At the University of Twente I finally found the challenge I was looking for.
During my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at a university of applied sciences (hbo in Dutch), I still felt the need for some additional challenges. So I took a side job at a bank in my third year of studies. But as the banking industry turned out to be shrinking, I wanted to improve my future prospects. That’s why I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Twente (UT).
Exciting
I must admit I was a bit scared that the level might be too high. Although I didn’t doubt my cognitive abilities, I knew that motivation had always been my problem. But once I had entered the pre-Master's, I thoroughly enjoyed it. And because I enjoyed it, I also made the effort. I found that the level wasn’t too bad after all, it only took me some time to get used to everything being in English. The UT turned out to be an exciting world of discussion and participation. Finally I had found the challenge I had always been looking for.
After starting out as a master’s student at the UT you soon realise you came here to learn something, not just to get a degree. I feel motivated by the group assignments and gladly take part in discussions, which I never used to do. At UT you get great support and the campus, of course, is fantastic. I can truly say that at the UT I have found the right spot for myself – and, in a sense, discovered who I really am.
Just try it
To hbo-students considering doing a master’s I would say: just try it! Many people think that studying at a university is really much tougher than HBO. But it’s not so bad, as long as you do something your heart is in and really go for it. Following up an hbo bachelor’s with a university master’s is probably an ideal mix to ensure career opportunities. You will deepen your practice-oriented knowledge and thereby increase your chances on the job market.