Wittenborg, accompanied the students to a discussion on Randstad's role in helping residents find sustainable employment in the area.

"Plaisier briefed us on the initiatives taken by Randstad to stimulate community involvement and ownership over the Masterplan initiative," Abdou explained. "He described Amsterdam Zuidoost as a place where residents are sceptical of outside efforts to intervene. The roots of this mistrust are deep and must be addressed by listening to what community members have to say. He also highlighted recent successes, like community wealth initiatives that facilitate informal communication, aiming to ensure that all parties—corporate entities, local entrepreneurs, residents and the city—are beneficiaries."

Abdou said that the group from Texas was familiar with similar community-based initiatives in the United States. "They shared their experiences working with Hispanic communities on developing role models, engaging with non-native speakers, and addressing education gaps. Both groups gained valuable insights into the challenges of public and private interventions in diverse job markets."

During the trip, students further explored Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn, followed by a visit to the Rijksmuseum. They also visited the Capgemini Academy in Utrecht, a leading hub for professional development in digital transformation and business innovation.

The students later visited ELAN to learn about 'Goed Bezig,’ a sustainability programme by Stay Okay hostels, providing hands-on experience in sustainable hospitality. The day ended with the Heineken Experience, where the group explored the brand’s history and innovations.

The educational tour wrapped up with a visit to PepsiCo Nederland B.V., where students gained insights into global supply chains, marketing strategies and corporate responsibility within the food and beverage industry. A farewell dinner at Humphrey's Amsterdam was the perfect close to a week filled with new knowledge and connections.  

Summing up the trip, Devos said: "The whole trip has been wonderful. All our visits were insightful and the speakers were great. The students and I are super happy with the entire experience."  

He also extended his thanks to Wittenborg’s Sophia Faraji and Myra Qui for their exceptional support in planning and organising the visit.  

WUP 10/09/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Make the Most of Apeldoorn in September

City Offers a Range of Fun, Educational and Inspiring Activities Throughout the Month

September has just begun, and Apeldoorn offers a wealth of cultural, natural, entertainment and historical attractions. Here are some of the most exciting activities happening in the city this month:

Open Monument Days

On 14 and 15 September, the Netherlands will host its traditional Open Monument Days, offering residents and tourists the chance to explore and learn more about the country’s culture and history. This is a great opportunity to discover fascinating places and facts about Apeldoorn, with all participating buildings open free of charge. Notable locations include the railway guard's house, Het Aardhuis, De Echoput and Radio Kootwijk, each featuring special activities during the visits.

European Summer Fair  

Food trucks, artist performances and various stalls with crafts and items are some of the attractions at the European Summer Fair. Taking place in Apeldoorn on Saturday, 14 September, from 10:00 to 18:00, this family-friendly event will be held on Asselsestraat and Leienplein.

Honey market at Ugchelen

One of the largest events of its kind, the Ugchelen Honey Market brings together beekeepers who offer a wide variety of honey and honey-based products for sale. The activity will take place on 21 September, starting at 10:30, as part of the Nature and Hobby Market, which will be held from 10:00 to 18:00 in the parking lot behind Ugchelens Belang at Bogaardslaan 81. In addition to the honey market, there will be stalls selling handicrafts, ceramics, jewellery, cakes, flower arrangements and other items.

Yoga with the orangutans

Apeldoorn’s most famous zoo is offering visitors the chance to promote their mental and physical wellbeing while connecting with nature. On 25 September and 20 October, starting at 08:45, Apenheul Primate Park will hold the ‘Yoga with the Orangutans’ event. Taught by Apenheul Nature Conservation Fund (ANF) director and yoga teacher Iris de Winter, the classes will take place beside the orangutan enclosure. Tickets can be purchased on the zoo’s website.

Exhibitions at CODA

Until 29 September, CODA Apeldoorn hosts the exhibition ‘Bouwen aan een nieuwe wereld’ (‘Building a new world’), featuring contemporary sculptures, installations and works on paper by five artists. This exhibition is inspired by the 1963 manifesto ‘New Babylon’ by visual artist Constant Nieuwenhuys (1920-2005), which envisions a future city where the creative and playful individual is at the centre.  

Also at CODA, and running until 22 September, is ‘Gone Astray – Jewellery and Utensils on the Edge of Reason’. Featuring works by 29 artists from the Netherlands and abroad, the exhibition showcases over 150 objects that explore how these artists adapt, expand or challenge traditional rules, conventions and clichés. 

