Dear reader,

You most likely have seen many YoungRUG employees before, but I’m happy to introduce myself too! My name is Alwin and I’m an academic advisor at the Faculty of Science and Engineering. On top of this I’m also the floor manager at the IShop, where I work together with great students to provide you with all kinds of merchandise and of course the famous University hoodies.

It is already a long time ago when I joined the UG. First as a bachelor’s student in chemistry, then continuing my master’s degree and finishing it off with a PhD in medicinal chemistry. After this I lived and worked in Germany for almost seven years before finally returning to Groningen. I truly love this city, its university, and the people who make it such a nice place to work.

In both my jobs I can help and guide students, which somehow feels as a natural thing to do. Doing something that you enjoy, that you are intrinsically motivated to do, or that just feels right, is probably also the job in which you will be happiest. At least it is for me! I would definitely choose the same career path again, because it has prepared me for who I am today. Becoming a professional takes time, effort, and sometimes sweat and tears.

Personally, I do not think that many of us will become leaders; most likely you will be working in teams anyways. Working together will move the entire team forward, which is more rewarding than one person being successful. That's why I would strongly recommend strengthening your interpersonal skills rather than your leadership skills.

Of course, we need leaders who take responsibility and set goals, but only a few of us will become true leaders. That's why I advocate for more training in soft skills such as communication, working in interdisciplinary teams, problem solving, time management, and project management. Moreover, showing empathy does not make you weak; it builds trust and can be crucial when you and your team face greater challenges. We don't need people who only look after themselves. Let's do it together instead!

As I write these words, I realize that I am clearly advocating for a friendlier working environment, where we can work as a team. I know that this may not always be possible, but let's at least try. This can already be implemented in bachelor's and master's programs. You will undoubtedly be trained in a very specific subject, which will give you the necessary qualifications and hard skills to perform the tasks in your future career. But also train yourself in soft skills. Everyone benefits from this. Do you agree?

The UG is an excellent place to study, develop skills, and become a young professional. It provides the platform we need to grow and perform to the best of our ability. What I would like to achieve is for the university to become even more accessible, more efficient in all its processes, and unsurprisingly, a place where we work together! What would you need to achieve this in your current position? Is this already offered at the UG, or is it something we need to create?

Wishing you all the best, and let’s do it together!

Alwin