Miss Higher Education & Business development — Charlotte Hoekstra
What is TSH without its students?
Absolutely nothing.
And no matter how stand-alone and digital the current generation of students is, partnerships and connections to universities and schools will always play an important part in our company focus, ambition and business.
And that’s where Charlotte comes in.
Charlotte decided to join TSH after building out her partnership and projects experience at the University of Groningen and a couple of NGO’s.
It must have been quite a transition towards working in a fast-paced international and commercial brand like TSH, so we’re very curious to hear about her experiences..
Q: Why did you decide to join TSH? And was it a good call?
I decided to join TSH 4 years ago because of the European scope of TSH operations and the organisation’s boldness in communicating its ambitions.
As a policy advisor international relations at an top 100 university at that time, I saw so many opportunities for collaborations with players in the field of international education and the value TSH’s European network could bring to these institutions.
I joined The Student Hotel’s commercial team as higher education expert, in the role of Business Development Manager.
I cannot explain how much I have grown and learnt and how proud I am of my accomplishments in bringing the world of higher education and TSH closer together.
Q: What surprised you about working at TSH?
The quickly changing environment, the intrinsic motivation of many of the colleagues, and the energy we were able to create by working together towards a shared goal and vision.
Q: What’s TOTALLY AWESOME about working at TSH?
The creativity, relaxed interpersonal relationships across functions, and flexibility in working from home or any location as HQ staff (even before lockdown 😉)
Q: Being ‘forever unfished’, where do you think your career will lead you?
My dream is to combine my love for higher education and my passion for inclusion & diversity and with my transferable commercial skills in a non-aid environment in Sub-Saharan Africa in the future.
TSH Accra, Dakar or Arusha anyone?
Almost reaching the status of ‘Dinosaur’ (5 years in the company) Charlotte is on her way to become the Queen of Higher Education. We can not thank her enough for not only her dedication and professional attitude — but also her commitment and help to all TSH team members.
