Guest Lecturer Discusses Importance of HR Management During Crises

Themis Anthrakidis Emphasises Values Including Trust, Empathy and Transparency  

In 2015, Themis Anthrakidis was the General Director and Chairman of the Board at the General Hospital of Kilkis, in Greece, when he faced a challenging situation. The hospital had to respond to the refugee crisis caused by the war in Syria, all while being understaffed and underfunded. During this difficult period, Anthrakidis turned to the power of Human Resource (HR) Management to motivate and support his team. 

On 6 November, a group of Wittenborg master’s students had the opportunity to hear about Anthrakidis' experience in an online guest lecture he delivered. He also shared insights from his time later as Secretary General at the Municipality of Paionia during the refugee crisis. Anthrakidis also has an extensive academic background, holding a PhD in Economics from the University of Macedonia, a Master’s in Economics from the University of Amsterdam, a BSc in Economic Science from the University of Macedonia and an LLB from Democritus University. 

The guest lecturer emphasised that HR teams can inspire talent and create a high-value system for the people within an organisation. He added that to motivate stakeholders, it is crucial to lead with transparency and ethical values. 

“HR plays a crucial role in supporting and motivating production. It keeps everything moving and connects people to organisations. For this reason, it should not be looked at exclusively through an economic lens; particularly in times of crisis, HR can impact the morale of the team by helping it adapt to changes and overcome difficulties,” he said.  

According to Anthrakidis, leaders should build a culture of trust and find creative solutions for their teams. “There are several modes of administration; I’ve favoured the democratic and inclusive style, involving the nurses, the paramedical staff and the team in the decision making to foster trust. This collaborative style respects the professionals’ expertise and creates a more engaged and motivated team.”

Anthrakidis also underscored the importance of investing in strong retention policies to prevent workforce burnout and address brain drain. The latter is a challenge faced by many countries, particularly those undergoing economic crises. 

“To address the problem of brain drain, the government needs to implement incentives to retain professionals, such as tax advantages and good salaries. But, on a micro level, you can deal with retention by making a better environment and empowering the professionals in your team. You can try to be collaborative and empathic, adopt more flexible schedules and more transparent decision-making processes. It is also important to invest in mental health support,” Anthrakidis pointed out. 

For him, good leadership is, above all, a matter of ethics. “Ethical leadership is about leading with integrity to ensure that the staff is respected. When collaborators feel valued, they’re more likely to stay engaged with the company. This is crucial for resilience and retention during tough times.” 

Anthrakidis thanked Wittenborg for the opportunity to share his insights with students. “Delivering this guest lecture was truly rewarding for me. It was an honour to connect with engaged students and share real-world experiences that, I hope, provide valuable lessons for their future careers.” 

Bea Dietrich, a Master of Business Management (MBM) student from Germany who is doing her semester abroad at Wittenborg, commented that she really enjoyed attending the online lecture. “The content was a perfect fit with the topics we discussed previously. We could see practical examples of how efficient HR management is essential for organisations to continue functioning even in times of crisis. Furthermore, we learned how strong partnerships and collaborations between organisations and external parties are beneficial during crises,” she remarked.  

WUP 20/11/2024 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Insights from Indonesia: Wittenborg Attends European Higher Education Fair

Michael Sheppard Promotes Business School and Networks in Jakarta

On 2 and 3 November, Wittenborg Recruitment and Sales Representative Michael Sheppard participated in the European Higher Education Fair in Jakarta, Indonesia. The event attracted over 1,000 attendees, providing Indonesian students with opportunities to explore study options at European higher education institutions. 

Sheppard emphasises that, during the fair, he had many great conversations with Indonesian students, parents and educators. 

“What stood out to me was the quality of the students that the country is producing: they are intelligent, open-minded and enthusiastic. I had a particularly interesting interaction with the head of a local school, who brought her class along to find out about opportunities to study in Europe. She was very interested in Wittenborg's internationalisation, and recognised that we offer a high quality and varied list of business and management programmes to suit many interests,” he said. 

After the conclusion of the event, the representative remained in Jakarta for two more days, meeting student agents and agencies to network and strengthen Wittenborg’s partnerships.  

