After studying political science, Madonna wanted to get a job as soon as possible. She went to the employment agency and ended up at our student administration. This is where a multi-faceted, educational and, above all, social adventure began for her. ‘I find it so nice at THUAS! My colleagues have become friends and now my brother and sister also work here. That’s not surprising, by the way: I recommend everyone who wants to hear it to come and work here.’
After starting in student administration, it soon became clear that Madonna had more up her sleeve. Via an intermediate step at the International Office, she was able to work as a study coach in the International and European Law (IEL) programme. There, she had to deal with students from many different countries. ‘I did coach hundreds of students, all with their own story. SO interesting to be involved in their lives!’ she says. ‘In the meantime, I was asked to set up an alumni network and write an alumni policy with it. When that was finished, a logical next step was to match alumni and current students as internship coordinator. And because the internship administration was quite outdated, I started digitising it. So yes, all in all I have done quite a bit,’ she laughs.
In all her roles, Madonna noticed that her heart was mostly with students. So when it was time for the next step, the management asked: would you maybe like to teach? ‘Now I work as a teaching assistant at IEL. Every time a student understands something I explain, it gives a kick,’ she says. ‘On days when I teach, I come home really happy. It’s just nice to be in an environment where everyone is motivated to progress. And I also notice from colleagues: everyone is here with their heart. What helps is that we are such a diverse and international programme. Nobody ‘just’ chose this job or study. We really want to be here and do something great together.’
Madonna’s social life has expanded considerably at school, she says. ‘I consider my colleagues as good friends. Sometimes we even have to call each other to order: ‘Guys, let’s work now!’’ she laughs. ‘Even in times when things are going a bit down, I know I can fully rely on my colleagues and management. An appointment with the team leader, manager and also the faculty director is easily made and I can always turn to direct colleagues. As we say in English: We have each other’s back. As far as I am concerned, that is worth its weight in gold.’
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