Veerle van Dijk Event Manager
Veerle van Dijk works as an event manager at New Energy Coalition and is active within both the New Energy Business School and the New Energy Academy. In her role, she ensures that learning activities, excursions, and events run smoothly. In doing so, she plays an important role in bringing together students, professionals, and organizations within the energy transition. Through this, she contributes to sharing knowledge and strengthening connections within the sector.
How are you New Energy Coalition ended up?
“I have a background in HR, but I noticed that I got more energy from organizing events. Alongside my work, I volunteered to organize activities for trainees through Noorderlink. In that role, I also organized a company visit to New Energy Coalition. There I discovered what the organization does, and it immediately appealed to me. When I later saw a vacancy, I applied.”
What exactly does your job entail?
“As an event manager, I ensure that programs run smoothly, from preparation to execution. At the Business School, I organize programs for professionals. This ranges from one-day courses to multi-day programs, sometimes even abroad. I arrange everything surrounding them: speakers, venues, hotels, and catering. For multi-day courses, I also organize a so-called social event, such as a walking dinner through the city center of Utrecht or a dinner cruise in Paris. It is a unique experience, and it allows fellow participants to get to know each other in an informal way.”
“Within the Academy, I focus on students. I organize excursions, company visits, and study trips, for example to Brussels and Paris. In doing so, I take care of itineraries, communication, and all practical matters to ensure everything runs smoothly. Essentially, I make sure everything is right behind the scenes so that participants can focus fully on the content.”
What makes your work important within the energy transition?
At the Business School, we help professionals expand their knowledge. This is important because the energy transition is constantly evolving. At the Academy, we connect students with the professional field. Many students do not yet know what is possible within this sector. Through excursions and events, they discover this, and we ensure that knowledge is shared. If people do not stay up to date with developments, progress stagnates.
What do you like most about your work?
“What I like most is that you are the connecting factor. You bring together people who might otherwise not meet. During programs, you see participants get to know each other and later work together. That is truly rewarding. Additionally, the energy transition is a very broad theme. This means you work with many different topics and perspectives, which makes the work varied and interesting.”
How do you know that you are contributing to the energy transition?
You notice it when people come together and share knowledge. For example, during events or excursions where students and professionals meet. You also see it reflected when students better understand what is going on and what opportunities exist. That is when you know you are making an impact.
How do you experience New Energy Coalition as a workplace?
A tremendous amount is happening within the organization. There are many projects, especially in Noord-Nederland but also beyond that. The variety in my work and the opportunities you get, such as organizing programs abroad. That is quite special, and I am proud of it. In addition, I work with very nice colleagues. Everyone is approachable, and it really feels like teamwork. That makes it a pleasant working environment. Soon I will also be participating in the Energiefietstocht. Together with colleagues, we are going to cycle a stretch; it is incredibly fun and enjoyable. We also regularly participate in sporting activities.”
Why is the energy transition important to you?
It is one of the greatest societal challenges of our time. It concerns our future. It requires collaboration between companies, governments, and knowledge institutions. And I contribute to that with my work.