According to him, Indonesians stand out for their hospitable and warm character. “I noticed immediately how polite and welcoming Indonesian people are. They really want to make you feel at home. I went to dinner on my first night in the city, and the restaurant placed the flag of the UK, my home country, on the table as a ‘mark of respect’.” 

Sheppard and other Wittenborg representatives have attended various events in diverse countries, in line with the school’s pillar of internationalisation.  

WUP 19/11/2024 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Spotlight on Luxembourg: Wittenborg Joins Country’s Traditional Student Fair

Allegra Zazzaro Connects with Students and Professionals from Various Nationalities

To promote Wittenborg’s education programmes and inform prospective international students, Admissions Administrator Allegra Zazzaro represented the school at Luxembourg’s Student Fair (‘Studentefoire’) from 24 to 25 October. Held at the University of Luxembourg’s Belval campus, the event was organised by the country’s Ministry of Research and Higher Education in close collaboration with the Association of Luxembourg Student Unions (Association des Cercles d'Étudiants Luxembourgeois). 

The fair attracted over 6,000 visitors from various countries, including Luxembourg, France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Russia and Ukraine. More than 120 higher education institutions were represented, offering attendees the opportunity to learn more about their courses, structures and selection processes. Moreover, the event also featured lectures and webinars. 

Zazzaro commented that the fair was incredibly beneficial for focusing on the European Union market and connecting with potential students. According to her, it provided valuable opportunities to gain deeper insights into current market trends and understand what students are seeking today.

“I enjoyed meeting international students, guiding them in their decisions, helping them explore their passions and offering useful tips. Additionally, connecting with other Admissions Administrators to exchange knowledge was very rewarding,” she said. 

Zazzaro highlighted that she had the chance to engage with students of multiple nationalities interested in Wittenborg’s business and economic pathways. For her, one particularly fulfilling interaction was with a student who had not initially considered a business focus due to her struggles with self-esteem and her cultural background.  

“After I explained what the field entails and the different pathways available, she began to overcome her doubts and started to believe in her potential in an area she once thought was beyond reach. Therefore, no matter which path the students choose, they will be happy and fulfilled if it resonates with their preferences. Our job is to help them find the most suitable direction and be confident in their choices,” she emphasised.  

WUP 18/11/2024 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg Hosts CV Workshop Led by Recruitment Expert Olfertjan Niemeijer

Students Receive Valuable Insights and Personalised Feedback on Job Applications

Wittenborg recently hosted an interactive online session featuring Olfertjan Niemeijer, founder of Independent Recruiters. The workshop aimed to equip students with the tools needed to create standout CVs and cover letters that catch the eye of potential employers.

Olawale Olukunga, a recruitment consultant at Independent Recruiters and a Wittenborg MBA (Master of Business Administration) graduate from 2021, opened the session with an introduction, welcoming attendees and highlighting the importance of professional documentation in job applications.

Niemeijer went on to lead the session, sharing more about his  experience of his company in the recruitment industry, which he founded in 2003. "We do a lot of things," he mentioned, highlighting the wide range of services his company provides, which include recruiting professionals and managerial talent across the Netherlands. He emphasised the importance of understanding the recruitment landscape, stating, "We are now a team of about 40 recruiters working in the Dutch market, but we are also part of an international network active in 36 countries."

Niemeijer advised students on the necessity of fluency in English, mentioning that in "about 25% of business it doesn’t matter whether you speak Dutch; it's all about knowing business English." He noted that many Wittenborg students are often on the lookout for their first opportunity in the Dutch or European labour market, saying, "I've met a lot of Wittenborg students through the years, and a lot of them are looking for that first opportunity."

He stressed the importance of gaining work experience, encouraging students to pursue internships or any business-related roles. "The first thing I always advise people to do is get work experience," he advised. "It's not easy, but it's certainly possible to do so, and it will always help your chances in the Dutch market."  

In his analysis of CVs submitted by students, Niemeijer offered key advice for improving their effectiveness:

Include a Smiling Photo: "A CV is a marketing tool. Please use it that way. People want to work with people that smile. Don’t put a picture on your CV that doesn’t smile," he emphasised.

