Lucia Domingues Rosa (20) is a Creative Business student in Haarlem and is discovering various ways in which she can use her passion for film to promote self-acceptance and meaningful dialogue.

Searching with an open mind
‘I'm not an entrepreneur yet, but I am very enterprising. I am eager to learn and creative, and I am currently exploring what I enjoy doing. I take that exploration seriously, and it also requires perseverance to do it that way. When I work with other people, I like everyone to feel at ease. I do that, for example, by being as communicative as possible, but also by being ready to help others. Sometimes I go a bit overboard. Then I am so busy with others that my own work gets delayed. It is important to do something you enjoy, because then you are more motivated to work harder and you can deliver better quality. My search is characterized by my open mind. By looking further, you often see more things than you thought you would. My open mind allows me to see many opportunities for growth.’

Taking initiative opens doors
‘In the first year of my studies, I participated in Kunstbende, a competition for young creatives that provides a platform for their work. I submitted a short film and ended up taking second place. Even though I hesitated for a long time about whether to sign up, I don't regret it for a second. Thanks to this competition, I met lots of other people with the same interests and ended up in the creative sector. Exactly where I wanted to be.

Later, I saw a call for a project at a fort on Instagram. At first, I thought it was a scam because it was a completely new project that had never been done before. I was wrong. When the second call came out for young creatives who wanted to organize the AANGAAN 2.0 festival together, I was approached myself. How cool is that?

We locked ourselves in the fortress for four days with eight creators to make art around the theme of Light. In the end, all the results were shown during the festival and visitors could come and see them.

By seizing these different opportunities, which are outside my comfort zone, I am growing enormously. If you keep waiting, nothing will happen. No one will come to you on their own to ask you. You have to show initiative and make yourself visible. Then doors will open.

This summer I went to Italy for four weeks to attend a school for filmmakers. We immersed ourselves in all aspects of film and explore all the different roles. We made a short film as a group. This took us through the entire process of pre-production, production and post-production. We were taught by professionals from the industry. I had saved for this for a long time, had never lived on my own before and now spent a month in Italy with 20 strangers. Great, isn't it?'

Self-acceptance and daring to express yourself
‘My passion lies in making films or short videos that focus on people's stories. My goal is for viewers to be able to recognize themselves. It doesn't have to be true, but it does have to be realistic so that you can convey feelings. I hope that by watching my films, people will dare to open up more. That it can open up a dialogue and people can get to know each other on a deeper level. Self-acceptance and feeling comfortable enough to share are important pillars in my work.

A great example for me is Emma Branderhorst. She is a young director who always chooses to use a female protagonist. She became known to a wider audience through a national advertisement and is now on the rise. I had a short conversation with her and that really inspired me. I am now even more motivated to continue in film.’

You get more out of it when you step outside your comfort zone
‘At Start Up Campus Haarlem, I followed the Start programme and the Community programme. I meet lots of new people here and also learn about other sectors. It's great to see that there are other people who are ambitious to do more than just the standard stuff. It really complements my studies. 

SUCH offers me space to grow personally. I think it's so cool that this exists. It's a good and accessible way to do new things. If you can, I would say “go for it and take the workshops at SUCH!”. In any case, I advise everyone to just go for it and not sit around. You don't have to start big to be successful. You get more out of it when you step outside your comfort zone. Of course, sometimes there are things at school that are less fun. But then I get my energy from extracurricular activities and that way I enjoy my time at Inholland to the fullest.’

Over the coming months, more than 30 students from six different locations and more than fifteen different study programmes will be working on their own businesses at Start Up Campus Haarlem (SUCH).  Megan: ‘The programme tied in perfectly with what I was working on at the time. It was very educational and inspiring, but also extremely motivating. Brainstorming good ideas with other entrepreneurs and motivating each other to get started.’ 

SUCH is part of Inholland University of Applied Sciences and offers programmes alongside education. The students who participate consciously choose to invest in their own development as entrepreneurs and are often supported by their teachers. ‘We have a lot of different entrepreneurs together this semester. You can immediately see new collaborations emerging. That's so wonderful!’ – says SUCH community manager Jorien Stoop.   

Daan: ‘Great atmosphere, I learned a lot from the speakers who came to share their stories. The trainer was excellent and often contributed new ideas, and communication was clear and effective. I was also very happy with the composition of the group, which meant I learned a lot from my fellow SUCH students.’ 

This semester, the programme has been refreshed. There is a Start and a Growth programme. In the Start programme, Dutch and international students work together. In the Growth programme, students who already have paying customers work together.

MEET SUCH
‘We continue to do our best to introduce new people to Start Up Campus Haarlem. For example, a number of workshops have been made public through the MEET SUCH series. This allows students who are not yet ready to participate in a programme to still work on their entrepreneurial skills with us.’ 

The students will work with expert trainers in inspiring workshops, events, peer coaching and, above all, expanding their network. Lucia: ‘I really liked the atmosphere at SUCH. It has an open atmosphere, which makes it very accessible. The team behind SUCH is also very nice and open.’

In the coming months, SUCH will be sharing stories from entrepreneurial students, and you can follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn. 
 

Bob Scholten (20) is a Business Studies student in Haarlem and has set up his own car detailing company, ‘Bob Scholten detailing’. What started as a hobby has now grown into a business cleaning the most beautiful cars.

Don't take everything at face value
"I'm always curious about the why and how of things. How does it really work? Why do I have to do it this way? I don't just take something at face value, but always do my own research first. I do this by talking to various professionals, scouring the internet or watching YouTube tutorials."

