After graduating from the University of California with degrees in political science and environmental studies, I pursued a career in environmental consulting and later the non-profit sector. I spent the last three years developing statewide and national organic farming education programmes. Though I found the work rewarding I was frustrated by inefficiencies in non-profit management and structure. When I received a federal grant to develop renewable energy use in California agriculture, I was exposed to a world of responsible business models. The renewable energy industry opened my eyes to the opportunities in environmentally responsible business and focused my goal to become a conscientious and effective leader. The MBA experience was the clear pathway to transforming my career options and leadership ability. When I saw UvA’s announcement of the CSR focus, everything just clicked.
 
The Amsterdam MBA has allowed me to fulfil my personal dreams and professional aspirations. My mother emigrated from the Netherlands as a child and infused my family life with Dutch food, language and family. To become part of this remarkable country allows me to feel close to my own history. As a forerunner in renewable energy development and intelligent social policy, the Netherlands also fits my long-term interests and career goals. The focused intellectual development with academics of top calibre at the UvA makes the Amsterdam MBA the ideal programme for professional training in effective and responsible leadership.
 
The international flavour of the programme brings a richness to the programme as we form community across every socio-political factor possible. I am surrounded by a motivated, intelligent, and remarkably well-rounded group of individuals. The professors are engaging and the coursework is intense. I am particularly impressed by the Amsterdam Leadership Programme. The UVA has shown a serious dedication to developing a new and innovative set of leaders to meet the challenges of doing business in the coming decades. Though I remain interested in pursuing a position with an energy company at an international level, I am focused on career options that maximize my leadership abilities.