My name is Klaas Wilts, and I work as Coordinator for the Teaching Academy Groningen (TAG). This platform serves all university educators, connecting them on key educational topics like AI, inclusion & diversity, and student well-being. We achieve this through Communities of Practice and by organizing events, such as the annual Education Festival.

I started working at UG in 2015 as a student assistant, supporting multiple departments over five years. Afterward, I decided to join UG as a full-time employee, first as an Institutional Researcher, then as a Participation Coordinator, and now in my current role as Coordinator for the TAG.

What do you like most about working at UG?

Within the UG, I’ve found that there is a lot of autonomy in how you approach your work, which brings both freedom and room for creativity. Plus, everyone here is approachable and cooperative, making it a great environment to work in.

This blog aims to inspire young professionals. What would you like to share with other early career professionals?

At the Teaching Academy, we place a strong emphasis on building and maintaining relationships among teachers and educational professionals. Organizing events puts me in touch with people across many departments. Next to my main tasks I am involved with YoungRUG (as the chair), UG’s community for young professional support staff. YoungRUG hosts events focused on career development, professional growth, networking, and onboarding, bringing together young colleagues from various faculties, service units, and backgrounds. These gatherings are invaluable for knowledge sharing and expanding professional networks across UG.

Similarly, ConnectUS, the staff association for University Services, provides a platform for connecting within University Services. Through activities and events, people build networks that enhance their work environment and help them navigate UG’s complex organization more easily.

Personally, I've found that my network, thanks to initiatives like YoungRUG and ConnectUS, has had a very positive impact on my work. I get to see a wide range of perspectives within the university, and sometimes this network can help bypass certain processes and formalities. It also opens up unique opportunities, like climbing the Academy Building Tower, touring the technical rooms of the Linnaeusborg, and always seeing friendly faces across UG. To stay connected, I offer my help to others and to say "yes" when asked, even if it’s outside the scope of my own tasks.

What would you still like to achieve at the UG?

Within the University I still hope to grow. I really like the work environment and all the nice people! Eventually, I would like to move into some type of management role, but first, I want to deepen my knowledge of the university and develop my skills further. Until then I am very happy to keep on working in my current position. :)

Next blog will be written by Maria Magas.