"I started a car cleaning business and I use all kinds of chemicals for that. I don't just use them without thinking. I want to know everything about them first. Thinking logically gets you a long way, but many professionals also share their experiences on LinkedIn and Instagram. That helps enormously. In the beginning, I looked at different products and didn't consider biodegradability. But now I have products that work well, deliver results and are biodegradable. That's a win-win."

"Sustainable entrepreneurship is important, but as a beginner, it doesn't make sense to make more expensive investments in more sustainable options. I'm taking small steps and I'm proud of that.”

Can it be a little less?
“Entrepreneurship was instilled in me from an early age. I come from a family of entrepreneurs. Many of my friends also have parents who are entrepreneurs. I think that makes it easier to try it yourself."

"I don't just have any old car cleaning business. Detailing is really on another level. My customers are more likely to say “can you tone it down a bit” rather than “it needs to be better”. I make sure that cars are worth more once they've been through my treatment. A car wash sets the machines so that they use as little soap as possible. This increases the chance of dirt from other cars being transferred, which can cause scratches. With me, you get a specific pre-wash, so that as much dirt as possible is removed before I even touch the car. All corners are done with a brush and the interior is delivered in mint condition.”

Maintaining the value of cars
“My customers drive cars in the luxury segment. They appreciate that their cars are well maintained, as this preserves their value. I ensure that they enjoy every journey because their car is a place of peace and cleanliness."

"I visit most of my regular customers at home. My customers are even located in Almere. As a start-up, I am affordable, but I see a lot of potential in jobs such as polishing, coatings and deep cleaning. My ambition is to be able to add various specialities to my range of services. Such as applying film. This protects you against stone chips. I need to take a course for this and invest in machines, rollers and software. I still need to save up for that."

"I get a lot of customers through word of mouth. I see that as a good sign, because customers recommend me. I hope they find my services professional and that they also appreciate my optimistic character. I like to chat and share interesting facts about their cars. If they are considering buying a new car, I am happy to help them make a decision. I have now gained a lot of knowledge in this higher segment."

"Before the summer, I started another business in selling car cleaning products and accessories. So now we sell the chemicals I use for my customers as our own product line under the trade name Glozz.”

It's not always about money
“At SUCH, I followed both the start-up programme and the community programme. These programmes help me to take a step back and look at my business from a helicopter view. Sometimes I get so absorbed in my work that I forget to do that. My participation adds a lot of value to my study time. That's why I chose to study at Inholland, because Start Up Campus Haarlem is part of it. The added value of the group of entrepreneurs, the various workshops and a place where you can develop yourself further are worth their weight in gold to me."

"I learn a lot from the other entrepreneurs in the group, but many of my customers are also entrepreneurs."

"That's what I would always advise others to do. Talk about your ideas with others. You can learn from that. And just get started. Don't overthink it. Most people at school are still young, so what is learnt in the cradle is carried to the grave. And I always think: it's not always about money. Do it out of passion. You have a bigger purpose in life. No one wants to be the 50-year-old man without a wife and children in a Ferrari. So do what you enjoy and go for it!”

Susanna Appelman (23) is an International Creative Business student in Haarlem. She moved from China to the Netherlands and works on her business which helps organizations with cross border marketing between China and Europe.

Gap to my goals
I’m always on the look, seeking for new things and improving myself. People will put me as flexible, helpful and willing to learn. Even though I enjoy trying new things and I’m not afraid of challenges, I often feel like what I do is never quite good enough. People tell me I’m doing great, but I set the bar high for myself. That pressure pushes me to keep learning and improving, and it’s also why I always feel there is a gap between where I am and where I want to be. I’m a fast learner and have passion for a variety of things. For example, during my minor in Digital Marketing I developed a strong interest in tech, which opened up new perspectives beyond my main studies. In China, people recognize me more for my artistic side, while in the Netherlands I’m seen from a more business-oriented perspective. That’s why I chose an internship in Ecommerce, so my art and excel-mind goes hand in hand.

I know both worlds
I liked it so much, that I start working on the idea of starting my own creative agency in cross-border marketing between China and Europe. My ideal clients are companies looking to enter each other’s markets. I can help them set up their operations in the local context because I not only speak the language, but I’m also familiar with both cultures and how business is done in each.  In China we work with a completely different digital environment, some markets can only be set up with a Chinese ID. I can fix that with my local networks. That’s the benefit of knowing both worlds.

Finding first clients
I didn’t find that many competitors to be honest. And I do notice that companies missing opportunities because they think this cross-border execution is too complicated. That’s where I came in. But since I’m new on the market, I need to convince my first clients to proof my added value in their business. That’s probably the hardest part of starting your own business, finding the first clients. Once they worked with me, I hope they’ll also experience my qualities as good communication, flexibility and creative ways of problem solving.

People often see me as a sweet person, but I can be surprisingly direct when needed. That usually catches people off guard. The same goes for my artistic side, many don’t expect it. Fun fact: I’ve studied piano for years and hold a high-level certification, used to be a pianist in five-star hotels, and have created art my whole life. Music and art have shaped how I think, how I express, connect, and communicate. They influence how I approach storytelling in branding, adding depth and emotion to my work. For me, creativity and strategy aren’t separate, they’re two sides of the same coin. That’s exactly where my art and Excel-mind come together.