For more information on the museum’s programme and tickets, check CODA’s website.  

Karaoke at Humphrey’s Café

Every Friday until 27 December, starting at 22:00, Humphrey’s Café (Hoofdstraat 196) hosts a karaoke night. This is the perfect opportunity for friends to gather, warm up their vocal cords and enjoy an evening of fun and music.  

WUP 09/09/2024 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg Welcomes More Than 80 New Students for September Intake

Students from 25 Countries Join Wittenborg’s Global Community

As summer draws to a close across Europe, Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has welcomed over 80 new students for its September block. These students will be based across the institution’s Apeldoorn campus, as well as study locations in Amsterdam and Munich.

Reflecting Wittenborg’s commitment to internationalisation and diversity, the new students hail from 25 different countries, including Norway, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, South Africa, Zambia, Japan, Spain and more. They bring with them diverse academic interests, having chosen specialisations across the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Master of Business Management (MBM) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes.

Wittenborg’s six annual intakes are designed to offer flexibility for students, with additional enrolment opportunities scheduled for October and December 2024. Looking towards 2025, prospective students can plan for intakes in February, March and beyond – ample opportunities to join  Wittenborg throughout the year.

This September intake kicked off with Wittenborg’s traditional Introduction Week, starting on 26 August. The week was packed with sessions designed to familiarise new students with the school's staff, infrastructure and facilities, while also immersing them in the vibrant atmosphere. The programme included workshops on academic writing, immigration procedures for those studying in the Netherlands and Germany (in the case of Munich), career development, and a Support English assessment for all master’s and bachelor’s students. The week culminated in an Introductory Lunch at each location, giving students and staff the chance to meet and connect.

Welcoming students to the Apeldoorn campus, Fahad Shakeel, Assistant Professor and Deputy Head of the Business School, reflected on his own experience as an international student. "On behalf of my colleagues and the management team, I would like to welcome you all. Around eight years ago, I was an international student just like you when I came to the Netherlands to start my PhD in Nijmegen. I know there must be so many things on your mind right now—trying to acclimatise to a new environment, learn a new language, build your social circle, and at the same time, focus on your studies. Too many things to do and too little time to do it in. This is where we come in! Here at Wittenborg, you get a very diverse environment, which gives you a unique chance to learn not only from your teachers but also from each other, by understanding, respecting, and celebrating the differences in your cultures and appreciating your common ambitions and goals. We are here to support you, but it will be up to you to explore all avenues and make the most of this time."

For many of the new students, the decision to study at Wittenborg was influenced by a combination of factors.

Kendal Beffre, from Rhode Island in the United States, is pursuing her bachelor's in Entrepreneurship & Digital Marketing. She shared her reasons for choosing Wittenborg's Amsterdam study location: "I was in Amsterdam for an internship before, and I decided to come and study here. I really liked it, so I thought, okay, I'll study here and then eventually get a job. Wittenborg offered the major I wanted, which was digital marketing, and a lot of other schools didn’t."  

Adjusting to life in a new country can be a challenge, but Kendal has found some surprising perks: "Grocery shopping here was like a little game the first time I came. I would take pictures of my groceries and send them to my friends, and they would guess the price. I sent a picture of €20 worth of groceries, and they guessed $60. I was like, no, it was only €20! It’s so much cheaper here."

Kendal is also enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead: "I’m looking forward to experiencing new things and learning. I’ve always been someone who loves learning. When I was ten, I spent two years writing a book and got it published at 13. Now, I’m excited to dive into digital marketing and make the most of my time here."

Chidera Peter Asika and Henry Olamide Adebisi, both MBA students from Nigeria, expressed their enthusiasm for Wittenborg's Amsterdam study location. "We are very happy to be here and to see so many students from different backgrounds," Henry said. "The introduction week shows how intentional the team is about ensuring we have everything we need to succeed, which is very helpful."

In Apeldoorn, Dilan Capan, a pre-master’s student from Nizip, Türkiye, specialising in Digital Marketing and Communication, shared her thoughts on why she chose Wittenborg: "When I first came to the Netherlands, I loved the people – they are always cheerful and respectful. I researched business schools, and Wittenborg was the best option for me because of the range of master’s classes and the supportive teachers. The diversity at Wittenborg is amazing; I’ve already met friends from Korea and China."

