Hi! My name is Gwendolyn Hooijkaas and I work as a study advisor at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB). I am one of the three study advisors for the Bachelor’s programme International Business and related (pre-)Master’s programmes and one of nine study advisors within the faculty.

I studied at the University of Groningen myself and completed two Master’s degrees in Educational Sciences and Clinical Psychology, both at the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences. Working as a study advisor allows me to combine these two passions in my daily work.

Thanks to the Talent Travel programme I was able to explore the role of study advisor and decide whether it would be a good fit for me. It turned out to be even more interesting and fun than I had anticipated! I first started working as a study advisor at the Faculty of Arts and subsequently worked at the Faculty of Law before coming to FEB.

As the position is typically related to higher education and it is not always clear what the role entails, I thought I’d share a bit about what my days look like!

A typical day as a study advisor

Every day in my role brings something new. I start my mornings by checking the inbox — students often reach out with all kinds of questions. Some questions are about arranging exam facilities, for example in the case of dyslexia, but others are about study skills and exam stress, the Binding Study Advice or students seeking advice because of personal circumstances impacting their ability to study. Throughout the day, I also have scheduled appointments with students. These meetings give us the opportunity to explore more deeply whatever challenges the student in question is facing, whether it's academic, personal, or a mix of both. Beforehand, I prepare for the appointments by reading up on regulations that might apply and coming up with a list of topics to discuss. After the appointment, I summarize what was discussed and take appropriate action where needed. Once a week, I have a walk-in hour. This is perfect for students who have quick questions, for example about choosing an elective or discussing a student’s planning for the upcoming year – I like how dynamic and varied this can be.

As we have a big team of study advisors, we meet weekly to discuss relevant topics and have a separate intervision moment (with coffee!) as well. Part of why I enjoy working in a team is how there’s always a sparring partner to be found – you get to learn so much from one another. I also have a short weekly meeting with the two colleagues who advise on the same programmes. Furthermore, as study advisor you have the opportunity to participate in intervision sessions with colleagues from other faculties at the SSC and the quarterly Groninger Overleg Studieadviseurs is a wonderful moment to exchange ideas and knowledge with colleagues.

Role within the faculty

When you work as a study advisor, you not only work with students: you are embedded within a programme and a faculty, meaning you quickly get to know and collaborate with colleagues from different departments: from instructors to programme directors and coordinators, colleagues from the educational administration, and the exchange office.

Professionalization is also important as a study advisor. You are able to enroll in courses offered at the LVSA, such as Mindset and a training offered on issues first-year students often encounter – both of which I was lucky to be able to attend. I recently started the Leergang Studieadviseurs. This course consists of a set of modules that are highly relevant for starting study advisors. Even though it’s just started, it’s been great meeting new colleagues and sharing our experiences so far. I look forward to learning more about this field and to applying these skills to more effectively support students during their studies in Groningen.  

It's always rewarding to see students leave with a clearer path forward - even after just a short conversation. Supporting students through their academic journey, in big ways and small, is what makes this job so meaningful to me.

When I was completing my own studies, I remember speaking to my own study advisor, who helped me gain direction and offered a listening ear. I hope to make the same difference for others.