So far nothing out of the ordinary for a final dissertation defence. But a few things made this defence very special for me. First of all, Ceci would become the very first graduate for the Hanze University. So if she was successful, cake all around. But secondly, the defence took place by Skype, with the candidate presenting from Brasil (at 7AM! – poor girl), there were two full-fledged examination committees, one in Lithuania and one in The Netherlands.  The main examiner was Ghanian. To top things off, there were 2 journalists present.

I was planning on staying just 10 minutes to see how things went, but the excitement of the moment made me stay they entire time and by the end of the successful exam – good job Ceci! – I was so full of adrenaline it took me a while to descend back to earth.

What a great moment. The student has written her dissertation on the use of social media in developing countries:

Communication for Sustainable Development and New Media. A Practical Analysis over New Media’s Potential in Communicating Sustainability

She had interviewed communication practitioners all around the world. She had formulated conclusions and suggestions for further work on the subject. All of us taking part in her defence were  excited about her ideas and how she developed them.  

When a student like Cecianne comes through with her final defence and receives unanimous international credit and admiration  for her work, I am proud of her achievement. And deeply satisfied that our consortium make this work!

And this is why we do what we do.

Iekje Smit
Consortium Chair

“The NRG Battle is a great opportunity for you to meet with big names in the industry and work with students from various backgrounds on important energy issues. These issues have been provided in the form of a case by (inter)national leading energy companies. All teams receive support from an expert, assigned to them by the company that has provided the case. Together with your team and coach you will work on innovative ideas all day long.”

This concept fits like a glove with our own didactical concept that is grounded in learning by doing. The NRG Battle simply provides the perfect context and ambiance. It is not just a great opportunity and challenging learning experience for all, it is also a lot of fun. 

Out of 65 competing teams, 14 were selected for the final battle (two MIC teams!), which was held last week in the Martiniplaza. Big names indeed. CEO’s of major international energy companies were there to judge the work of the students.  The students savored the opportunity. Supported by their coaches, Astrid “the pinnacle of perfection” Berg – the nickname is the student’s – and Erik Kostelijk, they dove in all looking and acting smashing.  Pepijn van den Broeke took the pictures to prove it (www.pepijnvandenbroeke.nl) .

I am so proud of the MIC contribution! Not just of the success, but especially the drive and dedication of both students and teachers.

One of the our teams won “Best presentation award” during the preliminaries. On the right we see that team preparing: Faustine (France), Coach Erik Kostelijk, Narita (Indonesia), Grace (Kenya), Judith (Germany and Ada (Peru). On the left, members of the Gasterra Team preparing,:Melanie (Germany), Yael (France) and Apostolia from Greece .Their case: The language of energy. How do we spread the word? (Online communication)

About Gasterra: GasTerra is a company that is active in the worldwide trade and supply of natural gas. It operates on the Dutch and European energy markets and occupies a prime position in both. GasTerra has over 40 years? experience in the purchase and sale of natural gas.
GasTerra recognises that our energy reserves need to be made more sustainable. To accelerate the transition from an energy management based primarily on fossil fuels to one that is 100% renewable, GasTerra is promoting the development and deployment of energy-efficient applications for natural gas. In this context, it has launched various projects, including the development of the successor to the high efficiency boiler, the micro-CHP.

And the Siemens team (www.siemens.com)

And members of the MIC SIemens team: Alberto (Italy) and Eda Sofia (Mexico).

Their case: The STC-ECO compressor: Made for now and the future (marketing-communication)

About Siemens: Electricity consumption continues to rise. Carbon reduction targets get tougher year by year. Our customers expect more reliable, more economical, more environmentally responsible solutions than ever before. And that?s precisely what Siemens is dedicated to delivering, across the entire energy conversion chain.

Although the teams did not win the prize ( a documentary on National Geographic), they did a great job. Their clients are now exploring how to implement the solutions they presented. From a university perspective, I would need to say, a great valorization of results. From a personal perspective I would simply say. Job well done, kids, I’m proud of you!

Siegmund  Audiovisual Productions was there to capture the student’s experience.

Iekje Smit
Consortium Chair

Let me introduce the programme. Thanks to EU funding, a consortium made up of five universities across Europe developed a three semester master programme for those ambitious enough to want an international career as a communication professional. (www.masterinternationalcommunication.eu).  “One of 20 most influential thinkers of our times” (Wall Street Journal {date!}, Geert Hofstede (www.geerthofstede.nl) is linked through all kinds of activities and in honour of his work, our consortium carries his name.  Last September we organized the first of what we hope will be a series of many successful symposia focused on bringing together researchers, educators, professionals and the industry, all working within an international and intercultural context. (www.hofstedesymposium.eu). How to analyze and deal with the growing demands of a globalizing society, was the main question. To get a good impression of the day, watch the video:

Siegmund Audiovisual Productions did a great job in catching the dynamics of symposium.

But what really amazes me is the effect the didactics of the program has on all involved, students and teachers alike! A hands-on concept placing students right in the middle of professional developments, demanding of them and their teachers to address the issues of the here and now from a solid theoretical background – wow, what a great way for students to start a career. On Wednesday, the 23^rd of November, they participated as finalists in the International NGR Battle (www.nrgbattle.nl) in which they had to pitch their ideas to Ceo’s of companies such as Siemens and Gasterra.  And match their wits with other talented students.

Iekje Smit
Consortium Chair