I find working in the public sector rewarding, and the purpose is my main motivational factor. I like the diversity of tasks, and a big advantage with the Ministry for Foreign Affairs is the possibility of foreign postings. For example, I spent the summer working at the Swedish Consulate-General in Istanbul.
I always dreamed about having an international career and this inspired me to study international business administration at university. I started my career as an auditor at PwC Netherlands, after which I moved into the corporate sector. Then, I worked in risk management and internal control at TNT and PostNL, which was an invaluable experience. However, I wanted to do something more meaningful and to work in a truly international environment, so I participated in an EU competition and landed a job in Luxembourg at the European Court of Auditors. I found the job much more varied and rewarding than working in the private sector.
Through diversity, together we can come up with better solutions and ideas
After 10 years of great experiences, I wanted to expand my horizons further, so I moved to the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. I work with our foreign missions in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia in the planning and budgeting department.
I consider continuous learning and development crucial for professional advancement, so my degrees were natural companions to my career steps. When I started working for the EU, I wanted to expand my knowledge about EU institutions, hence I took a EuroMaster in Brussels. This degree inspired me to learn more about international relations, which led to another master’s in Berlin. It was also inspiring to get to know students from all over the world at the LSE Executive Education course, the result of an annual performance award from my employer. Last year I also attended a five-month management programme at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
I enjoy the international aspect of my job very much. Working with people from many countries, with different perspectives and in different languages is not without challenges, but I truly believe that through diversity, together we can come up with better solutions and ideas.
In my current role, the small achievements also bring much joy. When I have been able to help a colleague or a client with a tricky task it is something that brings me great pleasure. Contributing to the team spirit and seeing them happy is something I also really enjoy.
Not being allowed to be yourself is inhumane and contrary to human rights
My biggest achievement is adapting to different jobs and tasks but also to different living environments. Successfully completing my studies without breaks is an achievement that developed my career. I was also team leader for an opinion on an important piece of EU legislation; the job was at short notice, with a tight deadline and a politically sensitive topic. Coordinating with all the stakeholders and producing a high-quality product while meeting the deadline was certainly an achievement.
If I had law-making powers, I would reverse all laws that make homosexuality illegal. I find not being allowed to be yourself inhumane and contrary to human rights.
If I wasn’t in finance maybe I would have become a writer or journalist as I like to follow and analyse what is going on in the world. Maybe I could have become a career diplomat from the beginning – but then I would not have all the experiences that I have had today.
Outside work, I like running, hiking, reading and having good food in good company. I also enjoy travelling, learning languages and discovering new things.
