'Where it stops, I push boundaries and go further'

Derrick Kammeron

Derrick Kammeron (42) is a Communication student in Amsterdam, moved from Suriname to the Netherlands two years ago and is now setting up his own Media and Communication agency. 

Driven and creative mind
“I see myself as a driven and creative mind who makes purposeful choices to bring myself and teams to a higher level. I love to support people and am very empathetic. Empathy helps with good collaboration. When I enter somewhere, I start by observing. This is my way of gaining people skills. After that, I know exactly how to cooperate. I have the ability to assess others' feelings well. Usually my coming into a team leads to better cooperation. I don't want to dwell on things for too long and look for things I can do. There has to be movement. My creativity drives me in this, sitting still is not an option for me. Where it stops, I push boundaries and go further.” 

The story has to impress 
“That's why I started my own Media and Communications agency. I would like to work business to business to support organizations in the field of communication. I can do this in two ways. With a good communication and content strategy for brand awareness or a good campaign, for example. But I am also a video and photographer. I make videos and photos with a unique story where there is room for emotion and growth. The story has to impress. So not a boring corporate or promo video, but something that really sticks.” 

Can you read my mind? 
“In Suriname I worked in television for eight years from video editor to programmer. In 2010, I switched to the government. In the Surinamese government, I contributed to the innovation of government communications. I was also behind the creation of the National Information Institute which I co-managed. In 2022, I left for the Netherlands. I gained practical experience in Suriname and now I am studying here to develop my strategic skills even more. So that soon I will have a complete offer in my Media and Communication agency. My previous work experience helps me with this. I take more time for the deeper layer in a story. I am not a screamer. I listen, observe and consult. Afterwards, I often hear “Can you read my mind? This is exactly what I had in my head'. Then I know: we have a match!” 

Build relevant portfolio while studying 
“For a school project 'Children's Resistance and Friendship' we were asked to create and execute a communication strategy around an event. I also made an after movie. I consciously choose school projects that also tie in with my business. We are currently making an advisory report and accompanying corporate story for an eco-holiday destination in Suriname to attract more Dutch visitors. Thus, I am already working on a relevant portfolio and focused practical experience. 

I am also part of SUHolland, a community of students with Surinamese roots studying at Inholland. For this community, I want to produce a documentary about the student life of Surinamese students. Recently we met the district chairman of Amsterdam Southeast and I also made a video of that. These are great opportunities, which I approach with both hands.” 

Turn your talent into your business 
“In February 2024 I started at Start Up Campus Haarlem. Because of the program I now know where to start, how to turn my idea into a business model and what values are important to me. Doing business in the Netherlands is new to me. It is a unique opportunity and I love participating. My advice to other students who want to do business? Try to make your talent your business. If you have passion for something, you'll find that it goes much easier and that money is not the driving force. I feel more comfortable with people who are happy and proud of my work, rather than what they paid for me.” 

I prove it will work 
“I want to gain enough experience in the Netherlands so that when I go back to Suriname, I can make an impact there. I came here to investigate what needs to be different in Suriname, in terms of communication. I found that answer during my studies. So you have to base everything on research. Measuring is knowing. You have to do a lot of testing and ask for feedback. That's also going to help with politics. What do people want?  What are they sitting on? What's going on in their minds? That's the foundation. And from there you tune your communication. Then you start noticing a different movement at the political level as well. Because you respond to people's needs. I'm so convinced. Give me a team and I'll prove that it's going to work!”