Alumni Week: What if careers don't follow a script?
Tuesday 7 October | 19:00-21:00 | VOX-POP
- Date
- 7 October 2025
- Time
- 19:00 -21:00
- Location
- BG 3
- Room
- VOX-POP
Every career follows its own path. At this Career Event, you will hear personal stories and gain practical tips on navigating the Dutch job market. Whether you are a student or recent graduate, international or Dutch, you will get inspired and discover that every career path is unique.
Speakers
Sherwan Qasem studied Holocaust and Genocide Studies at the University of Amsterdam and NIOD. He works as a Relationship Manager at Doctors Without Borders in Amsterdam, building partnerships to support humanitarian missions. His advice to young professionals: stay curious, keep learning, and be bold in seizing opportunities.
Quinta Gelaudie studied Communication Science at the University of Amsterdam. After a successful career in corporate fashion as Marketing Director at Viktor&Rolf and working for luxury brands like Cartier, Panerai, Scotch & Soda and Coty, she transitioned into education and public speaking. She now teaches fashion marketing at the Amsterdam Fashion Academy and speaks at events on career development, leadership, and authenticity in the workplace. Her advice to young professionals: stay true to your values, keep learning, and build meaningful connections.
Tim Vis studied Law at the University of Amsterdam, completing both the Dutch Criminal Law LL.M and the joint International Criminal Law programme with Columbia University. He is a criminal defense attorney and co-founder of Vis & Van Reydt Advocaten in Amsterdam, where he works on a wide range of cases, from juvenile justice to white collar crime, with a special focus on right-to-die cases. His advice to young professionals: find the job you truly love and gain experience through internships to discover your calling.
Stephany Goncalves studied Communication Science at the University of Amsterdam and later specialized in Digital Marketing and Strategic Leadership. With over a decade of experience at brands like H&M, Zalando, Gucci, and Levi’s, she is now a strategic advisor, founder of FÉ Mentoring, author of Reimagining Fashion Leadership, and lecturer in fashion and branding. Her advice to young professionals: don’t wait for permission—choose yourself, stay curious, and dare to contribute your ideas.
What did you study?
Master’s in Computer Science (Big Data Engineering)
What is your current job title and what does your work entail?
I am a comedian. It is literally the opposite of what I studied. I am based in Europe, and I get on stage pretty much every night and talk to people - about myself, about them, my relationships, their relationships, or lack there of if you’re a loser with no friends. I read and write everyday - it’s like school, except it’s fun and I can smoke weed at the same time. Which I don’t - I have never smoked weed before.
What is your main advice for young professionals at the beginning of their careers?
Don’t think too hard. You yourself are the most valuable resource - chase what you love, because it will allow you to do it for the rest of your life - the success will follow. Give a gift to your future self, don’t do something that will piss you off in ten years. No one wants to be a consultant.
What did you study?
I completed an MSc in Economics at the University of Amsterdam, specialising in the Public Policy track.
What is your current job title and what does your work entail?
I work as an economic researcher and data scientist at the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (Centraal Planbureau). My work involves conducting economic analyses on policy-relevant issues in areas such as education, labour, and health, and translating these into both policy reports for the public and policy makers, and academic papers. In addition to research and economic forecasting, I support colleagues in applying data-science techniques to strengthen their analyses.
What is your main advice for young professionals starting their careers?
Say yes to opportunities that come your way. Work experience not only helps you grow but also teaches you what kind of roles may not suit you. Stay open-minded about your next step- most careers do not follow a straight path.
