Advent calendar - December 10th - Jeannette de Boer

In the Zernike Institute Advent Calendar, we are presenting 24 short spotlights in December. In these specials, we highlight PhD students, postdocs, support staff and technicians of our research groups and team - providing a glimpse in their typical day at work. In Episode 10 meet Jeannette de Boer, management assistant at the Zernike Institute Coordinating Office.

I am working as a management assistant at the Coordinating Office of the Zernike Institute. The Office assists the directors and the board in many aspects of their management activities. I'm part of a small team consisting of the scientific director, the research manager, the business manager, the funding officer and myself. The main focus of the coordinating office lies on assisting in the development of research lines, the selection of personnel, the allocation of funds, the division of teaching tasks and the development and recruitment of teaching staff within the research institute. A nice portfolio!

As assistant my added value lies in ensuring that the director can work optimally in order to manage the organisation efficiently and effectively. In our international working environment with plenty of variety I interact with staff members and students from different backgrounds and cultures, which makes my job very lively. Good communication and social skills are crucial. I plan and organise meetings with staff members and external parties. I manage agendas and arrange matters such as reporting and archiving. Colleagues often walk in if they have questions, the same goes for external persons who call of email me. I have an eye for business interests but the interaction with colleagues can really make the day.

Wishing everyone a merry Christmas!

Contact: Jeannette de Boer