From Study to Success: How Nouschka and Floor found their path at VU and InnoGI

Nouschka began her studies at VU after an extensive search for the perfect program and ultimately chose the Master's in Science, Business and Innovation (SBI). Outside of work, she relaxes by crocheting and spending time with friends. After completing her master, she started working at InnoGI Technologies, initially as a Business Development Associate and now as a Content Marketing Specialist. This role allows her to combine her knowledge of Business and Biology with her creative personality, fitting her interests perfectly.

Floor has a passion for traveling, especially to Italy, and enjoys cooking Italian food. After a long search, she discovered the Science, Business and Innovation (SBI) program at VU through a friend. Her diverse interests and desire to explore various fields made SBI the perfect choice for her. After completing her studies, she joined InnoGI Technologies as a Business Developer, where she combines her passion for innovation with a keen enthusiasm for customer interaction.

How did you end up at VU, and why did you choose the Science, Business and Innovation (SBI) program?Nouschka did the Master in Science, Business and Innovation (SBI). Nouschka; "Initially, I planned to become an analyst, but at the last minute, I decided to change direction. After a gap year, I came across the Science, Business and Innovation master's program. What attracted me to this program at Vrije Universiteit (VU) was the two-year curriculum focused on business courses. This allowed me to develop more broadly across different areas. After visiting various universities, I chose the Science, Business and Innovation master at VU because of its comprehensive two-year business curriculum."

Floor completed the Bachelor's in Science, Business and innovation. Floor; "I found this program thanks to a friend. I wasn't sure what I wanted, and my friend arranged for me to shadow a student. After the shadowing day, I found that the program seemed interesting and well-suited to me, especially because it offers diverse career paths. Ultimately, I chose VU because Amsterdam is a great city for studying."

What did you enjoy most about the study?
Nouschka found the real cases and guest speakers from companies like Tony Chocolonely, Xbox, and Nintendo particularly interesting. Nouschka; "We worked on assignments related to these cases, which made for really engaging and valuable lessons."

Floor valued the contact with real companies and working on actual cases. She says, "I was interacting with real companies, not just fictional ones. This gave me a genuine sense of what I could do. For example, I had an interview with the Prinses Maxima Centrum, which was very interesting and left a strong impression on me. It could be a great place for me in the future."

How was the distribution of lessons?
Floor studied partially online due to COVID. Floor; "In the first year, I had the introduction online and attended many classes virtually. In the second year, we had more in-person classes. We had lectures as well as practical sessions where we applied the material from the lectures. This made the learning process more intensive. Practical sessions were useful when the group collaborated well, but self-study offered more flexibility."

In addition to lectures, Nouschka also had workshops. Nouschka "In the workshops, we worked in groups on assignments. I often found self-study more productive than group work."

Who was your favorite teacher and why?
Floor has difficulty choosing her favorite teachers. Floor; "Sandra Hasanefendic was amazing due to her dedication to the study and her kindness. Els Kroezinga helped me find a job."

Two teachers stand out for Nouschka. Nouschka; "Peter van der Sijde assisted me with my thesis and helped me find an internship, which I really appreciated. Additionally, Chris Slootweg engaged students with the material by having them teach the class. We first presented on the topic and then created exam questions to practice."

What is your golden tip for a new Science, Business and Innovation student?
Nouschka advises staying on top of your studies due to the heavy workload. Nouschka; "It's crucial to keep up with your coursework and be well-prepared for exams. Studying with classmates not only keeps you motivated but also makes studying more enjoyable and lessens the workload at home."

Floor; "If you're unsure about what you want to do, try shadowing a current student to get a clear picture of the program."

What was your route to eventually studying at university?
Nouschka wanted to do something with biology after high school. Nouschka, "After studying biology and laboratory research, I decided to continue my education at VU because of its combination of science and business courses."

Floor unfortunately failed her VWO exams. Floor; "I retook my science subjects at VAVO (adult education) and then started the Science, Business and Innovation program."

What would you say to your younger self?
Nouschka faced many setbacks during her studies but persevered to complete her master. She advises her younger self, "Follow your instincts and do what makes you happy. Life can take unexpected turns, but it will turn out well in the end."

After failing her final exams, Floor was worried that the program she loved might be too difficult. She reassures her younger self, "Don't worry if things don't go as planned. With the right motivation and perseverance, everything will work out. I eventually found a study and job that truly fit me."