EFR Master Study Boards
Apply now for one of our Master Study Boards! deadline: June 3rd efr.nl/MSB
foreword Prof. Dr. Frank van der Duijn Schouten Dean Erasmus School of Economics
The time that a student spends at a university is not only meant to acquire a certain amount of knowledge or to prepare for a job. The ultimate goal of academic education is to offer a student the opportunity to develop oneself to a personality, who has learnt critical thinking and who is ready to take responsibility. Unfortunately, many students are not aware of the fact that a substantial part of this personal development takes place in student life outside the classroom. Hence a university without student associations is a contradiction in terms. From my personal experience, I can testify that taking on responsibility in a student association provides a lifelong lasting benefit. Hence I wholeheartedly support the call of the EFR-board to seriously consider applying for one of the key positions in the EFR-association. I am convinced that it offers great opportunities and no regrets.
meet EFR With over 6500 members, EFR is one of the most active and most professional study associations of the Netherlands. The mission of EFR is to bridge the gap between theory and practice. EFR does this by offering a wide range of activities. EFR aims to guide students of the Erasmus School of Economics and the Erasmus University throughout their student life, from the first step they set on campus until they find their dream job. The portfolio of services of EFR is large and diverse. We organise our events in four so-called pillars: development, orientation, network and education. The activities of EFR prepare students for the job market, bring them into contact with their future employer and enhance their student experience. In short, EFR bridges the gap between theory and practice. Apply now for our committees and get the opportunity to organise one of our events yourself! For questions, please do not hesistate to contact us at: challenge@efr.nl
EFR is recruiting several Master Study Boards, for many different fields of study. You can only apply for a MSB if you are currently (or previously were) enrolled in the Master. We are recruiting MSB’s for the following master specialisations: -
Behavioural Economics (SABER x EFR) Urban, Port and Transport Economics International Economics Policy Economics Data Science and Marketing Analytics Strategy Economics Economics of Markets and Organisations
apply before June 3rd at efr.nl/challenge!
what is a Master Study Board? The goal of EFR is to bridge the gap between theory and practice. We try to do this by offering all students of the ESE everything they might not get in their regular classroom, ranging from free summaries to large recruitment events. As you start your master, this becomes more relevant than ever, and you and your fellow students will want to orientate yourself more in-depth in the direction of your choosing. A Master study board is a group of students from a specific master that is enthusiastic about organizing events for their fellow classmates! Through a variety of social, educational and career- related events, EFR would like to offer the students of your master everything they need to have a fun year and to prepare them for their careers. Master Study Boards also get more autonomy and responsibilities than a regular committee. EFR will be your base, offering you a well-known name and a large professional network to start off your year. Still, it is up to your initiative completely what you want to organise! Finally, the year is about your personal development, be sure to challenge yourself and try new things!
advantages of being active at EFR
Naturally, you as a student can get extra-curricular experience at a wide variety of places. However, there are some distinct advantages of joining EFR. Firstly, being one of the biggest and most professional study associations in the Netherlands, EFR has a well-known name and big commercial network. What we want you to do is find the perfect match for students of your master and approach these partner firms. This is the perfect way for you to find out more about these companies and make your first connections. Secondly, EFR takes its role as a learning institute very seriously. We actively encourage you to be pro-active and take the initiative. Besides, through the EFR academy EFR supports its members through trainings. Thirdly, as an organisation, EFR has a lot of experience with organising events. The EFR board can help you with most difficulties you might experience along the way. Besides, there is a large network of EFR alumni to contact for specific and more complicated issues, for a fun chat, or for career advise!
testimonial Hidde Schaap Chairman Master Study Board International & Policy economics 2019-2020
Being a board member of the Master Study Board for International and Policy Economics has been a unique and enriching experience. This new initiative by EFR to serve Master students with a broad range of events struck the perfect balance. Building on their professional reputation, extensive network and vast experience on the one hand while allowing room for creativity and new initiatives on the other, it has given rise to a series of great events this year. Ranging from educational support to career orientation to connecting students with network activities, it has been an exciting and rewarding adventure. Moreover, taking a central role in the programmes was a great way to meet many students and create lasting friendships in a heartbeat. Besides, as part of the EFR family, I felt involved in an open, diverse and lively organisation connecting committee members through fun activities, inspiring events and network opportunities. All in all, it has been a meaningful, instructive and above all unforgettable experience which I would recommend to everyone.
testimonial Diana Ungureanu External relations SABER x EFR board 2019-2020
My decision to join the SABER x EFR board has been of tremendous importance in developing myself both personally and on a professional level. It granted me the opportunity to enhance skills that I already possessed, as well as master new abilities that are not taught in the classroom. The year was full of exciting projects, the first of which was establishing the new role of SABER as a part of EFR. The transition process has been challenging; however, through the hard work and ambition of the board members of SABER, as well as the colleagues from EFR, we have achieved great results that will pave the path for the association to exploit its full potential in offering students opportunities that will help them easily passage from the academic to the real world. This experience, together with many others and along with my duties as internal- and external relations coordinator, has shaped my abilities in interacting with different stakeholders, while meeting exceptional figures in the field and expanding my network. Further, the large array of projects, ranging from fun, social gatherings to professional events, has challenged me to optimize my time-management skills, prioritization abilities and offered me the chance to undertake large responsibility; skills that shall be of major significance in my future career.
