Everyone knows Schiphol as the largest Dutch airport, a spider web of mostly international flights to all corners of the world. But Schiphol is more than that. The Schiphol Group (SG) not only operates the air traffic, but also Schipholplaza, the infrastructure around Schiphol, the business park, etcetera. Moreover, the SG is also involved in developments at one of the world's largest airports: New York's John F. Kennedy Airport in the US.
As a graduate economist, econometrician, or (international) business administrator, what could you do at a company like the SG?
There are many different opportunities for economists at the SG. For example, economists are needed to devise an airport marketing strategy. For example, what is the best way for the airport to rent out the available retail, advertising, or convention space? Also, it is usually economists who calculate which investments are worth investing in. For example, when is it profitable to build a new pier or a new terminal? Of course, the business operations of the SG involve an entire financial administration where an economist can also do very well. You will then be concerned with, for example, the financial statements. Furthermore, as a graduate economist with a focus on Spatial Economics, you could investigate the most efficient way to build the infrastructure on the business park. As an economist, you can also analyze macro economic factors of the flight market so that SG management can assess whether it will be wise or even necessary to partner with other airports. As you can see, with a degree in Economics you can really do anything!
As a business administrator you can work at a versatile organization like Schiphol Group. You could be working on the use of ICT tools for the effective organization of the check-in procedure, for example. Many business experts also specialize in organizational advice. Because the SG also advises other airports on their operational management, a business manager is very employable here. Furthermore, as a business expert, you can get involved in SG's strategy. This is when you determine the direction of the company in the future. This is easier said than done, because within a large organization such as SG it is essential that the strategy is determined taking into account the preconditions of the various organizational units, such as marketing, human resources and the financial administration.
With an International Business Administration (IBA) degree, you have similar perspectives to a business major, but with more international opportunities. In fact, having studied IBA allows you to function well in an international environment. At the SG, this acquired knowledge comes in handy when managing relationships with international partners and competitors, such as different airlines and other airports, and determining international strategy. Because the SG is a very international environment, you will certainly get to deal with people from different cultures and different backgrounds. With an IBA Bachelor and possibly a Master in your pocket, the SG can take you in many directions, from strategic manager, to consultant, from marketing manager to human resource manager and much more.
For example, as an econometrician, you could work at the SG on designing mathematical models to make all air traffic happen as effectively as possible. Air traffic must be planned so that as many planes as possible can arrive and depart within a given time without delays. This must take into account a variety of circumstances, such as environmental requirements, available terminal facilities, and the wishes of the airlines. Further, as an econometrician, you could calculate what percentage of misdelivered baggage is reasonable based on probability calculations and then try to make logistical improvements to the baggage handling process. In summary, econometricians can solve complex decision problems within companies of a numerical nature using applied mathematics and information and computer technology.
Economics, Econometrics & OR, Business Administration or International Business Administration: all four are degree programs with their own character and many career opportunities. Choose the program that suits you best and where you feel most at home.
Do you still have doubts?
Then contact our study advisors or visit one of our information days. We would be happy to help you further.