Rianne Bouwman, new policy officer education: 'What I enjoy most is when policy and practice come together'
Rianne Bouwman recently started as policy officer for education: 'As I see it, my role is to find a balance in the triangle of policy, legislation and (educational) practice, without losing eye for feasibility and intentions behind policies. I believe that knowledge of my environment is crucial for this.'
What would colleagues, who know you a little more personally, say about you?
Those who know me a little better will probably say that I am a person of contradictions. On the one hand, I like being active by o.a. motorcycling, bouldering and weightlifting. I also like music very much. Within each genre I find something interesting, but my go-to genres are (heavy) metal, drum&bass and indie. I really enjoy going to concerts or festivals.
On the other hand, I like being at home with my cat Leia (this is 100% a Star Wars reference) and my 46 houseplants, watching series, gaming or starting a new DIY project (finishing those is a challenge).
When do you look back on a working day with satisfaction?
There are two important things I learned at Humanities. The first is that all programs, regardless of discipline, size or organizational design, have more in common than you might expect. You can always learn something from each other.
The second is that organizations today are very concerned with how we can do things better or more efficiently, often not really appreciating their current strengths enough. I have learned to first stop and look at what we already do well, how we do things and why. Only then can you make space for improvement. I will take these simple yet valuable lessons with me in my preparations for the midterm review of the research master's and programme assessment of the bachelor's and master's degree programs in Psychology. These projects will be my focus in the coming period.
What do you take away from your past role at Humanities?
Two important things I learned at Humanities is that all programs, regardless of discipline, size or organizational design, often have more in common than you might expect. You can always learn something from each other.
In addition, organizations today are very concerned with how we can do things better or more efficiently. I have learned to first stop and look at what we already do well, how we do things and why. Only then can you really look for improvement. I will take these simple yet valuable lessons with me in my preparations for the midterm review of the research master's and the educational visitation of the bachelor's and master's degree programs in Psychology, which will be my focus in the coming period.
Quote from FGW colleague: “Go to Rianne for a heart to heart or a kick in the butt”.
You start at the Institute of Psychology as education policy officer. What will you be doing?
As I see it, my role is to find a balance in the triangle of policy, legislation and (educational) practice, without losing eye for feasibility and intentions behind policies. I believe that knowledge of my environment is crucial for this. That is why I will spend the first few weeks getting to know the institute, the programs and of course my new colleagues.
How can colleagues reach you if they have questions?
Connection and transparency are important to me so please do not hesitate to reach out to me through email or teams. I'm also always up for a cup of coffee and a chat, so don't hesitate to drop by room 2A.49.