last year’s events highlighted International/Policy Economics: EU career event One of the highlights of the MSB calendar was the career event hosted by the EU. A current employee and former participant in the EU blue book traineeship came and presented to 25 students about future careers in the EU. This started off with a presentation on life at the EU, the sort of work that trainees could expect to be undertaking and information about the application process. After this the students were divided into teams for a fun case study. In this case study each team member was given a specific role they had to undertake and each member had to use negotiating skills to put forward their agenda in order to enact a new EU policy. Each team presented their new policies and gave a quick presentation about how negotiations had been undertaken in order to arrive at the final policy proposals. The case study was interesting and allowed the students to gain a small insight into the day to day workings of the European Commission. The official event was followed by some beers at De Smitse and was a great opportunity to talk with the EU representatives.
International/Policy Economics: Master Thesis Panel Another highlight of the main events that the MSB – Policy and International Economics organised was a thesis panel in which three professors, Hans Van Kippersluis, Julian Emami Namini and Olivier Marie enlightened the students on how to write a successful master’s thesis. The event started with each of the professors giving a quick presentation on a piece of research which they had undertaken. This was particularly interesting as each professor has a different specialty within the field of economics and the presentations highlighted the process around which each professor conducted their research. This was followed by a question round; during which the students were invited to ask any questions they may have around writing their thesis. The event was insightful, and many students left feeling inspired about the upcoming thesis.
UPT inhouse Day at CEVA logistics On the 20th of March, an inhouseday was to take place for students of the master Urban, Port and Transport economics (UPT) at CEVA logistics. Founded in 2007, CEVA logistics has grown to a global logistics and supply chain company in freight management and contract logistics. During this day, the plan was to get a tour at one of their on-site locations, after which the students were invited to solve a case in their office. This activity is not only fun, but useful too, as it helps students get an insight in what they like and allows them to practice their casesolving skills. Besides, an inhouseday is the perfect opportunity to get in contact with possible future employers. Due to the Corona virus, this event was not allowed to take place this year. However, this offers the possibility for the next Master Study Board to continue where we left off this year. CEVA logistics is still interested in organizing this particular event, and surely the next MSB will find
SABER x EFR visits PCBS 2020 Even though this event was cancelled due to the corona crisis, it is a perfect example of what a Master Study Board can accomplish with the right incentive! This year, the SABER x EFR board took it upon themselves to organize a trip to PCBS 2020, a behavioral economics conference in Prague. This multiple day event consisted of guest speakers, interactive sessions, networking- and social events, all in the beautiful city of Prague. The Board itself decided this conference would be of added value for their fellow students. Even more so, this conference could have been the highlight of a student’s year at Erasmus University. Through negotiations with the conference, careful planning and a little help from EFR and ESE, this trip was made possible by the Master Study Board, an impressive achievement!
drinks all Master Study Boards Besides career and educational events, our Master Study Boards also organise some social events. Several drinks took place in the past year. For the master specialisations international and policy economics, we hosted an after-exam drink and an after-seminar drink, for students to reflect on their exams and seminars together and to get to know each other better. Furthermore, the previously mentioned EU career event and master thesis panel both ended with a nice drink in de Smitse. The Master Study Board for Behavioural Economics, SABER x EFR, organised kick-off drinks at the beginning of the year, as well as an interactive pub quiz in Concordia, where master students could show off with their behavioural economics and general knowledge. Besides making it to the SABER x EFR Pub Quiz Hall of Fame, the winners were awarded with a special prize.
Personal development also happens outside of a classroom. Help your fellow students expand their social network by signing up for a Master Study Board!
Master Study Board year in pictures
Which Master Study Boards can you apply for? Applications are open for the following master specialisations: • Behavioural Economics • International Economics • Economics of Markets and Organisations • Policy Economics • Data Science & Marketing Analytics • Urban, Port & Transport Economics • Strategy Economics
Interested or just curious? Send an email or call Florian de Groot. He is always there to answer your questions related to your application
MSB information session On May 15, we will host an online information session to give you more information on the Master Study Boards, and what it means to be part of one. The link will be posted on Facebook.
Selection procedure
After applying, the EFR board will review your application and invite you for an interview. During this interview, we will assess your capabilities to act as a board member. Afterwards, the best combination of students to be responsible for their master will be selected.
Time-investment
As the board of an MSB, you are responsible for organising events during one academic year. Ideally, we want to see you transfer your knowledge to the next board members. However, we understand you may not be in Rotterdam or even the Netherlands after this year, in which case we can make an exception. The time per week you choose to invest in the board is up to you and the rest of the board. As EFR, we want you to organise at least one event per block. The form in which you choose to do this, and any extra events, is up to you!
Application processfor? You can apply for a position in a Master Study Board either in June or in September. If you apply in June, all positions are still available, which means there is more freedom of choice. If you are not sure yet or did not meet the deadline in June, it is still possible to apply in September, at the beginning of the academic year. You can apply on our website with your CV and motivation letter. After you have applied, you will be invited for an interview.
Apply now: efr.nl/MSB
www.efr.nl +31 (0) 10 408 11 46