Alumni Expert Blog: Lifelong Development

Klaas-Jan: ‘After high school, I started with a degree in Electrical engineering. In the early 90’s I ‘rolled’ into information technology and started working as engineering specialist and consultant, to ultimately grow into the role of project manager and service manager/account manager. Project management, or actually change management, is the common thread in my career. Improving communication and organisations using IT-processes has always been a driving force for me. I thrive in organisations that constantly evolve. I was looking for a degree that covered a wide range of topics, practice-oriented, of maximum 1 year and with a course load that was not too high. At UMIO, I found the perfect fit.'

Why did you choose the Masterclass Change Management and what were the main takeaways?

‘During the part-time course in Business Administration, change management was one of the topics covered. I participated in an informative and hands-on day which gave me a lot of energy. But one day was too little for me, and I wanted to learn more. Soon I found out that UMIO was offering the Masterclass Change Management, which started one month after I would graduate from my Business degree. It connected perfectly. The Masterclass provided a more in depth approach to the subject. Within the Business degree the focus lay on the ‘harder’, procedural part; but here the focus was on the ‘softer side’ of change management, the social and interpersonal aspects of change. Moreover, the Masterclass perfectly aligned with a project at my job, to work as a transition manager for an organisation-wide change.’

‘The main takeaway from the Masterclass? That great plans and ideas are good and needed, but (cooperation of) the people within your organisation and the support that is needed from the board of directors and management, are the factors of success - or failure. The different models, including Kotter, helped me with a fruitful start of my project. In that sense, the Masterclass is also very practical and hands-on. Furthermore, the contact with the other students was very valuable: you can learn so much from each other by discussing the challenges that arise in different organisations. It gives you valuable insights which you can implement immediately.’
 

Which tips would you give other professionals who'd like to keep on learning?

‘Don’t wait too long to take the plunge; I should have started with the Business degree 20 years ago, but I’m very happy I still decided to do it later on in my career. The Business degree has given me a new perspective on organisations, problems, structures and approaches. The workload is manageable, approx. 6 to 8 hours per week. Once every two weeks I had a day of classes, which I could combine well with my work and personal life.’

'I can profit for a very long time from the knowledge that I gained. The coming years I will mainly be occupied with my work and the big transition that we are undergoing in our organisation. In a medium term, I would like to follow a course on leadership. And (art) history is something that also has always caught my interest, but that is more of a long-term dream. I still have plenty of time to take on new challenges!'

Staying involved with UM(IO)

‘I regularly receive information from the UM and I get invited to UMIO events. Recently I attended one. In the nearby future, I hope to participate in several more events and network with fellow alumni. General or specific documentation and information – e.g. practical case studies, white papers or study materials, meant to inspire and learn from – is always welcome. Because even after graduation, I hope to stay part of the alumni community.’

Text: Anouk van den Brink