1. Who are you?
My name is Anna Paques, and I am currently working at the UMCG as a project manager in the field of accessible digital healthcare.
2. What did you study and when were you active at TeMa?
I studied the bachelor Technology Management and finished with the Master Technology and Operations Management, where I graduated in 2013. I was active at the start of TeMa. Together with Jelena we missed an association that focused specifically on our study. We wanted to organize activities for our specific study, study related activities like company visits but also social gatherings with fellow students. We talked with a lot of people and finally set up this great association that as grown towards a spectacular association of the years. Together with our other board members we had a truly fantastic first year!
3. What was your favourite memory from your time at TeMa?
The first year had several interesting moments. The moment we really were a standalone association and the bigger FEB had to take us seriously. Felt great! But also our first Christmas drink at the Tram where many more students joint us as we actually thought was a fantastic event!
4. How did TeMa contribute to your personal or professional development?
I think I learned a lot in the beginning of TeMa. It was not always easy, we did not had any money, but we were perseverance. We were sure of this idea, and gathered the right people around us that could help us with setting up an association. We started small and were also satisfied with our first activities were sometimes only 10 students came. We carried through, a competence which is helpful in your entire life.
5. How did your TeMa experience help shape the start of your career?
In every job interview I had they were interested in what I did at TeMa, especially in the first years after graduation. Doing something useful during your studies is really helpful in getting a first job.
6. What are you currently working on?
A year ago I made a career step. I worked for almost 9 years at Avebe, were I have had a lot of jobs and really grew in my career. The last years I worked here as a manager in a 24/7 production environment. However I got my third child and also wanted to be more available at home. I wanted to have more time to be active at the school of the kids, during sports etc. Therefore I made a career step also in a completely different area. I am now working as a project manager in the university Hospital of Groningen and working on accessible digital healthcare. A topic which is extremely important. Healthcare becomes more and more digital, but a lot of people can’t keep up with these changes. We are doing research and execute projects to make the digital healthcare more accessible.
7. What has been your favourite or most valuable work experience in your career?
Probably the start as a manager, where I needed to lead a team of 14FTE. I started as a manager after the birth of my second child, it were the first months of corona, it was an unsure time. Being a manager was new. But I really learned a lot and really grew in this time period.
8. What advice would you give to current TeMa students?
Try do to what suits you most. If not sure, try to do different things and learn along. Don't let what those around you think suits you dictate your choices. If you want an important and challenging job, go for it. Less challenging, that's fine too. Is a smaller company a better fit for you than a large multinational? Great. Try to figure out what suits you. And don't be surprised if this changes throughout your career.
9. What does TeMa mean to you now as an alumnus?
In terms of TeMa, even as an alumni, I'm starting to get a little old and my focus is currently on other great things. Being a student and being active within TeMa is already a long time ago. And yet, every time TeMa comes up, a certain pride wells up. Happy and satisfied that the association has developed in the way it has done, that it has so much to offer to so many students. Still heave great memories of my own active TeMa time!
