Diderick:

“My PREMIUM experience was more about gaining exposure to new areas in teamwork. First of all, the project I chose was about onboarding, a topic I have never before encountered. Our main objectives were to ensure that new employees became knowledgeable, independent colleagues quickly, and that new employees feel the moral connection within the company. Ultimately, we devised a plan with which aixigo would achieve these objectives, and we can proudly say that one of our team mates is now actually working at aixigo to implement our solution!  Additionally, my team mates were from various study programs, providing us all with completely different styles of thinking and working. Lastly, the programme exposed me to a largely female-dominated team, which I never encountered before in my bachelor’s program, which was largely male dominated. These new insights and exposures were the foundation of my development throughout the programme.”

Iliana:

“Coming from a Sociology Bachelor I wanted to shift my focus to the intersection of society and technology in this fast-evolving world. Working with Cisco gave me the practical aspect of my goal, since our challenge was to uncover the upcoming technologies that this big tech company needs to invest in and help Cisco’s IT experts make a plan on how to be prepared for these technologies. These tools that we presented to the company helped them evolve, but they also helped me evolve. I learned all there is to know about how the company works in such projects. My teammates helped me grow so much just by providing their expertise on the project. I learned through the people involved how to be a better teammate and professional, and the insightful coaching and mentoring sessions PREMIUM offers added a deeply personal lens to it all, as if my growth was being observed under a microscope, allowing me to notice and nurture every small step of my development. This made every moment of the program truly meaningful.”

Niloofar:

“The highlights of my PREMIUM experience, in collaboration with our client Marres, House for Contemporary Culture, encompass both personal and professional growth. On a professional level, I had the opportunity to work in a new environment with a team of six people from diverse backgrounds. Each teammate brought unique perspectives and complementary skills, allowing us to approach challenges from diff erent angles and tackle the project eff ectively. On a personal level, I stepped outside my science-heavy fi eld to work on a creative project I was passionate about. I was able to voice my creative ideas and see them come to life during an interactive workshop, where guests explored their sensory awareness and refl ected on how this practice could enhance their performance in the workplace.”

Philippe:

“My PREMIUM experience has been a unique opportunity to step outside of my academic bubble and apply my knowledge to a real-life problem. Our team worked with the company that organises the Amstel Gold Race to measure the economic and social impact of the race in the region of Zuid-Limburg. What really stood out to me was how different this project felt compared to the usual short-term group work at university. This wasn’t just a project you do in a few weeks and then move on. It lasted several months, which meant we had time to really dig into the topic and get invested. Because of that, we also felt more responsible for the outcome and really wanted to deliver something valuable. I’ve worked in many teams before, both at university and outside of it, but what made PREMIUM special is how much attention is given to how teams actually work. Through this experience, I learned what it takes to build a strong team. We didn’t just divide tasks and go through the motions. We communicated, challenged each other, and worked towards a common goal. It really showed me how a good team is built and how motivating that can be.”

Clara:

“When I first joined PREMIUM, I honestly wasn’t sure what I could bring to the table, especially when facing real-life challenges outside my area of study. But as the program went on, I discovered not only how to approach these challenges, but also how to weave in skills I don’t usually get to use in my academic work. Early on, as our team got to know each other, I shared my love for creativity and visuals. To my surprise (and excitement), they trusted me completely and gave me the role of digital creator. Designing our team’s visual identity to tell our story and showcase our process was such a fun and rewarding experience. The amazing feedback we received made me proud of what we had created and opened my eyes to future possibilities, maybe even combining my science background with creative work, like scientific illustration.”

Liliana:

“I joined the PREMIUM programme because I was curious and eager to learn something new. I chose a project with Marres, which intrigued me from the start: exploring sensory experiences in the workspace. Having studied the theory in class, I thought I could contribute to the team by adding a theoretical base. However, the project turned out to be much more than I initially expected. My team and I were challenged to create an experience where participants could explore how their senses connect with their workspace- understanding the impact their environment has on them. After many brainstorming sessions, meetings with the client and idea drafts, we landed on creating an event for students. Thanks to Marres, we were able to host it in their beautiful garden. Our team came from various faculties and backgrounds, which brought diverse and valuable perspectives to the project. It was my first time working in such a multidisciplinary group, and I learned so much from everyone. Growing together, learning from our mistakes, and motivating each other is an experience I’ll carry forward with me.”