Test ideas with like-minded people
The last year I joined the Start and the Community programme of SUCH. For me, as an introverted person, I didn’t know what my goal was in the beginning. But being surrounded by all these motivated young people, helped me a lot with it. What stood out most to me was the community manager - Jorien. She genuinely remembers the participants and always keeps us in mind when opportunities come up. She's constantly looking for ways to build meaningful connections that are helpful and interesting for everyone involved. That personal attention made the experience feel truly supportive.

Now I know, I’m not alone. The sense of community was really great. Also, the different workshops gave us the opportunity to experience a lot of things in a short time. During the workshop you could easily test your ideas with like-minded people. The fresh perspectives were a welcoming alternation after four years of school. SUCH is different than what we learn at our courses.

To students who are considering starting their own business, I would say: go to try! You need to fail, before you actually know what you are doing. See it as an iterative process. Sometimes you will start with an idea and end up with something totally different. Just start, go out there and check it out!

On 15 and 16 October, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, together with the other partners of the Center of Expertise Creative Innovation (CoE CI), is hosting the annual Society 5.0 Festival. This festival focuses on creating a human-centered digital society in which technology serves as a means to enhance the well-being of both people and the planet. This fourth edition is themed “Shaping Hybrid Realities” and will take place at The Social Hub Amsterdam City. Admission to the Society 5.0 Festival is free for Inholland students and staff: registrer via the CoE Ci website.

Klik hier voor Nederlands

Due to digitalisation, our lifeworld is becoming increasingly hybrid. The world as it appears to us – how we see it, understand it, and navigate it – is a blend of digital media technologies and physical environments. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive experiences (IX) are set to deepen this fusion in the coming years.

This shift to hybrid realities has far-reaching implications for our everyday lives and our democratic society. How does this impact our shared sense of reality, mental well-being, relationships, and how we shape and experience public space?

At the Society 5.0 Festival, we explore new ways of working to shape a desirable future society. During this two-day festival – filled with workshops, performances, installations, and talks – creatives, researchers, citizens, technologists, educators, designers, students, and (policy)makers come together to access, generate, sense, and reclaim our hybrid future.

Find out more about the Society 5.0 Festival en register via the CoE Ci website to claim your free tickets.

Have you always dreamed of starting your own business? Or do you want to take your side hustle to the next level while you study? Go for it! More and more students are registering with the Chamber of Commerce and building their own brand, income and freedom. Does that sound like something for you? Then the free entrepreneurship programmes at Start Up Campus Haarlem are exactly what you're looking for.

Whether you want to start a clothing line, shine as an artist or run a webshop, entrepreneurship always starts with a good idea, a little courage and a lot of perseverance. It's an adventure, and yes, it can be tough alongside your studies. But don't worry, we're here to support you.

At Start Up Campus Haarlem, we help students and staff at Inholland to start or grow their businesses. Together with other ambitious entrepreneurs, you will get to work in one of our two programmes. Check which programme suits you best and join the ride! Your move.

Start programme
Do you have a good idea and would you like to start your own business, but don't know how? Then this is the perfect opportunity to find out. In three months, you will learn everything about creating a business plan, positioning yourself as an entrepreneur and finding your first customer. Dutch and international students work together in this programme. The working language is English, but it is also easy to follow for Dutch speakers.

Time investment: 8-10 hours per month.
Duration: October 2025 – December 2025

You can now register for our Start programme (ENG/NL) via: Register for Start programme

Growth programme
Are you already an entrepreneur and do you have at least one paying customer? Then this programme is perfect for you. In four months, you will learn everything about your growth mindset, sales & acquisition, accounting, investing and how to focus your entrepreneurship. We guarantee you will expand your network, gain practical tools that you can apply immediately and experience personal growth. The programme is conducted in Dutch.

Time investment: 8-10 hours per month
Duration: October 2025 – January 2025

You can now register for our Growth Programme via: Register for Growth Programme

Our programmes are free for Inholland students and staff. Participants come from all locations and different study programmes. Most workshops are held at Start Up Campus Haarlem – Bijdorplaan 15 in Haarlem.

Want to know more?
Get inspired on Instagram: www.instagram.com/startupcampushaarlem
Check out our website: www.startupcampushaarlem.nl
Listen to our podcasts: SUCH Talks via Spotify
Read our magazine: START UP STORIES

Would you like to participate or do you have any questions? Email or text us at: startupcampus@inholland.nl / 06-15279259

Starting Monday 12 May, the interactive game YOUR TURN will be visiting the Inholland locations. Organised by Inholland in collaboration with Art Partner, this event invites you to pause and reflect on your own choices, beliefs, and the world around you — in a playful and accessible way.

• Play with cards, dice, and curiosity.
• Discover patterns, spark conversations, or just join in for fun.
• On your own or with others - it's up to you.

YOUR TURN invites you to explore, connect, and reflect. Because creating a safe, inclusive learning and working environment is something we do together – step by step, roll by roll.

Everyone is welcome! Drop by anytime between 10.00 and 15.00:

• Haarlem – Monday 12 May 
• The Hague – Wednesday 14 May 
• Amsterdam – Monday 19 May 
• Delft – Tuesday 20 May 
• Alkmaar – Wednesday 21 May
• Rotterdam - Thursday 22 May 

How do we make international students feel at home at Inholland University of Applied Sciences? This was the theme at the most recent Community of Practice (CoP) for Diversity on 30 January. Many international students find it difficult to find their way in the Netherlands and at Inholland. This lack of a sense of belonging can have a negative effect on their well-being and even lead to them dropping out. The CoP focused on initiatives that contribute to a smoother transition to – and a stronger sense of belonging at – Inholland. 

