Marco and Riemer on studying and progressing within the WaterCampus
Sometimes the next step just falls into place. Not because it is the easiest route, but because everything you have done before naturally leads you there. Students Riemer (22) and Marco (31) know exactly what that feels like. Both studied at Van Hall Larenstein, completed internships at CEW, and have now progressed into the first year of the Master Water Technology at Wetsus. That means they are right in the middle of the WaterCampus learning pathway. And there is a good chance they will continue this path for a little longer.
For Riemer, it became clear over time that water technology would be the path he would follow. From a young age he spent his holidays around rusty water pumps and could entertain himself for hours building dams and rivers. Later, he became increasingly aware of climate issues, and because of that he knew he wanted to work someplace that contributed to a better climate. That is why he chose to study Chemical Engineering.
During his degree, he joined CEW for an internship in his third year. “During that internship I got to know a lot of people,” he says. That helped make his future study choices much clearer. During the internship he worked on a project for the company Ferr-Tech, and he performed so well that he was invited there for his graduation internship. Even then, continuing his studies was not yet a definite decision. “I was so focused on my graduation internship that I honestly was not thinking about it at all.”
Later, while enjoying his summer holiday and finally having some free time, did he start thinking seriously about what would come next. “People often say that once you start working, the chances of going back to studying are pretty small. So, I decided to do the Master Water Technology now.”
Marco knew earlier on that he wanted to continue into the Master Water Technology, although the water technology sector itself wasn’t a conscious choice in the beginning. Just like Riemer, his experience in the sector started during his studies at Van Hall Larenstein. He studied Biotechnology and came into contact with the WaterCampus during an open day in his first year. “From that moment on, I always had the Master Water Technology somewhere in the back of my mind,” he explains. He immediately felt at home within the program, which also made him realize he wanted to stay in the water technology sector.
Over the following years, that interest became more concrete. His choice to take a minor in water technology and his project internship at Paques in Balk both fit naturally into that direction. Combined with his graduation internship at CEW, the decision eventually became an easy one. “At the start of my fourth year, I knew for sure: I am going to do that Masters.”
For both of them, their study choices did not simply stack on top of each other independently, but actually strengthened one another. Because of that, the route towards the master gradually became clearer, making the transition from higher professional education to a scientific master’s program much smoother as well. Even so, they still needed some time to adjust to the different way of learning compared to hbo, especially now in the first year where a lot of the focus is on theory. At the same time, they notice that their applied sciences background also gives them advantages. “During your bachelor’s degree you already work very independently on projects,” says Riemer. “Because of that, you sometimes pick things up a bit more easily here.”
The fact that they did not have to complete a pre-master also made the transition smoother. Their previous courses aligned well enough for them to enter the program directly. “I do not think I would have been very excited to spend another half year doing a pre-master first,” Riemer laughs.
When asked what they enjoy most about the master, neither of them has to think long about the answer. “The classmates,” Marco immediately says. “It is genuinely a really nice group of people, and I get a lot of energy from them. We regularly head into the city together after classes.” The excursions also play a big role in their enthusiasm for the program. So far, they have visited water treatment facilities as well as Wageningen University & Research. “That is where you really see how the theory you learn is applied in practice,” Riemer explains. “And of course it is fun to go on trips together.”
According to both of them, the atmosphere at the WaterCampus completes the experience. They describe it as open and approachable. “It is easy to just walk into someone’s office,” says Marco. “And overall, it is simply a nice environment to be in.” Because of that atmosphere, and because they both want to keep learning more about water technology, they are also considering pursuing a PhD after finishing their master, preferably within the WaterCampus itself. “Of course, there would have to be an interesting project available.”
For hbo students who are also thinking about doing the Master Water Technology, Marco and Riemer have a few tips. “At the very least, make sure your courses align well, and choose subjects related to water technology whenever possible, so that progressing into the master becomes easier.”
But their most important advice is quite simple: just come by and see it for yourself. “Visit an open day and talk to people,” Marco says. “That is when you really get a good impression of what it is like here.”
