UM Connect Day 2023
Are you a UM alum / external professional looking for opportunities to develop yourself in a fast-changing labour market, learn new skills to keep up, and at the same time create meaningful impact? And would you like to meet (or re-connect with) like-minded professionals? Then join us for the very first edition of the UM Connect Day, which takes place on Saturday 14 October at Tapijnkazerne, Maastricht.
Get inspired, expand your network and become acquainted with the wide range of development opportunities within the UM. Subscribe for a variety of interactive breakout sessions, provided by internal UM parties. We kick off plenary with interesting speakers and wrap up with a festive barbecue.
Practical info
When: Saturday 14 October 2023
Where: Tapijnkazerne 11, 6211 ME Maastricht
Time: 14.00 till approx. 22.00
Language: all sessions will be in English
Entrance fee: 10,-*. Tickets will be available soon. Capacity is limited, so do not wait too long!
* All proceeds are donated to the new Equity and Inclusion Programme of the University Fund Limburg. The programme facilitates scholarships for underprivileged youth from the region, and supports projects focused on equality at UM.
Programme
13:00 - 14:00 Registration and reception
14:00 - 14:15 Opening and introduction by Bouwien Janssen - Director Development & Alumni Relations
14:15 - 14:45 Presentation: 'AIpocalypse now? Governing the future of work' by Professor Mark Levels
15:00 - 15:45 First break out session
16:00 - 16:45 Second break out session
16:45 - 17:15 Break
17:15 - 18:00 Third break out session
18:05 - 18:50 Alumni panel talk
18:50 - 19:00 Closing by Bouwien Janssen
19:00 - 22:00 Barbecue and festive closing with networking
Lifelong development
The world is changing fast. We face many transitions, creating both challenges as well as opportunities, which inevitably reflects on the equally transforming labour market. What will our working situation look like in, let’s say, 10 to 15 years? What impact will AI and automation have on our jobs? And how about the climate discussion, the ever-increasing globalization, the energy transition, and the challenges we face in healthcare? Just to name a few. In this complex landscape, professionals are expected to act fast, proactive and be flexible. Acquiring new knowledge and skills is essential in this, in order to keep up and at the same time create meaningful impact. By offering good, labour market-oriented education and training, UM can contribute to a better labour market position for its students, employees, alumni, and people in the region, regardless of their age, experience, and educational background. The UM would like to contribute to solving societal challenges arising from the various transitions and reduce the gap between supply and demand of knowledge and skills in the region.
Learn more about the sessions

How AI is changing the way we do business
- Dr. Adriana Seclaman
In this session, we will explore the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its transformative influence on the business landscape. We will embark on a journey to uncover how AI is revolutionizing industries through automation, advanced analytics, and innovation. With the help of real-world examples, we will explore the practical applications of AI in various business contexts, allowing you to get a deeper understanding of the abundant opportunities AI presents across industries. Whether you are an entrepreneur, executive, or simply curious about the potential of AI; this session will provide you with valuable insights and inspire you to envision the role of AI in shaping the future of business.

Coaching on the edge of education and work
- Johan de Wilde, Wendy Nuis, Niels van der Baan, Simon Beausaert
The transition from education to employment is crucial in any career. The help of a coach is an added value, but not every form of coaching will simply yield results. This session includes the book Coaching on the edge of education and work for a limited number of participants. Based on the contents of this book, the session provides insights into the crucial roles and characteristics a coach must possess to successfully guide students and starters into the work field. Discover the science behind coaching, learn about the four types of coaching support, get practical tools and exercises, and evaluate your own coaching practice in this session.

Creating a learning culture via Communities of Practice
- Dominique Meyers and Ellen Bastiaens
In this workshop we will present some examples of formats of learning (from formal learning, to informal and non-formal learning) and explain how we facilitate this in different ways (e.g. training, experience, and platforms for exchange). Platforms for exchange can be organized in different ways, establishing a community of practice is an example we will elaborate upon in our workshop. We will give a short introduction followed by experiencing a mini community of practice to share each other’s practice for learning with the participants.

Intercultural Communication in the Workplace
- Katie Lindley
Working cross-culturally or cross-generationally can bring unexpected challenges, and we all need tools to navigate them well. We provide a practical workshop to address these challenges and opportunities through discussion and role-play in a safe environment. The workshop aims to: 1) explore our own culture (national, regional and personal) and its influence on the way we communicate. 2) Practice and discuss different styles of communication, especially with regard to concepts such as communication styles, politeness and giving feedback. 3) Identify strategies for improving intercultural communication in the workplace.

DEXperience: A Discover Tech Series by DEXLab
- Roberta Di Palma & Noah Moonen
Meet the forefront of innovation with DEXLab as we introduce three distinct sessions, each dedicated to a groundbreaking technology. Join us in exploring and shaping the evolving face of technology!
1) Virtual Reality (VR) Dive: Immerse in the vast realms of VR. Experience these virtual worlds hands-on, then brainstorm how VR can redefine experiences in various sectors.
2) Augmented Reality (AR) Encounter: Navigate the tangible and digital blend. Engage with AR's dynamic capabilities, ideating on its potential applications and transformative impact.
3) Service Robots Session: Interact with automation. Collaborate with service robots, envisioning their potential roles in diverse environments and scenarios.

Lifelong learning around the globe
- Joyce Grul & Tchitula Teuns
School of Health Professions Education (SHE) is the office for international collaboration of the School of Health Professions Education. In this workshop, we discuss why lifelong learning is important and how we at SHE Collaborates practice this in an international context. You will receive a short introduction into the importance of learning, education, innovation and its relation to (prospective) careers. There will be a question and answer session at the end.

The European Union and Dutch policies on Artificial Intelligence
- Dr. Michal Natorski
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly deployed by many organisations and entities in their everyday operations. However, there is a significant lack of awareness that their deployment should meet regulatory requirements. This session will serve to outline the key principles and mechanisms of the regulatory framework being developed in the European Union AI Act and its influence on the existing Dutch policy on AI. Based on this introduction, the participants will discuss how the emerging regulatory approach might influence their organisations in adopting AI tools.

Exploring the role of labour migrants and refugees for local economies
- Katrin Marchand
During this workshop, we will explore the economic potential of labor migrants and refugees in our local communities. We will delve into migration's impact on labour markets, entrepreneurship, and consumption patterns, and discover the unique skills migrants and refugees may bring to drive innovation and growth. It is essential to discuss demographic changes and labour and skills gaps and the role that migration can play in addressing these challenges many countries are facing. We will analyse the scope of labour migration and international displacement and their potential for businesses, productivity, and growth. Lastly, together we will explore examples and strategies for integrating migrants and refugees into companies and societies to foster mutual benefits.
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