One inspirational initiative was suggested by Imani Hooi, an International Creative Business student and founder of Caribbean United in The Hague. Two years ago, she founded this community to bring together students of Caribbean descent or with an affinity for Caribbean culture. ‘Putting accommodation issues aside, I noticed that many Caribbean students are often treated like Dutch students. This in spite of the fact that they often encounter specific challenges, such as uncertainty about correct language use and unfamiliarity with practical issues.’ 

Cultural recognition 
Caribbean United organises low-threshold events for students to meet and share experiences. ‘We want to give students a sense of home, among other things with Caribbean food and music.’ In addition, Imani is completing a graduation research project on how to provide better support to Caribbean students. ‘A key finding was that cultural recognition is crucial. There are also differences within the Caribbean community. It is essential to be mindful of this as a university of applied sciences’, Imani explains.  

Another speaker at the CoP was Sheovan Deira, founder of the Surinamese student community SUHolland in Amsterdam. She recognises the challenges faced by international students, having moved to the Netherlands to study herself in 2022. As she speaks the language and has family here, she thought she was well prepared. ‘Although I started making preparations well ahead of time, I still faced many challenges, from applying for a citizen service number and opening a bank account to finding work. Companies actually had to apply for a work permit to hire me, and many didn’t want to. Many processes are unfamiliar to international students, which makes matters difficult.’ 

Workshops and guidance  
Her own experiences prompted Sheovan to take action. ‘I saw that many students were facing the same obstacles. If we share information earlier, we can make it easier for everyone.’ Thus was born SUHolland, a community where students can find practical information as well as conviviality and recognition. ‘Not only do we organise cultural events, like Keti Koti and Surinamese Christmas celebrations, but we also offer workshops and guidance. Our goal is for students to feel at home.’ 
 
Community building coordinator 
Jurio Maduro, lecturer in Social Work in The Hague and recently appointed as community building coordinator at Inholland, is equally aware of the problems that international students face. He himself came to the Netherlands from Aruba when he was 19. ‘It was exciting and new, but also a culture shock. Everything was different, from the education system and public transport to the way people interacted. I was lucky to have family here, but many students are on their own.’ 

His own experiences made him aware of the challenges awaiting international students. ‘I see students going through the same things as I did back then and running into the same problems. I often ask myself: what guidance would I have wanted when I was a student? How can we support these students?’ 

Jurio’s new position is all about building a community. ‘A community means not just a group of students who seek each other out, but an environment where they feel welcome. At Inholland, we want to create an ecosystem where students feel recognised and supported, and where they can and are allowed to be themselves.’ 

Why take part in the CoP? 
Both Imani and Sheovan stress the importance of meetings such as the CoP. ‘We often work in our own bubbles, but by coming together, we can learn from each other and strengthen each other’, says Sheovan. ‘At SUHolland, for example, we learned how important it is to contact students coming to the Netherlands in advance. This is already being done for Caribbean students, but not yet for Surinamese students. That’s something we have to address.’ 

Collective responsibility 
In addition, Jurio sees a broader responsibility: ‘A sense of belonging should be at the core of how we support international students. The figures don’t lie: since 2010, only 9% of Caribbean and Surinamese students have graduated. That means we have a collective responsibility as a university of applied sciences to improve this.’ 

The CoP provides a valuable platform to share knowledge and experiences and to seek solutions together. Would you like to contribute to a more inclusive environment for students and colleagues as well? Make sure you attend the next CoP! 

Contact
If you have any questions and/or ideas on how we can support Caribbean or Surinamese students, please contact Jurio at jurio.maduro@inholland.nl or call  06 1527 9398.

Kosisochukwu Ozougwu (23) is an Information Technology student in Haarlem who moved from Nigeria to Ukraine to study medicines. Due to the war, she ended up in the Netherlands. Now she starts her own baking company with authentic pastries.

Keep on looking at the bigger picture
“As a young professional, I embody enthusiasm, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of learning. I thrive on challenging myself and venturing into uncharted territory. My journey began in Nigeria, where I got the opportunity to study medicine in Ukraine—an opportunity I embraced wholeheartedly."

"However, life took an unexpected turn due to the war, altering my plans. Undeterred, I made the decision to relocate to the Netherlands. Adaptability became my ally as I persevered through changing circumstances. Whether as a young professional or a student, I remain resilient, always keeping the bigger picture in mind. Success hinges on the ideas I aspire to achieve through my business and life endeavors. Learning, I've discovered, extends far beyond formal education. It encompasses self-education, life experiences, and even Bible studies. These diverse sources have enriched my understanding and shaped my path forward.”

Add something different to the table
“I’m on a journey to start a company that combines my passion and hobbies. The passion for baking and cooking has been something that has been going around in my family for a long time. I got the opportunity to travel to different countries and have been tasting different pastries. It didn’t give me the authentic flavor of how I’m used to from my country. Not saying that the pastries here are not good, but I just want to offer and add something different to the table."

"So, I started experimenting with infusing cultural flavors and innovative techniques. I make muffins, cookies, samosas, minced pies, banana bread and carrot cake. I’ve noticed that most people suffer from a lot of sickness because of the things they eat and their eating habits. As a fitness enthusiast, I make sure that all my products are made with high-quality ingredients. I prioritize wholesome, high-quality components to ensure the pastries are not only delicious but also nourishing. While I’m also exploring vegan alternatives because I’ve seen a growing demand for plant-based options.”