Clarify Your Location: "Make sure you are mentioning where you are based," he urged, explaining that clarity on location is crucial in the Dutch job market.

Be Specific About Your Experience: He stressed the importance of providing context about past employers: "If you write a CV, it's also very important to understand that the person who reads your resumé does not know what the company is about. Be specific about what your company does and your role within it."

Tailor Your CV: Niemeijer asserted, "I think there's never a perfect CV, but you should always adapt your CV to the opportunity that you are pursuing." He noted, “A good CV gets you that interview, and that interview is what you're after because that’s the opportunity for you to make a connection.”

Understand the Subjectivity of Feedback: Niemeijer remarked, "If you ask 100 recruiters about your CV, you will get 100 different pieces of advice. That's the difficulty about it." He elaborated, "In the end, you always have to represent yourself, so you have to make the choice that you think is best."  

Throughout the workshop, Niemeijer encouraged students to expand their networks beyond their immediate circles. "More than 60% of the jobs are filled through networking in the Netherlands, so it's really important to start working on a network outside of Wittenborg or outside of your group of friends," he asserted.

Sophia Faraji, Wittenborg’s External Relations & Events Manager, highlighted the significance of the session, stating, “A well-crafted CV and cover letter are your first opportunity to make a lasting impression. Tailoring your application to the job description is essential in showcasing your unique fit for the role. The job market is constantly evolving, and it's crucial to adapt our application strategies. The insights from this session will empower us to present our skills and experience more effectively."

Faraji also said that the Independent Recruiter has been supportive in providing resources and insights for Wittenborg students, and the institution looks forward to further strengthening this partnership through workshops and potential internship opportunities.

Ava Mehrani, MBM (Master of Business Management) student, attended the session, saying that there were many valuable insights, especially for someone like her who lives in Apeldoorn.  

"I found it particularly helpful to learn how to position myself for jobs in cities like Amsterdam without letting my current location work against me. The recruiter’s advice on how to present flexibility in my resume to avoid location-based rejections was really eye-opening. Also, hearing about what stands out to recruiters at first glance—the key details they look for—was extremely helpful." 

WUP 15/11/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Apeldoorn Named Healthiest City in the Netherlands for 2024

Apeldoorn Tops 2024 Healthy City Index, Leading the Way in Urban Health and Sustainability

Apeldoorn has officially been recognised as the healthiest city in the Netherlands, according to the 2024 Healthy City Index. This is a major milestone for both the city and Wittenborg, whose main Brinklaan campus, along with its Spoorstraat study location and student housing, are all located in Apeldoorn, the green and royal capital of the Veluwe.

From Fifth to First: Apeldoorn’s Rise to the Top

Apeldoorn has moved up from fifth place in 2020 to claim the coveted top spot, overtaking Groningen, which had held the title for the past two years. This achievement reflects Apeldoorn’s ongoing commitment to urban planning and health-focused initiatives, creating an ideal environment for students, faculty, and residents alike.

Why Apeldoorn Is the Healthiest City in the Netherlands for 2024

The key factors behind Apeldoorn’s success are its consistent performance across various categories, particularly the “Healthy Community” component. The city’s low crime rates and high social cohesion played a major role in securing its top position.  

Eke Schins, healthcare director at Arcadis, explains, "The number of crimes is low and social cohesion is high. We are seeing a significant increase in feelings of anxiety and stress nationwide as a result of the pandemic. Apeldoorn is also experiencing this increase, but clearly less so than many other cities. What likely helps is the city’s green character."

The Green and Royal Appeal of Apeldoorn

Research shows that Apeldoorn stands out for its abundance of greenery, innovative spatial design, progressive sustainability initiatives and royal allure. By building on these strengths, the city continues to enhance its appeal to outsiders. Key attractions, such as Het Loo Palace, Oranjepark, Coda Museum, Apenheul and Theater Orpheus - the largest cultural venue in Apeldoorn - are some of the highlights that make the city both vibrant and attractive.

