‘My work focuses on translating societal challenges into concrete policy. For example, I am involved in developing the new National Climate Adaptation Strategy (NAS’26), which sets out the steps and policy options needed to prepare the Netherlands for the impacts of climate change, both now and in the future. My responsibilities include coordinating various aspects of the policy process and engaging stakeholders. A key question is how we can keep different parties involved and ensure that the strategy is also taken forward in practice.

I also work on climate adaptation within IenW’s infrastructure networks. My focus is on issues that extend beyond individual networks. One example is how to ensure that the mobility system as a whole continues to function when climate change causes disruption. This requires collaboration between different policy areas and bringing together expertise from across these fields.’

How did you get from your studies to your current position?

‘After graduating, I knew I wanted to make a positive contribution to society and was looking for a job where I could make a real impact. This led me to the National Government Traineeship Programme, which offers the opportunity to gain experience in different parts of central government over a two-year period.

I found that the Climate Adaptation Department at IenW offered exactly the combination of societal relevance, substantive challenges and collaboration that suits me.’

Why did you choose this programme at VU Amsterdam?

‘After completing Bachelor's degrees in Cultural Anthropology and Law, I was looking for a Master's programme that would allow me to combine my legal background with my interest in societal issues. I found climate change a particularly interesting topic because, as well as being a major societal challenge, it also touches on law, economics and the responsibilities of businesses and governments.

The Master's in International Business Law: Climate Change and Corporations brings these different perspectives together. I wanted to gain a better understanding of the role that legislation, businesses and governments can play in tackling climate change, and how different perspectives can contribute to societal change. The combination of an international perspective and the urgency of climate change ultimately made the programme the right choice for me.’

What did you find most valuable about your time at VU Amsterdam?

‘What I valued most was having the opportunity to develop myself and put the knowledge gained during lectures into practice. One example was the moot court, in which we simulated the Milieudefensie v Shell case. I also took part in the Law Clinic, where we worked on a case concerning One-Dyas’s controversial gas extraction project in the North Sea.

I also really enjoyed working with fellow students from different academic backgrounds. The programme’s small-scale setting makes it possible to learn a great deal from one another and further develop your own interests and skills.’

What has surprised you about the professional field since graduating?

‘What has surprised me is just how much you continue to learn once you start working. During your studies, you learn to analyse complex issues, weigh up different perspectives and develop well-founded arguments. In practice, however, things sometimes work a little differently. It is not just about finding the best solution from a substantive or legal perspective; it is also about what is feasible. You constantly need to translate specialist knowledge into policies that work in practice.’

What advice would you give to someone considering this programme?

‘Make the most of opportunities to gain practical experience during your studies, for example through the Law Clinic. This allows you to discover what motivates you and how you can apply the knowledge gained during lectures in practice.’

Back to the programme page