As the deadline for committee applications is approaching – and you may still be unsure as to whether you should apply for a committee or not – we’ve decided to give you the inside scoop on what it’s like to be part of an MAA committee, from a committee member herself! We’ve asked Anneloes – the event planner for the Amsterdam Marketing Event (AME) – if she could give us insight into her experience.
Anneloes van der Steenstraten is 25 years old, Dutch, and has lived in many different countries all over the world. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in hospitality from Hotelschool The Hague, she worked in the investment banking industry for two years. Currently, she is pursuing her master’s degree in international management at the University of Amsterdam. Alongside her studies, she works as a market analyst for a startup that consults other startup firms and their business development.
As the event coordinator, Anneloes plans the AME; undertaking activities such as organising the seating plan, the roles of other members during the event, and beverage catering. Simply put, she does a whole lot of planning
Why did you choose the MAA?
“That’s a good question — I came across it through promotional speeches for their different events. I was then approached to join one of the committees, which spurred my interest to get to know a little bit more about the MAA. I think it’s a great group that, despite the differing interests – whether that be marketing, consulting, or different areas – you get to create a great network and meet a lot of different people at the university.”
What made you apply for the AME committee?
“I think because their recruitment event is one of the largest recruitment events in the marketing area. I also get to apply my event organising skills from my hospitality study. Additionally, as I’m finishing off my studies early in December, it’s a committee that works well with the end of my studies.”
What does your future career path look like? How does being part of the AME committee help you in that path?
“I hope to go into the area of strategy consulting. I think that through the committee you learn to: interact with a lot of different people; do teamwork; organise a big event; talk to different companies; and combine different tasks including work, studies, and the committee together. So you really learn to plan your time accordingly. It’s also a great way to build your network because you’re in contact with so many different companies and people, which is really cool.”
What advice would you give to students who want to join a committee?
“I would highly recommend anyone to join a committee just to get to know different people and broaden your horizons. A lot of university students don’t have a lot of work experience yet, so in that sense it’s a great way to casually go into that environment while still being with fellow students. It’s a great way to get energised and get a sneak peak into the industry as well.”
Being a committee member allows you to develop in many disciplines; improving both your personal, and social life. The ability to have fun, network, and hone your skills in key areas such as time management, is precisely what being a committee member is all about! If you’re in the third year of your bachelor’s degree or pursuing a (pre-)master degree, apply here before 22 September! ma-amsterdam.nl/committees/
by Derya Yildirim (Media & Branding)
