Preparing students for the job market
Interview with Maaike Creusen
Graduation Year: 2024
Current role and company: Policy Advisor Heritage, Spatial Quality & Landscape – Province of Groningen
Favorite memory of BOSS / Favorite spot on BK: My favorite BOSS memory is the study trip that I helped organize. It was a great opportunity to get to know fellow students outside the classroom and share experiences together. My favorite spot at BK was the coffee corner, where you could always run into someone for a spontaneous chat or a quick break between study sessions.
1. How was your transition from MBE to the work field? What surprised you most?
The transition from MBE to professional life was quite smooth. What surprised me most was how much responsibility you receive early on. During your studies, you often work on theoretical or fictional cases, while in practice you are directly involved in projects that impact people and their living environment. I also learned how important collaboration with different stakeholders is and how much you can learn from colleagues with different backgrounds.
2. What did you do to improve your chances of getting a job right after graduation? What do you advise others to do?
During my studies, I tried to gain as much practical experience as possible and actively connect with people in the field. One of the best decisions I made was combining my graduation project with an internship. Although this is not required within MBE, I would highly recommend it. Not only do you gain valuable practical experience, but you also build a strong professional network. More generally, stay curious, attend events, and talk to people. Many opportunities come from conversations you never expected to have.
3. How did you actually find your current job?
LinkedIn. I found my current job through the network I built during my graduation internship. During that period, I connected with various professionals and organizations within the spatial planning and public sector domain. When this opportunity came up, I was already familiar with both the organization and the field, which made the transition into my current role feel very natural.
4. What kind of project are you currently working on that you're excited about?
Currently, I work on projects related to heritage, landscape, and spatial quality in Groningen. What I find exciting is helping historic buildings and landscapes become future-proof while preserving their character. The combination of history, sustainability, and spatial development makes the work very diverse and socially relevant.
5. Which skill you learned during MBE do you use the most on a daily basis?
The skill I use most is analyzing complex challenges from multiple perspectives. MBE teaches you how to integrate technical, social, economic, and governance interests. I apply that skill almost every day, as spatial challenges rarely have one simple solution.
6. Is there something you would like to tell MBE students that you wish someone had told you?
You do not need to know exactly where you want to be in five years. Many opportunities arise along the way. Invest in relationships, stay curious, and dare to try things outside your comfort zone. Those experiences often help you discover what truly suits you.