Culture, Organization and Management

Student testimonial: Sadhana

 
WhyCulture, Organization and Management?
The Master’s Programme in Culture, Organization and Management (COM) gives me the opportunity to get a job in consultancy after graduation. With the perspective on consultancy, COM is very broadly orientated in organization management and the organization cultures. This gives me many possibilities in the consultancy world. The knowledge I got during this study gives me a broad scope on organizational life and how cultures are managed in these organizations.

Why VU University Amsterdam?
VU University Amsterdam is a well known and accredited university with a good reputation. It has a Christian background and a record of different Surinamese as well as Dutch politicians. And of course, the VU is situated in one of my dream cities, Amsterdam!

Why Amsterdam/ The Netherlands?
My choice was between the United States, the Caribbean or The Netherlands. The Netherlands was my first consideration. I am familiar with the country, I have family and friends here and I speak the language. But most important, The Netherlands has good universities and a fast developing society.

Amsterdam is absolutely a world city. It has a beautiful city center, a rich history and a wide range of identities and nationalities. Also, Amsterdam is a great student city with nice bars and action 24 hours a day. From beer, cheese and bikes to shopping at the Kalverstraat or a walk at the Dam square. It’s all amazing!

What do you like most about this study?
That I am free to study subjects I like from the perspective I choose. As soon as you are familiar with the (dominant) perspectives in Culture, Organization and Management, you can take your own standing and argue from that approach. Also, I like the possibility to do research abroad for our master thesis!

About the facilities at the VU?
The facilities at the VU University are good. You can print, copy, and scan whenever you want in the different buildings. There are several computer rooms and the facility helpdesk is easy to reach if you need to ask something. There is always someone you can ask for help and guidance. The library also provides fairly good facilities. Even if you want to have lunch or diner, it is possible. The facilities at the VU make it possible to stay there for a whole day if needed. Most of all, you can get coffee very easy and fast and even have choice between fresh ‘Douwe Egberts’ or some cheaper coffee from the machines!

About the (contact with) teachers?
You can always contact your teachers. If you send them an email, most of the time they respond very fast. The best thing about the COM department is that you can always walk by and get your questions answered or things done!

About the (contact with) fellow students?
The contact with fellow students is a pleasant experience. During the lectures and seminars you have to work in groups, which encourages friendships. My group even went to bars together and has drinks so often.

What do you do besides studying at the VU?
I do belly dancing at ‘The Griffioen’, the culture center of the VU University. Dancing is my passion and I have been dancing since I was six. Also, I did several sports at the VU sports centre at Uilenstede. I attended a fitness class and Zumba.
And last but not least I joined student committee at the Faculty Association of Social Sciences, EOS, which was a great experience for me to work in a Dutch committee. Due to this committee I socialized very fast and got to know how to work in this society!

Sadhana Raghoebarsing, Master’s student Culture, Organization and Management, 2009- 2010