As a prospective student, why should you choose to study Sustainable Entrepreneurship (SE) at Campus Fryslân? In this blog post, Asia Virginia dives into her own decision to pursue the MSc Sustainable Entrepreneurship here in Leeuwarden.

What is your academic background?
I hold a BSc in International Business Administration that I obtained at Tilburg University.

What motivated your choice to study Sustainable Entrepreneurship?
I chose this study because I am deeply passionate about making a difference. What drives me is the desire to contribute positively to the world. I believe I have the skills and determination to do so, which is what inspires me in engaging with Sustainable Entrepreneurship.

What led you to select this program at Campus Fryslân over others?
I opted for the Campus Fryslân programme due to its innovative and practical approach, which are well-aligned with entrepreneurial requirements. The curriculum is hands-on and structured logically. It starts by building a strong foundation, with courses like Key Concepts of Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Strategy, and Sustainable Leadership, then expands progressively. I feel that the programme is designed to encourage group projects and to allow everyone to find their natural roles and areas of interest. I find this approach to foster a dynamic learning environment, making it a very engaging choice for me.

How has the workload been for you so far?
The workload is pretty personalized here, which is great. A lot of students manage to juggle work and studies. Overall, the schedule allows for a manageable pace. You're given a good amount of independence, so you can organize your time the way that suits you best. This flexibility makes it easier to balance studies with other aspects of life. Next to that, the teaching staff provides clear information about timelines and deadlines, which helps in setting realistic expectations and enabling effective time management.

How do you find the class size?
Our class comprises approximately 31 students. In tutorials, the class is divided into smaller groups, providing an ideal environment for asking questions and expressing opinions, which I find beneficial. However, for theory classes, we prefer having everyone in one group, despite the current practice being different. We have communicated this preference to the teaching staff, who have welcomed the proposal and are currently assessing its implementation.

What about the interactions with the teaching staff?
Here at Campus Fryslân, the teaching staff has so far been really responsive and genuinely interested in our feedback. It's a new experience for me, even though I completed my BSc in Tilburg. I've never had this level of engagement before, and I find it quite refreshing.

Does the programme offer career opportunities?
Regarding career prospects, I gained valuable insights already last week. The thesis work starts right away, and they encourage you to contribute something meaningful and have a real impact. This approach allows you to get involved immediately. Additionally, there is a networking week scheduled for November, which I think will provide good opportunities to connect with professionals and explore potential avenues!

Is the programme what you expected it to be?
I thought there would be more ‘guidance’, but I've realized that the programme is very entrepreneurial, requiring self-direction and initiative. Contrary to my expectations of being exposed to a lot of ‘thick’ theory, the programme is filled with practical, real-world examples, offering a hands-on approach.

Additionally, I didn't expect the diverse mix of participants, each with unique experiences and backgrounds. Despite the challenges, I see this diversity as a positive aspect. Working with people from different walks of life, all sharing an interest in sustainable entrepreneurship, adds valuable perspectives to our discussions and makes for an enriching learning experience.

If you have any more questions, feel free to contact Asia via her email address asiaavirginiaa gmail.com