How does Professional Companion aim to bridge the gap between VU Amsterdam and the Zuidas?
"Almost half of our students come from a bicultural background. Many of them are also first-generation students. This makes VU Amsterdam a wonderful reflection of Amsterdam. But as soon as you walk towards Zuid station, you suddenly see less of that diversity. Many of these students don’t even consider a career in the Zuidas offices, because they think that kind of environment isn’t for them. It was precisely that gap I wanted to bridge.
"Through Professional Companion, we match students with a mentor from the professional world, often a VU alumnus. They meet at least three times, and there is always a shadowing day. The discussions cover career choices, professional skills, job applications and networking. This gives students access to a world that sometimes feels far away to them.
"The idea builds on something I’ve been doing for years: connecting education with the real world. Through guest lectures, final-year projects and career events, I’ve built up a large network. After winning the Van der Duijn Schouten Education Prize, the question arose as to how we could make better use of that network for our students."
Why is this programme particularly suited to VU Amsterdam?
"At its core, this programme is about equal opportunities. Not every student has the same network or the same access to employers. By connecting students with professionals, we make opportunities more accessible and help bridge an invisible gap. At the same time, it aligns with our ambition to educate students to become global citizens. Students are introduced to a new professional world, whilst mentors broaden their horizons by getting to know different backgrounds and perspectives. This mutual learning contributes to a more open and just society."
What is the current status of the project?
"Students from fifteen Master’s programmes and four Bachelor’s programmes are now taking part. The programme was launched in 2024 within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities and the School of Business and Economics, and was expanded in its second year to include the Faculty of Law. The next step is to extend it to the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences.
"The feedback has been positive. Students say they have a better understanding of which roles and organisations suit them. Sometimes they discover professions they didn’t even know existed. For example, one student found a job as a business developer at a law firm through her mentor. In addition, their self-confidence is growing: students learn how organisations work, how to network and what opportunities are available to them."
Why do alumni and organisations get involved?
"For organisations, it’s a great opportunity to connect with diverse talent at an early stage. It yields potential employees and new insights. Through reverse mentoring, mentors learn from their mentees’ experiences and perspectives, which broadens their view of talent and inclusion. During the mentor training and closing session, mentors expand their network by meeting other professionals. Finally, many alumni and organisations want to make a difference for these students. They find it valuable to share their knowledge and experience and thus contribute to equal opportunities."
What makes you a free thinker and how does that manifest itself in your work?
"For me, free thinking starts with curiosity. Being open to other perspectives, daring to ask questions and not being afraid to admit that you don’t know something. You can see that attitude reflected in my work too. I find it easy to approach people and try to connect different worlds. A good example is the programme’s closing event. I simply approached Amsterdam’s Alderman for Education and asked if he’d like to come and speak. Many people first think of all the reasons why something like that wouldn’t work. I just do it. Ten days later, I received a message saying he’d be happy to come. For me, free thinking is about taking the initiative, spotting opportunities and not being afraid to ask.
"Professional Companion is a simple idea: bringing students and professionals together. But it is precisely by thinking outside the box and simply getting started that something with real impact is created. If you are open to new ideas and connections, you open doors for people who might otherwise never walk through them."
For more information about Professional Companion, please have a look here.
VU Amsterdam seeks and nurtures societal dialogue, is a leader in research, and educates global citizens who contribute to a better world in both word and deed. This is our vision for 2035. Have a look at the strategic plan 2026–2030 here.
