Testimonials PhD students

Lia Hol (45), self-employed career and management consultant:

“I have a business background, but I am also always on the lookout
for academic and professional development opportunities. Development is important. As a selfemployed consultant I feel I need to continuously seek new sources of inspiration.

The Graduate School gives me the opportunity to translate my fascination with my work into a substantiated research focus. I think it’s a great privilege to be able to pursue my own research questions. On the other hand, academic research is not part of my everyday routine, which is why the sessions with lecturers and fellow students are so important. They give me feedback and keep me going.”

Arie Goijaarts (45), Lecturer Fontys University of Applied Sciences:

“I had been toying with the idea of getting a PhD for years. Opportunities
to achieve this aim never quite materialized. The Graduate School
has finally given me the academic framework, as well as the structure,
to conduct research within my own professional environment.

My aspiration to persue a PhD is mainly personal. I see it as self-actualization. The  hardest part is finding enough time in my busy schedule and refocus my thinking. Nonetheless, I really enjoy the combination of study and work.”