Over mij - Academic Career Coach

I’m always busy gathering knowledge, reading. This is because I believe that knowledge directly relates to freedom. Wanting to do things but not knowing how to achieve them or why you aren’t achieving them is a universal theme. Anyone who thinks about themselves, the world, and the systems and structures at play in the world can make more autonomous steps and grow both personally and professionally.

Tjitske Dijkstra

Core values

Clarity

I want to untangle that which becomes complex. This can be done by dissection or by returning to the basics: Why did you want this? You take the biggest leaps when you can take a step back.

Curiosity

I’m curious about the logic and mechanisms of the world, and I want to know about the motives that inform people’s choices: what motivates someone? I’m always observing, listening, reading, and learning.

Reflection

We often look forward and try to find the solution in the wrong places. By pausing and openly looking (back) at what you are doing, and why you are doing it, you can make more informed decisions.

Others about me

"Tjitskes great experience and positive vibe was apparent in the many discussions we had and plans we made for PhD empowerment. These covered dimensions and levels ranging from individual guidance and supervision training of facilitators to institutional strengthening. Tjitske added crucial value on all of these aspects and helped us big time towards an empowered IHE PhD programme."

Mick van der Wegen, MSc., PhD.

"Because I was rather young (20), and not yet participating in a busting academic/career life, I wasn't sure if going to a career coach was a useful choice. Nevertheless, I decided to go, and I do NOT regret going. Together we discussed my academic-, work-, and personal life and created a vision of how I wanted to continue in the future. Tjitske knew exactly the questions to ask to get what I desired in my academic/career life written down. I left the session feeling inspired, full of motivation, and with a more clearer goal for my future. Will definitely come again."

Rick Valk

"While many of our coaches offer business advice, Tjitske is helping with the team dynamics and collaboration. How to stay focused while learning from all the diverse feedback, how to deal with the emotions in a highly competitive and intense event, and how to communicate your business proposition in a concise and effective way? Tjitske’s expertise ensures that teams can navigate the complexities of startup life with confidence and clarity."

Dr. Olga Belousova

Get in Touch

Do you have any questions about my coaching or what I can offer you specifically? Then it’s best to give me a call and we’ll see right away if we get along.

The coaching sessions take place at my kitchen table, online or while walking in nature.

Inspiration

Afgestudeerd, en dan?

We bespreken alle keuzes, twijfels, vragen en verplichtingen waar je studie je niet altijd op heeft voorbereid.

Making your own Personal Development Plan (for PhDs)

This Personal Development Plan (PDP) setup is designed to help you reflect on your aims, create plans to achieve them, address challenges that arise along the way, and adapt to the ever-changing nature of the research field and workplace. As there is no single prescribed path to doctoral success, this plan might serve as your strategy for defining your own way forward. Let this PDP act as a learning strategy, providing structured opportunities for reflection and growth.

Practical tips for supervising undergraduate students

This article offers insights into supervision, enabling you to develop your own effective supervisory style while enjoying a structured and fulfilling mentoring experience. Providing tips to transition from experience to expertise and from emotional responses to reflective practice, this article guides you in learning to provide supervision with an eye for the one you are supervising.