Same degree... Judith Werkman (27) Degree programme: Utrecht School of Governance Work: Project coordinator and ‘connector’ for the City Academy
‘O
ur little city is growing like mad. This growth comes hand in hand with social issues from which students can learn a great deal. On behalf of the City Academy, I collect problems and requests from the municipalities, provinces and housing corporations and translate them into projects for students in Utrecht, including UU students. As an alumnus, it’s quite special to be collaborating with my University — sometimes I find myself sitting across the table from the same professors who taught me! One great example of a UU project is the Warme Wijken (Warm neighbourhoods) initiative. At the behest of the city, Sociology students ask residents what they are doing to increase sustainability and whether they are interested in transitioning to a gas-free home in the future. For the students, it can be quite challenging to explain their complex research questions in plain language to the many different kinds of Utrecht residents they interview. Luckily, my university education taught me how the administrative landscape works. This helps me a lot.’
20
Illuster — March 2021
