Ciao! My name is Erika Compatangelo and I come from Italy. I work as a Content & Data Management Specialist for the Marketing, Recruitment & International Relations team at Campus Fryslân, in Leeuwarden.

I joined the University of Groningen (UG) in 2019 as a student in the Bachelor's programme in International Relations & International Organization. I then chose for the Master’s in Cultural Geography, with a focus on Climate Adaptation Governance, which I completed at Campus Fryslân.

I’m married to a Frisian and have recently moved to Friesland. I’m likely one of the few Italians living here, but I’m keen to expand my network of fellow expats in the region. If you're looking to connect, feel free to keep reading & reach out!

What do I love most about working at UG?

What I love most about working here is the dynamic atmosphere. There's always something happening, and as professional staff, you have plenty of opportunities to get involved in different projects, as long as you stay curious and proactive. 

For instance, the position I currently hold was offered to me just a few weeks before I graduated. I was so happy! Of course, I’ve always made sure to be proactive, put myself out there, and learn how to tell my story effectively. In fact, I’ve applied for positions that didn’t perfectly match my profile, and though I wasn’t selected for those roles, I was redirected to other opportunities by the same people who interviewed me, eventually landing the job.

Alongside that, this year I had the opportunity to support the organisation of a summer school hosted by another faculty, which took me for the second time to the Koninklijk Nederlands Instituut in Rome (KNIR). During my studies, I also worked for two years as a student assistant on various projects. One of these projects, ENLIGHT, had a European scope, leading me first to Göttingen, Germany, and then to Rome, always at the KNIR. These experiences really showcase my overall impression of the UG: whenever I sought new opportunities, there was always a way to get involved!

Another thing I truly appreciate about the UG is the inclusive environment I was so far welcomed into. Despite not being Dutch, here I feel comfortable and valued while having the privilege of contributing to higher education for an international audience. It’s a special place to work, as it shapes the future professionals of the world, a future I’m excited to be a part of. We are all fellow futurists!

My career path, before the UG and now

I initially earned a degree in nursing in 2016, in Italy, but after realising it wasn’t my true calling, I spent some time in the U.S. as an au pair. That experience gave me the space to reflect on my future. It became clear to me that choosing what felt right and fulfilling was my top priority. It took time for me to truly understand myself and what I needed. But little by little, I ended up where I am today – working with a great team where I feel valued and encouraged to be creative.

I feel fortunate to be part of a young faculty with a strong identity. We offer something different, and I truly feel at home. My manager is invested in my professional growth, whether by supporting my Dutch language learning, finding ways to help me develop my technical skills, and encouraging my creativity. In my role, I create content for prospective students, such as monthly newsletters for our six programmes, programme pages, blog posts for our faculty, printed material, brochures, and reports on team activities. I’m given the freedom to shape these tasks in my own way and contribute ideas for the team's vision. I feel so lucky!

Conclusion: A look into the future

Looking ahead, I’d like to get more involved in the international relations aspect of our team's focus. Building connections with other universities, creating opportunities for students, and learning how things are done in different parts of the world: these are areas I’m excited to explore. But who knows. If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that life can take unexpected turns, and I’m open to following the path that feels right at the time.

My advice? Stay curious, know your worth, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Learn to express your needs and desires. Keep nurturing what nourishes you. Life can be what you make of it!

I’d like to pass this blog on to Maria Magas, a colleague here at Campus Fryslân. Her unique background and cheerful personality truly benefit our faculty team, and I believe she would bring the same positive impact to the blog. :)