Eleonora:

“My PREMIUM experience was truly holistic. Working with an interdisciplinary team helped me to develop not only strong teamwork skills but also to appreciate the importance of openness to new perspectives. What I truly value is that the relationships I built with my team extended beyond the program, as we became friends during the PREMIUM journey. We worked on a project that focused on designing a new educational pathway to improve access to education for refugees in South Limburg. It turned out to be an incredibly interesting project, both challenging and fulfilling. The project gave us the opportunity to achieve our goal: making a positive impact on society. Alongside the team dynamics and the project, my PREMIUM experience was deeply enriched by the several workshops and coaching sessions. These sessions helped me to know myself better and gain confidence in myself. I would join the PREMIUM program a thousand times again. “

Daria:

“PREMIUM turned out to be everything I had hoped for and even more rewarding. Together with my teammates, I worked on a project aimed at improving sustainability practices in the operating room at MUMC+, focusing specifically on replacing disposable surgical gowns with reusable ones. From the very beginning, we realised how complex this challenge would be. It required us to evaluate environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, safety standards, and logistics, while also engaging with a wide range of healthcare professionals and decision-makers. Despite the complexity of the task, the experience never felt like a burden. The project itself was genuinely fascinating, and the supportive, energetic dynamic within our team made every meeting and milestone into something enjoyable and motivating. By the end, I felt proud not only of the tangible impact of our work but also of the collaborative spirit that made it possible.”

Diderick:

“Alongside the project, your professional development is boosted by the vast range of workshops offered. New workshops meant new learning opportunities, and the chance to bond, connect and hear from other PREMIUM students. The workshops challenge you to critically assess your current state of working or thinking and how to improve that. Additionally, for the workshops where applicable, you get the chance to practice on the spot!”

Iliana:

“PREMIUM is fundamentally a practical experience, but the workshops provided the theoretical aspect of the project that, in my opinion, is equally important. I had numerous questions regarding how to best write my CV or cover letter, how to present myself on professional social media such as LinkedIn and more philosophical questions, such as am I on the right path? How do I make sure I can reach my goals? All these questions were covered thanks to the admirable professionals who gave the workshops. I knew that the workshop’s goal is to develop your professional skills, what I did not know is that by the end of the day, I would walk out of most of them, not only with important information but also feeling incredibly inspired to chase dreams I didn’t even know I had.”

Niloofar:

“The workshops off ered by PREMIUM were a game-changer for me, providing a highly practical and detailed toolkit to address topics such as group dynamics, networking, public speaking, and managing stress. My favorite workshop was “From Application to Interview”, an all-in-one career preparation event where we practiced writing impactful CVs and motivation letters, and learned how to pitch ourselves eff ectively to stand out in a competitive job market. The individual feedback at each stage was invaluable and made a real diff erence for me.”

Philippe:

“At first, I wasn’t fully convinced about the workshops, but I quickly realised how valuable they actually were. In the end, I even ended up wishing I had joined more. The sessions were always led by professionals who didn’t just present, but really involved us in the topic. Workshops like time management and effective collaboration gave me tools I could directly apply within our PREMIUM project. They also helped me reflect on how I work and how to improve. Overall, they were a great addition to the whole PREMIUM experience.”

Clara:

“The PREMIUM workshops were engaging and genuinely helpful for both our project and my own development. I really enjoyed having such a wide selection to choose from, as it meant I could focus on the topics I felt would benefit me most. The workshop leaders were passionate and inspiring, which made learning feel easy and enjoyable. And connecting with other PREMIUM students during these sessions was an added bonus that made the experience even better.”

