Ronald van Schaik - Policy Officer Strategy at RE&F

Ronald van Schaik is Policy Officer Strategy at RE&F and has been working at Erasmus University Rotterdam for sixteen years. 'I wanted to make the transition from a technical position in the business world to an educational environment', he says.

'At EUR I started in the Technical Management department. From that position, I developed further into a policy officer at RE&F, where I focus on strategy and campus development.' His work at RE&F is versatile and varied. 'I contribute to the organisation of the team, such as preparing departmental meetings and providing annotations for meetings with other educational institutions. In addition, I conduct discussions with external parties around the campus and am involved in stakeholder management, both internally and externally. What I also really enjoy is that I am affiliated with the Campus NL research group as a contact person.' The RE&F Strategy team exists of policy officers with different focus areas, contract managers and an art coordinator. 'We also have a team of account managers and employees who focus on service management', Ronald states. 'The team is very diverse, both in composition and background. I see that as a great added value, because different perspectives contribute to better policy and service provision.'

'The dynamics of students and education give me energy'

What does he like most about working at EUR? 'The campus is actually a village in itself. The dynamics of students and education give me energy', he says. 'I work at the intersection of education and real estate and I like working in an environment where you see society reflected. Moreover, events such as the Dies Natalis and the HeartBeat Festival add extra color to the campus and my work environment.'

Woudestein campus is located on the edge of the city. That is why it is important to seek connections with the city and its environment. 'This way, the university can be even more impactful', Ronald says. There is also plenty of room for personal input and growth. 'EUR offers many opportunities to develop yourself, both in work and education', Ronald says'. 'Think of a personal development budget and an annual development cycle. I have worked in various departments within the university, which has brought me a lot in my own development and job satisfaction.'