Dilan also praised the practical benefits of life in the Netherlands, highlighting her positive first impressions: "The bikeways are the best! When I first got a bike, I rode for an hour and a half without getting lost because the paths are so well-marked, and the car drivers respect cyclists. It’s the best thing I’ve seen here."

WUP 06/09/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

HR Professional Building Fruitful Career in UK Civil Service

Cylina Addai’s life has been shaped by different countries and cultures, contributing to her personal and professional development. Born to a Dutch mother and a Ghanaian father, Cylina spent her childhood in the Netherlands and her teenage years in Pakistan. After returning to Europe, she decided to further her education by studying for an IBA (International Bachelor of Administration) degree in Marketing and Communication Management at Wittenborg. 

“When I came back to the Netherlands, it was quite hard for me to slot back into the traditional Dutch education system because I had been abroad for a while. So, at first, I completed a secondary vocational education programme in international business studies, and I enjoyed it, but I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to specialise in. That’s when I found out about Wittenborg. I was attracted to it because, in addition to being an international school, they were very clear that it would be possible to complete my bachelor's degree in two years.” 

Despite the possibility of graduating in less time, Cylina ended up completing her programme in four years because she was working while studying for her degree. According to the graduate, one of the most positive aspects of Wittenborg is that its curriculum requires students to deliver many presentations, which helped her develop her public speaking skills. “On top of that, we had a great cohort of lecturers, and I have fond memories of them. I miss my lecturers and the people I was close to, and I am still connected with many of them on LinkedIn.” 

She adds that she really enjoyed the variety of guest lecturers that Wittenborg invites for sessions. “These people weren't necessarily lecturers, but they were successful professionals in their field, and it was really great to hear them talk firsthand about their experiences. The way they taught certain sections of the modules was very different from the normal teaching sessions.” 

While studying at Wittenborg, Cylina faced challenges, including the need to work to pay her tuition fees. “This was a trade-off because by studying at Wittenborg I got the flexibility I was looking for. On top of that, I gained a lot of work experience alongside doing my bachelor’s, and that was very beneficial for my career,” the graduate highlights. 

At that time, she had the opportunity to work at different companies, primarily in the field of customer service. These experiences helped Cylina develop new skills and figure out the professional path she wanted to follow. “I realised that I have a clear interest and that is working with people. And very soon it became evident to me that my communication skills are something that I can focus on.” 

By doing a short internship at a recruitment agency, Cylina discovered that she greatly enjoys working in recruitment and attraction. “The only thing that I didn't quite enjoy was the sales aspect of it. But that was when I had an HR module at Wittenborg, and I learned that you don't have to work at a recruitment agency if you want to do recruitment. You can do it within a corporate setting as well. So, I decided that once I was done with my degree I was going to focus on applying for HR recruitment roles.” 

Starting a new life in the UK 

Shortly after graduating, Cylina got married and moved to London to live with her husband. Initially, her lack of previous work experience in the UK proved to be an obstacle to her career. For this reason, despite being a seasoned professional, she applied for an unpaid internship at a charity organisation. On her last day as an intern, she was offered a job in recruitment at a government department. This marked the beginning of her career in the UK civil service, and she has since held HR positions in various other institutions. 

Currently, Cylina is working as a Resourcing and Workforce Planning Lead for the UK COVID-19 Inquiry, a programme that evaluates the UK’s response to the pandemic. Among other tasks, she is responsible for hiring the right people at the right time, focusing on retention, and ensuring that the programme has suitable talent pools in place until its conclusion. 

Regarding her plans for the future, she would like to develop her knowledge and expertise in different areas of HR, to become a more well-rounded professional. “At some point, I would like to apply for a director role. Once you reach that level, you have a very broad scope of responsibilities. The plan is to stay in HR but broaden my knowledge a bit before I climb the ladder. Also, I'm a mom; my son turns six this year, and most of my decisions are currently influenced by how much time I can dedicate to work.” 

Cylina advises current Wittenborg students to gain work experience while studying, whether through a regular job, an internship or a volunteering role.  

“I think tangible experience really dictates how quickly you can get into the workforce or how quickly you can progress. Because although people do value a degree, it’s also important to have practical knowledge. Also, Wittenborg has plenty of contacts and networks, and students can take advantage of these connections and resources to find opportunities, while they have this support network around them,” she concludes.  

WUP 04/09/2024 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press