1 study & 3 jobs

1 study - 3 jobs - This is us! - Maastricht University

Our UM alumni community consists of more than 100.000 graduates. This column features three alumni at at time, who followed the same study programme. Graduated in different cohorts, they're now working in various branches. Read more about their jobs, ambitions and dreams.

Education: Bachelor Dutch Law - Master Private Law and Master Labour & Law, specialisation Health law

Education: Bachelor in Law - Master in Labour & Law, specialisation Corporate law

Education: Bachelor Dutch Law - Master Labour & Law, specialisation Corporate law

Position: Board secretary and (future) PhD student

Why did you decide to study the Master’s in Labour & Law at UM at the time?

Why did you decide to study the Master’s in Labour & Law at UM at the time?

Rianne: I had started with the Master's in Private Law, but noticed that I was missing something. Then I enquired about the Master's in Labour & Law and it appealed to me, precisely because it is so recognisable. Everyone has to deal with labour law in one way or another. That connection with practice was the reason for me to do a second master. I also did my bachelor's in Maastricht, so I decided to stay here. I have always really enjoyed studying in Maastricht and I really like the teaching format.

Sanne: Because I find labour law a very interesting and relevant area of law. It is always changing and almost everyone is exposed to it. This makes it a very concrete area of law and I find it fascinating to see how legislation and case law evolve in response to changing social developments.

As a lawyer particularly for employers, educational and healthcare institutions, municipalities and public authorities, I often focus on safeguarding my clients' interests. Nevertheless, it is important to realise that labour law is an area of law that can directly affect people's personal and financial situations. For example, employees are entitled to a safe working environment, a fair salary and protection against dismissal. This makes labour law an area of law that directly affects employees' working environment and financial security. By providing the right advice and balancing my clients' interests, I contribute to a fair labour market in which both employers and employees know and respect their rights and obligations. I find it important to support my clients in complying with laws and regulations, without losing sight of the personal and financial situation of employees. In this way, as a lawyer, I can make a positive contribution to the labour market and to society as a whole.

Mark: Labour law attracted me then (and still does) because of its enormous social relevance. After all, anyone who wants to earn a living will have to deal daily with laws and regulations we have laid down in the Netherlands to manage work and labour. It therefore felt like a huge honour that I could be initiated into the jungle of these rules and help anyone who cannot find his or her way through them properly. And not only that. Through the subjects "Social Security" and "European Labour and Social Security Law", I learnt that the value of a society can be determined by how the weaker members of society are treated. The fact that my studies gave me the knowledge to make that assessment is something I will cherish throughout my life.

What does a working day look like for you?

What does a working day look like for you?

Rianne: My working days are very varied and no day is the same. I often start by answering all the e-mails in my mailbox, which mostly come from HR advisers, colleagues or managers. Depending on the day, I have a few appointments, live or via Teams and always some ad hoc questions or urgencies. In my work, I deal with all facets of labour law. On a daily basis, I get questions about contracts, ‘chain arrangements’, illness, but also resignations. In addition, together with my colleagues I make up HR policy and we keep track of new legislation and translate it into practice in our hospital.

Sanne: As a lawyer, my working day can vary a lot, depending on the assignments on my desk at the time. Generally, I start my working day by checking my emails and my agenda, and plan my day. I then get to work on ongoing matters, such as preparing legal documents, consulting with clients and attending meetings and hearings. I also keep my knowledge up to date with legislation and case law by reading professional literature and case law and by attending courses. In addition, I enjoy writing legal texts and contribute to the creation of courses for clients. Finally, I find it important to build a good relationship with my clients and keep them regularly updated on the progress of their case.

Mark: I am the secretary of the Faculty Board. That means I support the Faculty Board by preparing the administrative agenda and taking minutes of the biweekly meetings. I also ensure that the decisions taken by the Faculty Board are followed up and communicated. The Faculty Board consists of the dean, the director, the vice dean of Education, the vice dean of Research and the two student members. This body meets every fortnight and, during that meeting, makes various decisions that set the course of faculty policy. Think, for example, about how to deal with the developments surrounding artificial intelligence in scientific education, or how to ensure that students, staff and PhD students come to the faculty feeling happy and safe. In addition, together with my fellow secretary, I act as the dean's right hand(s) and support him in that capacity during his work. Finally, in addition to my daily work, I am also writing my research proposal. In fact, in September I will start a PhD project.

Rianne: Working in healthcare is really awesome! I also work in a very large organisation, which has its disadvantages, but it is also very special to have more than 15,000 colleagues. I also take many steps in a day. The work is varied and I have many opportunities to develop myself. In fact, last year I was able to start the two-year talent programme. Over two years, my personal development is the focus, with internal and external training from the Baak.

Sanne: I mainly enjoy going to work because I can use my creativity, personality and qualities in my work as a lawyer. I am convinced that each individual has unique qualities and that it is important to use them in work. It gives me satisfaction when I can use my own skills to achieve the best result for my clients. In addition, the fact that every case is different and I always encounter new challenges, keeps my work interesting and engaging. I enjoy solving complex legal issues and finding practical solutions for my clients. In addition, as a lawyer, I have the opportunity to contribute to a fair and just society, and this gives me a sense of satisfaction and meaning in my work. Another aspect of my work that I appreciate is the variety. One day I work with a client, while the next day, for example, I take a legal course to keep my knowledge up to date. This variety makes my work challenging and interesting. In short, I enjoy going to work when I can use my own qualities and style, take on new challenges, and make a positive impact.

Mark: When I get up in the morning, I immediately feel like starting my working day. Never before have I gone to work with so much pleasure as during the past few months. And that is mainly because of my colleagues. Together with my fellow secretary, Heidi Gulix, and the dean, Jan Smits, we form a diverse but very close-knit team. Our diversity ensures that we can assess all problems (read: challenges) from different perspectives and ultimately choose the solution that best suits the challenge we are facing at the time. Our closeness then ensures openness and honesty. As a result, we help each other during difficult moments, but can also laugh (a lot) and put things into perspective.

What is the most special or memorable moment