A Vision for Apeldoorn’s Future: Innovation and Sustainability

Looking to the future, Apeldoorn is actively working on its Economic Strategy (Economische Koers), which aims to transform the city into a hub for innovation and sustainability by 2040. This includes plans for significant developments as the city grows toward a population of at least 180,000, creating a business-friendly environment that fosters entrepreneurship and expansion.

Urban Growth and Sustainability: A Balanced Approach

As part of its future development, Apeldoorn also plans to build around 7,000 new homes in the city centre. However, as Schins emphasises, to remain at the top, it is crucial to combine densification with greening.  

Balancing urban growth with the expansion of green spaces will therefore be essential for Apeldoorn to maintain its position as the healthiest city in the Netherlands.  

A Snapshot of the Healthiest Cities in the Netherlands  

Apeldoorn is closely followed by Maastricht and Groningen in the 2024 Healthy City Index. Other notable cities in the top rankings include Nijmegen, Arnhem, and Amersfoort, reflecting the overall commitment across the country to improving urban health and well-being. However, the list also highlights areas where challenges remain, with Rotterdam, The Hague, and Amsterdam at the bottom. Overall, the Healthy City Index shows that while there are varying levels of achievement across Dutch cities, the focus on health, green spaces and sustainable urban planning is clear. Find out more here.  

WUP 14/11/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg Expands Its Reach at A2 Education Fair in Türkiye

Wittenborg Meets Prospective Students at A2 International Education Fair in Türkiye

Wittenborg successfully participated in the A2 International Education Fair, which took place from 19 to 23 October, in Istanbul and Ankara, Türkiye. The event, organised by A2 International Education, attracted hundreds of attendees, including prospective students, their parents, and local educational agents, making it a key platform for connecting educational institutions with students interested in studying abroad.

As Regional Admissions Manager at Wittenborg, Amin Nadervandi emphasised the significance of this event in fostering meaningful conversations with prospective students. "It was a great opportunity to connect with  students and educational partners face-to-face. The energy at the fair was incredible, and the level of enthusiasm from students about international education was motivating," Nadervandi shared.

Wittenborg’s participation allowed the business school to showcase its range of academic programmes, including both undergraduate and postgraduate studies, and provide essential guidance on admissions processes. The fair also served as a good opportunity for the school to network with local educational agents and gain insights into the regional educational trends that influence student decision-making in Türkiye.

"It was a productive event, especially in terms of building new connections and offering guidance on the various programmes Wittenborg offers," Nadervandi explained.

Nadervandi found the students’ interest in career-oriented programmes particularly compelling. "There was a noticeable demand for degrees that blend academic learning with real-world applications, and this aligns perfectly with Wittenborg’s hands-on approach and career support services," Nadervandi noted.

"The enthusiasm and preparedness of the attendees underscored a strong demand for international education, making it a rewarding experience," he continued.  

Nadervandi further expressed optimism for the future. "I’m excited to follow up on the connections made and explore how we can offer more tailored support to students from this region," he said.  

WUP 13/11/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Apeldoorn Business Awards 2024: Celebrating Local Excellence at Orpheus Theatre

Apeldoorn Business Awards 2024 Honour Local Innovation and Talent

The Apeldoorn Business Awards 2024 took place on 24 October at the Orpheus Theatre, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of the region. This year, the awards celebrated seven remarkable businesses and social organisations that have made significant contributions to the local community.

The event featured notable guests, including Maggie Feng, CEO of Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences, who served as a jury member. Wittenborg’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurship was evident, as they sponsored the start-up section of the awards.

Wittenborg's rector, Ron Tuninga, addressed attendees with an inspiring speech that highlighted the importance of nurturing emerging talent in the business world. He emphasised that Wittenborg is the most international business school in the Netherlands and encouraged the Apeldoorn business community to reach out for exceptional international talent. Tuninga stated, “We sponsor the start-up section of the business awards because these companies can be great role models for our students who learn about entrepreneurship in our programmes.”

Tuninga later presented the Wittenborg Starters Award to Slagerij Spaans (Spanish Butcher Shop).

