My Career Story - blog

"I am now in my 9th year of studying - I started out doing something completely different from what I am doing now." - Nienke Jongejan, Student assistant Well-being & currently studying MSc Health & Medical Psychology at Leiden University

"Poor planning on your side does not (anymore) mean panic on mine." - Laura Kamsma, Teamleader International Office at the Faculty of Governance & Global Affairs (FGGA), Leiden University

"The path to a successful career is not a straight line. It is a journey filled with ups and
downs. It is about discovering who you are, embracing your own uniqueness, and learning
from every obstacle along the way.” - Ayokunu Adedokun, Assistant Professor of Public Policy & International Development at the Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs (FGGA)

"Is my work good enough? I realised that questions like this are completely normal at the beginning of one's career." - Rik Peelen, LDE Trainee Leadership Development

"This personal process also gave me the tools to better support students in their journey. I also realized that everybody needs a small support group to mirror your personal career path every now and then." - Arianna Pranger, Assistant Professor of Master Pharmacy education, Chair/Teaching Fellow @Leiden Teachers Academy Leiden University & Hospital Pharmacist.

“Taking your time to make a distinction between stress and ambition will give you an opportunity to enjoy the ride while figuring out what makes you happy in life” - Anna de Keijzer, Project Coordinator for Student Well-Being

"It is always good to keep developing a new part of yourself, even though it is tempting to keep doing the things you know you are good at" - Maarten Fischer, Team leader Student Psychologists Leiden University

"A career is unplannable, but what you can do is be aware of the opportunities around you" - Martijn Ridderbos, vice-chairman of the Executive Board

“Giving up on something you do not enjoy is not failure” - Eva Sweep, works at the secretariat for the department of Student Support Services

“Instead of dreaming about a career, I dream about the life I want to live” - Perine Fleury, student and co-founder of Biosphere Solar

"I truly believe that what I can do, thousands of other young people can too" - Bart de Bart, founder Stichting SWOM

“Leaving my job was sad, but felt like a relief too” - Annemarie Loeters, Career Advisor

"Sometimes there are professions that might suit you better" - Elijah Sanches, medical doctor

“Although you will be presented with many choices in your life, it is important to know that no choice is final” - Rose Rorije, Career Advisor

"Follow your heart, it's always right" - Ynette Caupain, Student Counselor

"What gets you out of bed in the morning?" - Yvonne Dexel, Career Advice Coordinator

"I learned that, with every step you take, you learn more about what suits you" - Eva van der Meer, Study Choice and Career Advisor

"I challenge you to trust in yourself to take the first step" - Dennis Fiorenza, team leader Career Services

"No guts no glory" - Loes Nordlohne, Career Advisor

"What is the worst thing that can happen if you dare to take the next step in your career?" - Marije Bedaux, Career Advisor