Sjoerd Zuidema
Here at the MaastrichtMBA, we love our alumni and enjoy staying in touch! We recently caught up with one of our first graduates Sjoerd Zuidema and his rise to Director Regional Polypropylene Europe at SABIC.
FAST FACTS
- Name: Sjoerd Zuidema
- Started: January 2007
- Graduated: June 2009
- Nationality: Dutch
- Company: SABIC
- Function: Director
WHY DID YOU WANT TO GET AN MBA?
I signed up for the MBA programme to first and foremost develop a broader orientation on the various dynamics in business life. Next to this objective I also believed that an MBA would provide me with leverage to pursue additional professional opportunities and career growth in general. I also very much enjoyed building a network of capable and enthusiast co-students that contributed to an inspiring 2,5 year journey.
WHAT WAS YOUR MOST CHALLENGING MOMENT IN THE MAASTRICHTMBA?
The most challenging moment was above all the ultimate climax of the final business consulting project. Selecting a central topic and problem statement followed by a very intensive period of building a research structure, performing the actual research and summarizing this all into a final thesis document – was extremely exciting and rewarding. This also provided great exposure towards my employer to show such an investment is beneficial to both the employee and employer.
HOW HAS THIS PROGRAM INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER?
After graduating from the MaastrichtMBA in 2009 I have been offered many professional opportunities within the company I have been working for now more than 15 years. I truly believe that the MBA programme has been supportive to getting great career opportunities as it allowed me to grow towards new heights as well as to show my personal commitment to invest in myself and the company.