No matter how small, just start
“Starting my own business had always been a dream for me. I never got the opportunity to start it because I wanted to know more about entrepreneurship and finance. Through Inholland, I stumbled upon an advertisement regarding the Start Up Campus Haarlem. With the many experiences and different adventures life has thrown at me. I decided to take the risk to join. First and foremost, starting my own business helps me to make an impact (unique offerings). Secondly for flexibility and independence. Through my food, I’m able to unite different cultures and to inspire other young entrepreneurs who are looking to start something different. Even in the smallest Idea, believe in the unique value you can bring to the world, validate it, and gradually build upon it.”

Make people feel seen and appreciated
“When customers engage with me, I hope they perceive authenticity and craftsmanship. I want them to taste, experience, and savor the care, skill, and passion that go into each creation. By letting my creations speak, I aim to demonstrate my authenticity and reliability. As Maya Angelou (writer and civil rights activist) wisely said, ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ In my customer relationships, I strive to make people feel seen and appreciated. My desire to help others also stems from my Christian beliefs."

"In addition to running my baking company, I organize live faith discussion events for young adults and women. We explore themes relevant to our generation, including religion, science, technology, relationships, love, emotional intelligence, and mental health. I firmly believe that God works through human beings to assist others, motivating me to extend help wherever I can.”

Success is not final and failure is not fatal
"I enrolled in the Start programme at Start Up Campus Haarlem in February 2024. SUCH provided a platform where I learned about business ethics and behavior in the Netherlands, enhancing my cultural fluency and communication skills. Handling finances, optimizing resources, and making informed decisions can be challenging for young people, but SUCH helped me navigate these areas.

Entrepreneurship begins with a vision—an idea or dream. My advice to fellow students is to believe in their vision, start Small, dream big and learn from their failures, and finally network and collaborate. Additionally, starting small while dreaming big is essential.

Life’s rewards often require persistence through obstacles. Success isn’t final, and failure isn’t fatal—it’s the courage to continue that truly matters."

'This is the proof that at Inholland there is space for entrepreneurship as well as new initiatives.' Wrote one of the visitors to the launch party of Start Up Campus Haarlem on LinkedIn. Last Thursday, March 28, SUCH launched the very first edition of the magazine START UP STORIES in a packed Theater de Liefde. A place buzzing with the entrepreneurial energy of student-entrepreneurs, Inholland colleagues and external partners.

Presentation first magazine START UP STORIES
During the festive event member of the Executive Board (CvB) of Inholland University of Applied Sciences Mieke van den Berg and Karin van Broekhuizen (manager external relations of Inholland Haarlem) received the first magazine from entertainment duo Kenneth and Andor. A great moment, also for Mieke: "Through Start Up Campus Haarlem we learn and strengthen each other in entrepreneurship. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur, your entrepreneurship is already well underway, you are still in doubt whether you want to become an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship always comes in handy in every organization!

The magazine is printed in limited edition but is available digitally to everyone through SUCH's website.

Building a relevant and warm network
After the first magazine was handed over, the team of SUCH as well as all the entrepreneurs from the magazine were invited on stage and put in the spotlight. 'What a special moment to see everyone together and with such a beautiful magazine in their hands. That we can bring so many different entrepreneurs together and empower each other is really impressive. We should be very proud of that. Building a relevant and warm network starts here and now. Everyone is going to enjoy that for a long time after today.' said Jorien Stoop - Community manager of Start Up Campus Haarlem.

Typical SUCH
The theater was transformed into an extended networking event with music by Danley (ed. Dylan Remeeus, student Creative Business Rotterdam) and on stage Rudy Nicola appeared who captured the entrepreneurs' stories via a podcast. Rudy Nicola: "It is hugely inspiring to speak with young entrepreneurs. Live podcasting during a networking reception was another new experience for me. But that's typical SUCH! They always try something new there and you learn from that again.

Added value studying at Inholland
The charming theater transformed into an inspiring networking event for young entrepreneurs. The fact that starting a business alongside your studies is not so crazy was evident from the high turnout. 'That so many students from so many different programs, backgrounds and locations are participating at SUCH makes the concept so unique. This is really an added value of studying at Inholland' according to Iryna M'yakush, International Creative Business student of Inholland Haarlem. The entire event was carried by the former participants from within the SUCH program itself. From the presentation to the podcast host, photographer and DJ.

With 22 students we have visited the venue Melkweg in Amsterdam for a guided tour behind the scenes in the morning. After that we went out for lunch with the whole group and 2 teachers from the work field in Tolhuistuin. After that we were invited by Sony Music and Sony Music Publishing from 2pm till 4pm. Bart Wisman (Head of Marketing Benelux), Hans Schlattman (Head of Sync Department Benelux) and Joel de Vriend (A&R, Creative Department) hosted Masterclasses about their work in their offices: A’dam Tower, Amsterdam-Noord.

The focus of the elective: International Music Management, which is open for students from other Universities via “Kies Op Maat”, Exchange students and students within the domain Creative Business, is to connect them with the work field and teach them the different professional roles in the international music business. They learn to create value as an intermediary. It all has to do with bringing the music to the audiences or listening ears and add value to a sustainable music ecosystem. Therefore the program is focused on knowledge (music copyright, cash flows and ethics), skills (scouting, music pitches and contract negotiations), research (new tech developments and trends) and concept creating to apply this in a professional role in the international music industry.

The goal of these business trips is to connect and network with the music industry and give students a better view on the different possibilities for internships in the second half of their third year. Sony Music invited us because they see a gap between educated young professionals and the music industry. “It is hard to find new talent and there are so many vacant internships and jobs in content creating, data analyses, sync licensing, A&R and marketing. Therefore we think it is really important to open our doors for young motivated students,” says Bart Wisman at Sony Music.

