Working in an organization gives you a real idea of what organizations really do, and how they do it
Paula Boom
MSc Business Administration – Change Management
MSc Human Resource Management
Duration of internship: 4 months
Organization: Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO)
Internship project: Evaluation of the process of the Management Agreements between DUO and OCW
When I started writing my master thesis last February, I also wanted to gain some work-experience before graduating. That is why I started searching for an internship. Via the Career Office mailing list, I came across internships at DUO. Although these internships were not exactly compatible with my thesis subject, I decided to contact DUO directly. They offered me the opportunity to gather data for my thesis, and at the same time work on a project for them. Quite the win-win situation.
Although DUO may not sound as the most exciting place to work, it a great place for gaining work experience. I would say that many of the prejudices about governmental organizations are quite true, as they love to have meetings to discuss things (over and over again). However, the people at DUO are very welcoming, there is an open culture, and you get a lot of freedom and responsibilities in your tasks. You feel like you are a part of a team.
Besides acquiring real work experience, I learned how to interact with different stakeholders in the Management Agreements process and colleagues, and how the governmental world works. Only now I have a real idea of how an organization works, and how complex it actually is.
I would recommend students to do an internship during their studies. Working in an organization gives you a real idea of what organizations really do, and how they do it. I also do think it is a great way of getting a better grip of what you would like to do in your working life.
Last modified: | 23 January 2018 11.01 a.m. |
More news
-
16 April 2024
UG signs Barcelona Declaration on Open Research Information
In a significant stride toward advancing responsible research assessment and open science, the University of Groningen has officially signed the Barcelona Declaration on Open Research Information.
-
02 April 2024
Flying on wood dust
Every two weeks, UG Makers puts the spotlight on a researcher who has created something tangible, ranging from homemade measuring equipment for academic research to small or larger products that can change our daily lives. That is how UG...
-
18 March 2024
VentureLab North helps researchers to develop succesful startups
It has happened to many researchers. While working, you suddenly ask yourself: would this not be incredibly useful for people outside of my own research discipline? There are many ways to share the results of your research. For example, think of a...