Karen is an IDA traineeship supervisor
How did your journey in teaching begin, and what keeps you passionate about it today?
I started as a junior teacher while I was finishing my master degree teaching courses like academic writing. I still very much enjoy teaching these types of courses where the focus is mostly on developing skills, where I mostly have a coaching role. It makes me really happy when I see students are improving in that skill.
What inspired you to pursue a career in research, and what continues to drive your curiosity?
I have always been a very curious person, but when I studied here at Tilburg University in my premaster and master I discovered I was good at research and I enjoyed it a lot. I like that there are so many different ways to study the same phenomenon that each give a different piece of the puzzle.
When you study people and human behavior, what aspects fascinate you the most?
I am fascinated why some people flourish at work during specific moment in their life (e.g. aging or during major life events) whereas other people struggle during that same moment. I am mostly interested in how organizations can support people so more people will flourish.
What do you find most rewarding about being in the classroom with students?
I find it most rewarding when I see students becoming more open during courses and improving their skills over time.
Looking ahead, what topics or trends in your field are you most excited to explore with students?
I am really interested in how and why major life events turn into career shocks (events that trigger career decision-making).
In your view, what makes IDA students stand out from others you’ve taught or worked with?
They are very open to new methodologies and are challenging themselves a lot.
Can you share a collaborative project with an IDA student that was especially meaningful or exciting to you?
One IDA student wrote her thesis under my co-supervision and this thesis was so good that it is now being transformed into an article that we plan to submit to a journal.
What advice would you give future IDA students who want to make the most of the program?
Use your traineeships and theses projects to try out as many different supervisors, departments, methodologies and topics as possible so you can figure out what works best for you.
What topics are you currently exploring in your work, and what new areas would you love to dive into in the future?
I am mainly focusing on the role of Human Resource Practices play in the relationship between major private life events and career outcomes, but I am also working on projects related to how technology in the healthcare sector influences successful aging at work of nurses. In the future I would like to focus mostly on specific life events such as the transition to parenthood and menopause and their influence on career outcomes.
Outside of academia, what do you enjoy doing to recharge or spark creativity?
Cooking, board games and sports (e.g. swimming, yoga)
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