Vera van de Loo, student KoM, confirms that it is good for a student to get a glimpse behind the scenes: "Getting a tour around the backstage area at Melkweg and visiting the Sony Music (Publishing) office in Amsterdam was a unique and very interesting experience. Especially the masterclasses from the Heads of Marketing, Sync and Publishing, and A&R at Sony Music were incredibly insightful!" Jana Hör, student Creative Business (EN): "I really liked gaining some new perspectives through the masterclasses not just from the label but also from the publisher side of Sony Music and Sony Music Publishing. It was also very interesting to get to see the backstage area of the Melkweg and learn more about its history and vision for the future."

Last year we also organized business trips in Hilversum to Wisseloord Studio’s, venue De Vorstin and Universal Music. “I think it is great that these music companies welcome our young professionals, which helps and inspires them to make choices for their future careers. It is also important to hear the stories of the experts in the current music business and have the possibility to network in an early stage,” says Neeltje Mooring, Course Leader and Lecturer International Music Management. “Before Corona we also organized international business trips in the U.S. together with our partner Berklee College of Music. We hope we can continue this in the near future to give our students also a more international experience and perspective.”

Together with Popcoalitie, a partnership of several affiliated organisations in the Dutch pop sector, researchers from Inholland University of Applied Sciences, have drawn up a new research and innovation agenda for the pop-music industry. In it, the most pressing themes and issues that need research or innovation, are being mapped out. This new agenda was presented to the organisations affiliated with the Popcoalitie on 12 April. The next step is to be a matchmaking meeting that will be held on 6 June. Organised with the support of CLICKNL, the aim of the meeting is to form cooperatives that want to start up research or innovation projects.

Post-COVID impulse
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the music industry was clearly in need of a fresh impulse. The shutting down of live pop music during the pandemic had major repercussions for creatives, organisations and employees in the sector. It also highlighted issues that had been ongoing for some time before the pandemic, such as fair compensation for creatives, the vulnerable employment situation faced by employees and their irregular working hours. At the same time, the pandemic also forced the industry to experiment with new revenue models, such as hybrid and online performances. With the venues, clubs and festivals once again open, the industry is now having to contend with serious staff shortages, and this has further increased the already high workload on employees. And all this against the continuing backdrop of social issues, such as inclusion, diversity, climate change and digital developments.

Setting an example for other sectors
Koos Zwaan, Associate Professor of Innovation in the International Music Industry at Inholland University of Applied Sciences, feels strongly that the social impact that music has on the pop sector serves as an example for other sectors. ‘Music has the power to connect and visualise and for many people it even plays a key role in their identity,’ he insists. ‘Exploiting the power of this connection and visualisation so that it impacts social issues calls for smart collaboration initiatives between the pop sector and knowledge partners, such as higher vocational education institutions and universities. And this can be achieved through research and innovation projects that provide an impulse to innovation and collaboration in the industry.’ In the International Music Industry Lab, which is actually led by Koos Zwaan, Inholland is working with partners from the field on projects exactly like these.

Research and innovation themes
Themes in the research and innovation agenda have been developed with input collected from representatives across the whole pop sector during various working sessions. Input was also harvested from visitors at the Congress Podia Festivals Evenementen (in September 2022), No Man’s Land (December 2022) and Eurosonic Noorderslag (January 2023).
Its main themes are: talent development, professionalisation, inclusion & diversity, new digital technology & business models, mental & physical well-being, the societal impact of pop music, climate impact and internationalisation. The full agenda can be downloaded from the website. 

Speaking on behalf of the day-to-day management of Popcoalitie, Martijn Kramers says that its agenda offers opportunities for innovative solutions that will strengthen the industry and underscore a healthy and sustainable music ecosystem. ‘You need look no further, for example, than fair practices for all stakeholders, inclusivity for employees and the sustainability of activities. In fact, everything that forms part of the value chain of the Netherlands’ pop-music sector.’

Matchmaking
The next step is to bring together parties from the broader field of pop music, researchers from other universities and universities of applied sciences, as well as parties that can finance collaborative projects. To this end, Inholland and the Popcoalitie, supported by CLICKNL, are organising a matchmaking meeting. The objective of this meeting is to form partnerships that will focus on questions from the agenda and that will initiate further research and develop and implement innovations for, and with, the pop sector. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, 6 June, 2023 in the A-lab in Amsterdam.

Eszter Jámbor (22) is an International Creative Business student and moved to Haarlem from Hungary in 2018. She started her own business as freelance photographer in the music industry.

Bringing new ideas to the table
“I am a go-getter. Since I moved here and figured my goals out, I am trying as much as possible to reach them. My strength? I bring creativity and new ideas to the table. I like to do/learn something new/different every day. Following the crowd is not my thing, and I never really fit in. But lately I realized that this benefits me. Honestly it sped up my professional life - I had the time and mental clarity to figure out how to move forward and act on it.

I work as a freelancer photographer with events and artists in the music industry. My clients are event organizers and electronic music producers/DJs. Originally photography was a hobby since I was 14 but I worked as a waitress and I kind of liked the job (talking to many different people, learning about food/drinks, listening to music all day), but the pandemic messed things up. I found myself working in a supermarket and I really didn’t like that job. I was in survival mode but I came to a conclusion that if I don’t like my job it affects all the other areas of my life and it becomes miserable. I made the decision to start freelancing thanks to this experience and a talk with a good friend of mine who is a freelancer as well. Ironically, I had no clients at this point, but I thought I’ll figure it out when I have the pressure on me.”

