Madelon Pieters

My name is Madelon Pieters. I live with my husband and two sons just outside the centre of Groningen, near the Kardinge nature reserve and close to the pleasant bustle of the city. My work is also within cycling distance, so that’s perfect. Working a 24-hour week means that I have enough time left for volunteering, my family, and other fun activities.

I have been working as a management/office assistant (MOA) at the Faculty of BSS since May 2022. After completing the vocational education course for executive secretary, I attended the Primary School Teacher Training College (PABO) and obtained the propaedeutic certificate. So, I indirectly had some affinity with the Department of Educational Sciences/GION, where I currently work. Prior to this job, I held many different secretarial positions, both in commercial companies and government agencies. The UG has a laid-back working atmosphere, especially if you are used to the business world. You meet lots of people here. Our faculty is very large, and I still have a lot to discover.

I feel at ease and appreciated in our department. Colleagues are always willing to help and we frequently organize social activities together. From our workplace, we have a view of the former Hortus garden, where we also have lunch in summer.

In my position, I can indirectly do my bit to help solve various societal issues by helping our academics with the administration and organization of their teaching and research. I also hope to personally contribute a little to societal challenges. I like interacting with colleagues and their different nationalities. English is spoken regularly, so I am also developing my English language skills to some extent.

The fun part of my job is that no two days are the same, and I learn something new every week. My work mainly involves a lot of organizing to be honest, but that’s what a secretary likes to do after all. As a practical supervisor, I am also responsible for the wellbeing and development of a vocational education student who works here for four days a week over a two-year period.