Liliana:

“The PREMIUM program offers a wide selection of workshops created to enrich and enhance the experience. We were able to apply the tips and suggestions from these sessions directly to our project. The workshops helped me with identifying strengths and areas of growth, and provided new insights into the path to career growth. I was impressed by the tutors and coaches, who offered new ideas and actionable ways to improve. Additionally, being able to meet the PREMIUM participants and join these workshops together, strengthens connections and gives a chance to learn together. I still use my notes I made during the workshops- they are a reminder of my personal growth during the program.”

Eleonora:

“I found the workshops to be an essential part of my PREMIUM experience. They did not just provide theoretical knowledge in key areas of a professional career, such as public speaking and time management, but also offered practical advice on how to apply that knowledge effectively. For instance, many of the time and stress management techniques I learned have now become part of my daily routine. In addition, the workshops were truly enriching as they allowed me to connect, share ideas, and engage with other students in the PREMIUM program, making me feel part of the PREMIUM community.”

Daria:

“PREMIUM offered a wide range of workshops designed to prepare us for our future professional endeavors. I gained valuable insights into the art of networking, the importance of giving and receiving constructive feedback, effective strategies for approaching job applications, and even how to integrate AI into this process. I also explored what sustainable professional development looks like, along with many other practical and inspiring topics. Beyond the knowledge I acquired, I had the privilege of meeting remarkable people and building meaningful connections.”

Diderick:

“Your personal development experiences a spurt during your coaching sessions, both individually, and definitely the team coaching sessions. These are the moments to be honest to yourself and your teammates, which will enlighten your own life, improve team cohesion, or both! “

Iliana:

“The coaching sessions offered me a profound insight into both myself and the dynamics of my teammates. They encouraged me to turn my focus inward, allowing me to assess and enhance my performance in real time, which was a significant benefit of the program. My primary personal goal was to explore and develop my leadership skills, and I genuinely believe that our success was strengthened as a result of these sessions.”

Niloofar:

“The individual coaching sessions were surprisingly therapeutic for me. They encouraged me to refl ect on why I react to certain situations the way I do, and how I can improve my performance while making the most of my strengths. By the time we reached the fi nal session, both my coach and I could see a real diff erence in how I approach challenges and take action toward my goals.”

Philippe:

“For me, the coaching sessions was another valuable part of PREMIUM for me. I’ve thought about my strengths and weaknesses before, but this was the first time I actually took the time to reflect on them properly and work on them with personal guidance. It wasn’t just a one-time thing and then move on. Through the sessions, I really saw how certain behaviours were holding me back and learned how to deal with them in a more effective way. It made me more self-aware and helped me grow, both in the project and outside of it.”

Eleonora:

“The coaching sessions were invaluable as they taught me that growth does not come from results, but from the journey. Through the sessions, I realized that everything I learn and experience with the team is what matters most. I now carry this lesson forward, and I embrace each experience with a focus on enjoying the entire journey rather than solely on the outcome.”

Liliana:

“I was surprised by the opportunities that PREMIUM gives the participants. In addition to working on the project and attending workshops, we also got to talk to our personal coach, who is there to guide both the team and the team members individually. Over the course of these few months of PREMIUM, I got to discuss my personal growth with our wonderful coach, who really challenged me to look at things from a new perspective. Additionally, the team exercises we were given, have strengthen and improved the team dynamic. Having the space to grow together was definitely a key factor to success!”

Clara:

“At first, I wasn’t sure how much value having a coach would add to the PREMIUM journey, but that changed as the program progressed. My coach was amazing at helping me recognize the progress we were making, not just in the project itself, but also in how our team grew in relationships and roles. Moreover, she was the one who suggested I combine my creative skills with my scientific background, opening new doors for opportunities I’m excited to explore..”

Daria:

“Having a personal coach was truly the cherry on top of the PREMIUM experience. The program gave me real-world exposure through our project work and valuable insights into professional development through the workshops, and the addition of a dedicated coach made it even more impactful. She supported me in addressing personal challenges, guided our team through dynamics and goal-setting, and offered thoughtful advice tailored to my needs. Her dedication was remarkable, and I still apply many of the strategies and perspectives she shared with me.”