At VU Amsterdam, we believe it is important that employees have opportunities to continue developing throughout their careers. The adoption of the new Career Development Policy for VU Support and Management Staff last September marked an important first step. The coming period will focus on implementing the policy.
The policy aims to provide better support for support and management staff in shaping a career that reflects their talents and ambitions as well as the needs of the organisation. It also supports managers in taking a strategic approach to employee development, employability and team composition.
Career development as an integral part of work
The world around VU Amsterdam is constantly changing. Students and staff work together to contribute to a healthy, sustainable and just world. This calls for an approach to career development that encourages and nurtures diversity and talent. Career development is a means of making better use of individual strengths, supporting employees in remaining employable and helping teams perform at their best. It is not an end in itself. We are shifting the focus from occasional career moves to continuous development as a natural part of working life.
President of the Executive Board Margrethe Jonkman: “Our colleagues in support and management roles contribute to the quality of our university every day through their knowledge and professional expertise. I believe it is important that they have opportunities to learn from one another and gain experience, including outside their own team. What would you like to learn? What are your ambitions? And what do you need to take the next step? My message to employees and managers is: talk about these questions together. Explore what fits your ambitions and the development of the team, and agree on a next step.”
More opportunities through mobility
Career development is about more than progressing to a different position or a higher salary scale. Employees can also develop within their current role, broaden their responsibilities, or have opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills elsewhere, either temporarily or for a longer period. Mobility, both within and outside the organisation, will receive more attention and will be better facilitated.
More room for talent and development
Conversations with employees and managers show that it is not always clear that career development encompasses more than changing roles or progressing to a higher salary scale.
The new Career Development Policy for VU Support and Management Staff provides the foundation for a broader approach to career development. In the coming period, practical support will be developed, including learning paths and other development initiatives that will enable employees to further develop their talents and explore new opportunities within or beyond their current role.
Interested in the principles behind the new Career Development Policy?
Read Career Development Policy for VU Support and Management Staff: Framework for Professional Growth and discover how VU Amsterdam will further support career development in the coming years.