"My name is Paulien Deken and I graduated from the Earth Sciences Master’s programme in 2024, from the Environmental Management track. Immediately after my studies, I started a traineeship that is a collaboration of 6 Dutch water boards. Over a period of two years, I’ll be rotating through diverse assignments at 3 different water boards, for 8 months at a time.

After my Bachelor’s in Future Planet Studies, I chose Earth Sciences, because I was interested to learn and understand the environmental challenges facing the earth. These challenges require interdisciplinary approaches, and the Master’s programme offers a variety of courses, covering topics from hydrology and geology to ecological systems. The track Environmental Management in particular interested me, as it combines scientific research with management strategies.

Throughout the programme, I enjoyed the range of courses, especially those involving collaborative group projects, which allowed for customisation to my own interests. My preference for water-related topics, while employing GIS methods, paved the way for my current profession, working on different water-related challenges. In my current assignment at one of the water boards, I focus on crisis management, preparing for scenarios such as heavy rainfall, water pollution, and potential electricity outages. My background in Earth Sciences is invaluable, because it provided me with insights into hydrological dynamics, being trained in systems thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration.

To prospective students, I’d advise to engage actively with the international cohort. Take advantage of the academic and social opportunities, through the study association or other associations in Amsterdam. These experiences not only enrich your student life but also broaden perspectives and provide lasting connections."

Questions for Paulien?

If you have any questions for Paulien, you can reach her on LinkedIn.