Among the attendees was Bentolhoda Omidmoazzam, an MBA (Master of Business Administration) student in Apeldoorn who volunteered for the evening. She shared, "It was a great experience interacting with people and welcoming them. The show was super energetic and amusing. The favourite part for me was announcing the winner and the fireworks."  

The winners of the Apeldoorn Business Awards 2024 further included Don Bosco in the Rabobank Social Organisations category, Linthorst Techniek B.V. in Industry & Technology, Klein Optiek in Retail, Restaurant De Veluwe in Tourism & Hospitality, 123Advies.nl in Wholesale & Services, ABNØRMAAL Events for the Student Encouragement Award, with the Audience Award also going to Restaurant De Veluwe.

WUP 12/11/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

Wittenborg Hosts Double Halloween Party Bash in Apeldoorn and Amsterdam

Wittenborg Halloween Parties Attract Over 150 Staff and Students

This October, Wittenborg hosted two Halloween get-togethers — one in Apeldoorn and one in Amsterdam — bringing students and staff together for costumes, dancing and loads of Halloween fun.

The first party, held on 25 October at Teun in Apeldoorn, was packed with around 100 people showing off their creative costumes. Characters included the Joker, Maleficent, and Star Wars icons, with other mysterious masks adding a touch of intrigue.

A highlight of the night was the costume contest, where the audience voted by cheering for their favourites. Upinder Kaur, a third-year Tourism Management student, took home the top prize for her Maleficent costume. “I was so excited because it was my first Halloween party ever,” Upinder said. “The costumes were all amazing, and it was really tough to pick just one winner. My friends dressed up as clowns, pirates, Greek goddesses and even Disney princesses and witches.”

Alexandra Kukhtina, Wittenborg’s External Relations & Events Administrator, shared her thoughts on the event: “The event was a success; students and staff were happy. The atmosphere allowed everyone to network in an informal context.”

On Halloween night itself, Wittenborg's study location in Amsterdam hosted its own celebration at The Waterhole in Leidseplein. Organised by EBA (Entrepreneurial Business Administration) student and events committee member Leila Keller, the event drew a lively crowd and had everyone in high spirits. “It was a lot of fun,” Keller said, adding that attendees got very creative with their costumes. Her favourite of the night was a character from a horror movie released in 2018 The Nun, while she dressed as Keira Knightley’s character from Pirates of the Caribbean.  

Now, with Halloween wrapped up, everyone is looking forward to the next big gathering: Wittenborg’s Christmas drinks, where holiday cheer will take centre stage.  

WUP 11/11/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press

Wittenborg Joins The British School’s University Fair for First Time

Wittenborg's Admissions Team Meets with Prospective Students in Voorschoten

On 17 September, Eunice Cheung and Amin Nadervandi, Regional Admissions Managers at Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences, represented the institution at The British School in the Netherlands' annual University Fair.  

Held at the Senior School Voorschoten, the event attracted nearly 40 institutions primarily from the Netherlands and the UK, offering an informative space for prospective students to explore various higher education pathways.

According to Cheung, the fair catered to students currently pursuing the IB programme or A-levels, as well as their parents. The majority of the attendees were international students, representing between 15-20 different countries, eager to learn about their post-high school education options.

This marked Wittenborg’s first participation in the event, and both Cheung and Nadervandi were pleased with the outcome.  

"We were impressed with the number of students we met, their diverse nationalities, and the quality of their enquiries," Cheung explained. "The face-to-face interactions with prospective students, their parents, and other university representatives were extremely valuable in helping students understand university admissions and future higher education options."

One of the key highlights for Wittenborg was showcasing the school’s extensive international student body, which boasts over 100 different nationalities. Many attendees were drawn to the nationality chart displayed at Wittenborg’s booth, with some surprised to see their own countries represented. A staff member from The British School in the Netherlands was particularly inspired, mentioning that their school, with 88 nationalities, now aspires to reach the 100-nationality mark after seeing Wittenborg’s global community.

For Cheung and Nadervandi, the event also provided a refreshing opportunity to connect with students outside of Apeldoorn and Amsterdam. "Being near The Hague, it was exciting to engage with students from different regions, and the international character of the city added to the experience," Cheung noted.

WUP 07/11/2024 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press