Cleo Luxembourg | Faces of FEB
The Faculty of Economics and Business is a faculty with great diversity of people. But who are these people? Within ‘Faces of FEB’ we talk to different students of the faculty and give a little peek into the world of these FEB students. This week: Cleo Luxembourg, who is currently finishing off her bachelor’s degree and talks about how it is to be graduating during these times.
Written by Jessica Paas
Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I am Cleo, I am almost 22 years old and I am studying Economics & Business Economics in which I chose the track ‘Business Economics’. At the beginning of this academic year I went to Porto for my exchange and I am now busy finishing off my bachelor.
So you were just in time coming back with regards to the whole corona situation!
Yes, I was able to finish off my whole exchange and I was back in Groningen just in time. It was a great experience being abroad, so I am very glad I didn’t miss out on that. When I came back from Porto I got a new job at a restaurant, but the day that I had planned to have my first working day, the press conference about corona took place, which led to the closing of the restaurant.
That is quite a setback, did you manage to turn this into something positive?
That for sure! When all my activities stopped, I started thinking about ways in which I could still do something and mean something to others. Therefore, I started working at Mr. Chadd where I help children with schoolwork. Besides that I got the opportunity to start working on the accreditation report for the FEB. The current situation definitely has brought up new opportunities. These times are unfortunate for everybody, but when you start looking for solutions, it can get you to great new opportunities.
And currently you are rounding off your bachelor’s degree?
That is correct. When I came back I still had 4 courses to take and I still needed to write my thesis.
How is it to write your thesis at the moment?
I am actually bummed about the fact that we cannot go to Zernike anymore, as weird as it sounds. This was really my moment to focus on studying and it really set my mind to it. To recreate this feeling, I try to really plan my study time. This way I still create a sense of structure in my day. Furthermore, writing a thesis is really an individual process, so in that regard there are no real differences. I had good contact with my supervisor and really found my own way in dealing with the current situation, so I am actually getting used to it. My thesis is even graded with an 8! I am very happy that I was still able to finish my bachelor this way.
What is your next step?
My plan was to travel, however I do not think it is wise to do that anymore. Therefore, I decided to start with my masters degree in september, which means I will stay in Groningen at FEB! I am still in doubt which master to choose, but since I am staying here I still have enough time to decide. Besides that, I will combine my studies with the International Financial Program, in which we will conduct research for companies in Mexico next year!
How are you preparing for your next step these times?
What I really learned is to ‘go with the flow’. I have found a way in which I can deal with the situation and I hope I can continue with this way of moving forward. We still do not know what the coming year will look like so when anything changes, I will just move along and make the most out of it!
What do you advise people who will be starting their bachelor soon?
I would definitely tell prospective students that you are going to have the best time of your life. Even though it is not clear yet how your year will look like, try to make the most out of it. Think of solutions. Hopefully, Corona will be over soon and we can go wherever we want again. Until then, do not hesitate to ask questions to other students when you don’t understand something. Everyone will be happy to help!
| Last modified: | 31 January 2021 3.43 p.m. |