_{Ever wondered if you can find a job after studying at Campus Fryslân? Will your studies prepare you for your next career step? If these questions have crossed your mind, this blog post is for you. We spoke with Johan Lakke, a Global Responsibility & Leadership (GRL) and Sustainable Entrepreneurship (SE) alumnus whose story addresses these very concerns. Johan’s journey shows how Campus Fryslân can help you kick-start a successful career.}

How did your journey at Campus Fryslân start?

I am originally from Hamburg, though I am also half Dutch. I initially tried to get into GRL in 2019, but I faced some issues with the math requirements (which by the way are no longer needed!). I had to wait another year, meet the required level, and then reapply. So, for me the start was a bit more challenging than expected. I ended up graduating in the class of 2023, and I can definitely say it was worth the investment.

What makes you say that?

I don’t think there could have been a better place for me to study and grow than Global Responsibility & Leadership at Campus Fryslân. The spirit of the people, living together, and being surrounded by like-minded individuals made it feel more like a family than just a regular study programme. I have friends who studied abroad, like in Germany, and they tell me their experiences were quite different. The small-scale education was exactly what I needed to thrive. Being treated as a person rather than a number, and studying in English, was invaluable. GRL provided all of this. The programme’s broad scope was also beneficial for me, as I wasn’t ready to narrow it down. It turned out to be a key asset in my preparation and crucial to what I do today.

❝The small-scale education was exactly what I needed to thrive.❞

You mentioned that your cohort felt like a family. Did you build these bonds through any extracurricular activities?

Yes! I joined Nobis Cura Futuri (NCF), the official study association at Campus Fryslân, early on, more or less from the start of my student journey. In my second year with NCF, I became the chairperson of the PR committee, then joined the First Years committee, and was involved with activities from the UCF Foundation, such as planning and organizing events and seeking revenue streams for scholarships. During my master’s, I joined the Faculty Council, which advises the Faculty Board. At that point, I felt uniquely positioned to represent both a bachelor’s and a master’s perspective. My last meeting was just a week ago, and I can genuinely say it was a great opportunity to get involved and apply my experience.

Why did you decide to stay at Campus Fryslân and pursue a master’s in Sustainable Entrepreneurship?

Honestly, it felt like a logical step after GRL. I was ready for a more hands-on context, and SE offered that opportunity. The master’s programme was still relatively broad but built on many principles from GRL, so the connection was clear. Naturally, the master’s had a stronger business focus, especially on what a sustainable business looks like and how to create an environment where it can thrive. I strongly believe that through sustainable business practices, we can make a positive impact. Additionally, the master’s built on many pillars from GRL, allowing me to incorporate insights from psychology and economics that I had gained during that time.

Can you describe what your journey looked like after completing GRL and SE? What are you doing now, and how did you get your position?

I am currently a Junior Project Employee at Circulair Friesland, and I partly owe this opportunity to my master’s programme. Circulair Friesland is the organization with the broadest network in the region, connecting 180 stakeholders from business, education and governmental institutions with one shared goal: making Friesland the most circular EU region by 2025. The organization also collaborates with partners across EU member states, with Friesland remaining the primary focus. It is truly unique in the Netherlands.

Max Eisenbart (RCE Youth Coordinator at Circulair Friesland) and the organization were very involved in the master’s curriculum, including the Strategy course. For our thesis project, we were asked to choose a topic of interest and collaborate with an organization to develop it further. I was interested in circular construction, specifically biobased materials. Coincidentally, Circulair Friesland had just started a programme line in sustainable construction. Given the timing, we began working together on a project focused on biobased construction. I realized they needed help executing this new programme, and I was keenly interested in the field. That's when they offered me a position for about 8 hours a week alongside my thesis from February onwards. I believe they were pleased with our collaboration, as they offered me a full-time position just before my graduation. This allowed me to start working the very Monday after I graduated!

What a happy ending! There seem to be 5 GRL alumni working at Circulair Friesland, including you. Why do you think that is?

Yes, it’s actually 5! Three GRL graduates, one SE graduate, and me, who graduated from both programmes.

Why do you think that is?

To transition into sustainability, you need a comprehensive understanding of what it entails. Sustainability is complex and layered, and some people struggle with its intricacies, which hinders their ability to contribute effectively. Interdisciplinary programmes like GRL are crucial for developing professionals who can connect the dots across different fields and address various aspects of sustainability. The skillset acquired through such programmes is essential for navigating these challenges.

❝Interdisciplinary programmes like GRL are crucial for developing professionals who can connect the dots across different fields and address various aspects of sustainability.❞

What would you say to students concerned about Campus Fryslân’s location in Leeuwarden and job prospects, given your four years here and partial Dutch background?

There are a few things to consider. If you are interested in sustainability and circularity, there is probably no better place to start or continue your journey than here. Fryslân is in the spotlight for that. You can tap into a broad network of collaborators working towards the same goal. There’s a lot of energy and willingness to move in the direction of sustainability and circularity.

That said, while Leeuwarden and Campus Fryslân are small, that’s actually their strength. The network you build here and the opportunities that arise are quite unique. The small scale allows you to be at the heart of what’s happening, making it easier to hear about and seize opportunities. In Friesland, there’s a strong sense of social cohesion and a collaborative spirit, which is more pronounced than in other parts of the country. People are proud of Friesland and eager to work together to transform the region. It’s a unique place to be, with a proud yet collaborative approach to achieving success together.

❝The network you build here and the opportunities that arise are quite unique. The small scale allows you to be at the heart of what’s happening, making it easier to hear about and seize opportunities.❞