Fix-it mindset
“I come from the countryside of Hungary. My parents are really hardworking, and they taught me ‘you have to work hard, to get somewhere in life’. That affected me a lot. I don’t think they took me seriously when I told them I want to be a photographer, but they never told me not to go for it. Family is first for me and it was when I moved away that I realized how amazing my parents’ mentality is.  We are not victims. We just do everything we can for what we want and when it still doesn’t work out, it’s not meant to. When something goes left, not blaming anyone but focusing on the solution. Fix-it mindset over victim mindset. I like asking my dad and brother about negotiating and business communication and my mother about legal/financial stuff. They are my leading example and they help a lot.”

Scrolling on Instagram and I see the event organizers use my images/videos
“The events/music industry is a big system. We (creators/producers/organizers/venues) all want to give people a good experience during a night out. We all rely on each other. I personally like helping musicians with their personal branding as well. My goal is to help people and events getting the exposure they need. It’s not enough to be good at our craft, we must show people what we do.

I think flexibility is key, and I seek feedback from clients and actively extend my services to fit their needs. What makes me ultimately happy is when I hear ‘Oh my god Eszter, you make me look so good’ or when I scroll on Instagram and I see the event organizers use my images/videos.

The most important thing is that clients are satisfied with my service. Having their vision realized in a form of photo or video is success. Event organizers find me more often, they see my work or hear about me from other organizers. That’s the best marketing. Word of mouth. It’s also about energy. The best thing about a creative field is that you attract people who have similar mindset and the other way around. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to pursue this path and keep dreaming bigger and bigger.”

Happiness on the long term
“Last semester I joined the Growth program at Start Up Campus Haarlem. It helped so much!

Firstly, I feel connected to likeminded people who are going through the same path (in different fields) and sharing our struggles/success is very valuable. I’m also grateful for all the advice we got on networking in general.

Secondly, I learned to take feedback objectively and not personally.

If you are a student and consider starting your own business, I would say: find out why your idea makes you happy. Is it just the money that could come with it or something else? If it’s something else, does it bring you happiness on the long term? You must know where your values lie. Chase after happiness instead of money. That’s my best advice.”

Emerging from the fog were 29 international students and 10 Inholland students who participated in the Erasmus Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) in Haarlem at the end of March. During the previous five weeks they had engaged in online learning, talking, and thinking about sustainable fashion. Now was the time to develop a communication concept for a local frontrunner in sustainable fashion targeted at young people. The working method during this week was based on that of Inholland's Living Labs, which was quite unfamiliar for the international students and their coaches. It was only on the last day that the fog truly cleared for them.

"I really enjoyed working in such an international group," says Inholland student Jesper. He is one of the 10 Inholland students from 3 locations (Alkmaar, Haarlem and Rotterdam) in the BFL domain. "It's interesting to see how people from other cultures work and what their teachers are like. For example, the Belgian coach was very strict and very critical, which we are not used to. I didn't know much about the subject, but I'm now more conscious about my clothing. We started this week with design thinking, which I found very informative. This way of working stimulates your brain in a different way, leading to new and different ideas. The international students found it challenging that there wasn't that much structure this week. I thrive on that freedom, but I understand that they sometimes felt los."

His fellow student Sarah from Germany agrees: "I found it a challenging week. Our generation wants to make a difference, and I learned here in Haarlem that you have to step out of your comfort zone to see things from a different perspective. This way of working was really new to me, but I now see that the outcome is much more creative and better than if you had done it another way. I really developed new competencies and made many friends this week!"

International Network
University of Applied Sciences Inholland has a large international network of partner institutions. Additionally, Inholland is part of Businet, an international network of higher education institutions aimed at realizing international cooperation between educational institutions, and thus providing students and teachers the opportunity to develop and participate in international projects. Teachers and coordinators of internationalization are involved in this network. Marlies Springorum, international coordinator and teacher of marketing at Inholland initiated this international project, and introduced it to partners in Inholland’s international network.

Tamara Schoon, lecturer-researcher at the Lectorate Sustainable Business Innovations, said, “Last year, Marlies approached me with a request to write a pitch for an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme on sustainable fashion. My plan focused on raising awareness and activating sustainable consumption behaviour among young people in the EU. A Flemish, Walloon, German, and Italian university then showed interest. Together we then continued to develop the programme.”

Marlies Springorum: "This programme is for students who don't necessarily want to go abroad for six months but who do enjoy working in an international setting. This cross-cultural collaboration, both online and offline, is a key EU objective. I think a very important one. This semester, Inholland BFL Rotterdam will also be running a BIP. The focus will then be on creating solutions for the City of Rotterdam that meet the needs of entrepreneurs, citizens, and urban designers. I'm very happy with the way the Sustainable Fashion BIP was linked to a Living Lab. The curriculum was rich and varied, and the final presentations were of high quality. Most students were enthusiastic too; they liked the change from regular lessons in the classroom.  Of course, it was a complex project with its own dynamic. As Inholland, too, we are learning."

Online BIP
This BIP had five weeks of online learning , followed by the live week in Haarlem. During the online phase, the forty students had two meetings per week, with keynotes on themes such as the negative impact of fast fashion, Introduction to sustainable fashion, EU Circular textile strategy, and sustainable marketing. Tamara: "We could also invite interesting guest speakers through our partners, who provided keynotes on, for example, traceability and transparency in the fashion and textile sector."

In the second half of the online weeks, the student teams met with their learning coaches to complete the tasks for that week. Tamara: "These included brand assessments on sustainability, analysis of students’ own fashion consumption behaviour with the help of the Shift framework, and trend research in their own region. In the final online week, the student teams developed a communication concept for a local frontrunner in sustainable fashion."

Live BIP
This concept was developed during the live week in Haarlem. Between March 19 and March 24, the students and learning coaches were offered a curriculum in which they incorporated insights from the online phase into a communication plan for their own local frontrunner. They also went on an excursion to Amsterdam, walked sustainable fashion routes, and participated in a hackathon with the Inholland lector Design Thinking. The ideas developed by the students were pitched to communication managers from the European Commission (DG Environment) and Andrea Reyes, founder of the Sustainable Fashion Community Center in Harlem, New York, via a video connection. The students incorporated the feedback received into their final presentations.

The concepts presented on Friday afternoon at the Seinwezen in Haarlem are all innovative, creative, and feasible. For example, one group came up with the idea of "The Thrift Hunter" for a chain of second-hand clothing stores. An item from these shops is posted on Instagram, and the participant who finds the item in one of the stores during the "hunt" can take it home for free. This group of students aims to introduce the target audience to second-hand clothing stores, which many students perceive as dirty, boring, and outdated. "With our plan, we don't want to push second-hand clothing, but make it fun," said the group's spokesperson.

TikTok campaign
Other groups came up with concepts such as a "flash sale" for the previous season's collection of a more expensive, sustainable denim brand, a Tiktok campaign to showcase the coolness of second-hand clothing, and a chill-out area in second-hand shops where young people can come together, drink coffee, and repair their clothing. A communication plan was also developed for the Amsterdam-based company O My Bag. The students propose allowing young people to try out the more expensive and sustainable bags for a certain period for free. If you decide to keep the bag, you can pay it off in ten months. Bags that are returned can then be resold by the brand at a lower price. The students hope to combat the throwaway culture and raise awareness among young people that you had better spend a little more money on a sustainable bag.

Hans Zahn, business studies lecturer, said after the event, "I am very impressed with these presentations, the level is really high. Starting with design thinking was a good foundation for this week. The students have made significant progress, and we saw the fog in which they began to clear up quickly. The outcomes show that they could all handle this approach very well. The collaboration with international students and teachers was enjoyable and educational. I hope that after this week, they will all become ambassadors for sustainable fashion."

Since the new Erasmus program started in 2021, and Erasmus subsidy is linked to the development and participation in BIPs, Hogeschool Inholland has already organized six BIPs at various locations, with two more planned for this semester. The European Commission considers BIPs an inclusive way of internationalizing because students who cannot or do not want to spend half a year abroad can participate due to the short duration of the programme.

As a student you are looking for pleasant, affordable and safe housing in the city where you study. This may sound simple, but things are different in practice. If you want to get your own room in your student city, you are often dealing with waiting times, high rents and (too) small rooms at locations you would actually prefer not to live. The student housing providers want to do something about this. They are going to build affordable student housing in your city, taking your housing needs into account. To do so, they need your input. 

Survey 
We are conducting a survey to find out how many students will be living in your city in the coming years and how these students want to live. This knowledge will be used to build enough student housing to meetstudents' needs. This research is carried out by student housing providers in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, Universities of Applied Sciences and Research Universities. If you really want to make a difference in housing for students, please participate in this survey. 

Participation 
To participate, please click on the following link: www.wonenalsstudent.nl 

The survey consists of about 40 questions and takes around 10 minutes to complete. You can fill in the questionnaire using your smartphone, tablet or computer. The questionnaire will remain active until April 22.  Your answers will then be processed anonymously. 

How do I stay informed of the results? 
Results will be available on the website after the summer.

Now, in 2024, I'm going to start for myself again to help young people connect with themselves and choose a direction that genuinely suits them.'

It's okay to not want to work 40 hours
'At 19, I suffered a burnout. I was living according to the expectations of others. At least, I thought it was their expectations. At the time, I didn't ask myself: What do I like?

During my studies, I found that there were so many other young people struggling with this. That's actually when the idea for the startup Wildgroei was born.

With Wildgroei, we want to help young people find their passion in life. We encourage them to live less from the expectations of society. It's okay if you don't want to work 40 hours. Just do what you love! Take control of your life.'

Working on yourself in nature
Wildgroei organizes training weeks and weekends in nature. Here, you work on yourself, your perception of the world, and your role in it. With the goal that you go home after this week full of energy and inspiration and maybe even a step closer to your mission in life. A backpack full of new insights. That's what we do it for!

During my education in Pedagogy, we went on a PTR camp (person-centered training). I experienced how valuable it is to work intensively with a group on your development. When organizing our Wildgroei training week, I draw inspiration from this part of my studies. 
Nice right?

Do something with your curiosity
‘I am so glad my teachers tipped me off to Start Up Campus Haarlem. They saw that entrepreneurship was my thing. The energy at SUCH was a perfect fit for me. I go all in on entrepreneurial energy. For students also considering entrepreneurship, I would say: “Go do something with your curiosity. Walk into SUCH and see what they can do for you. For me, a world opened up!’

What’s to come
'In 2024, Heleen will start for herself again. With the same mission but in a different form. Paths for students and starters who want to get to know themselves better to organize their lives in a way that suits them. Who are willing to look at themselves and work on questions like: Who am I? Why am I who I am? What can I do? And where do I want to go? In groups or individually, Heleen guides you in this quest.

Curious about Heleen? You can find her on LinkedIn or Instagram.