Michiel Bresser has been working at ITC since January 2018 as coordinator of the Bureau for Education and Research Affairs Office (BOOZ for short).
What can someone in your position do to promote talent development?
"First of all, I think it's essential that the right people are in the right place, doing what they like to do. Doing what you like usually means doing what you're good at, right? In my position I see myself as a cog in the process of getting people in the right place and helping them to develop so that they can achieve their goals. People really try to identify what they're good at and what they would like to do, and then take it from there. I try to help by engaging them in discussions, also about their favourite pastimes and other non-work related topics. These exchanges are the perfect groundwork for setting up trajectories that can lead people to where they want to go."
What about your own development?
"I'm continuously working on that. For instance, in December 2019 I started studying Public Management. I really enjoy working at ITC and the UT, but I don't intend to do what I am doing now for the rest of my career. That's why I think I should arm myself with more knowledge and a broader view of things. My ambitions lie in the areas of project management or strategic business development. Going in those directions requires preparation, which is not only a matter of practical experience but also of theoretical background. My studying is mainly aimed at developing that background."
What do you like about working at ITC?
"What I like most is how we have distinct social goals. We educate people and provide them with knowledge that they can take home and apply there. Mind you, elsewhere at the UT people are also working on extremely cool projects to help society. What I also like is how the UT is currently paying a lot of attention to wellbeing. As a result, people don't have to constantly be absorbed by what isn't going well – that's taken care of – but instead can focus on things they want to get better at."
At ITC you're known as a forerunner in team development. What do you do in that area?
"Our department has joined forces with the Finance department. The idea is that we want to prepare both teams for things they may encounter in the future. For example, in upcoming years new requirements might be put in place as to the way we support education. We might decide to offer other types of courses, or work even more closely with the UT. By placing everyone in our teams on some kind of development path and discovering what they do best, we hope to make people better equipped to deal with changes – or, failing that, find them a position where there are less changes but with enough freedom to do what they do best."
A busy job, studies and a family with two young children. Ever feel like you're running out of time?
"Well, to be honest, I like the hustle and bustle and enjoy almost everything I do. For instance, my studies put me in contact with people I would never meet otherwise. It involves working together and helping each other out when necessary, which can be energizing and time-consuming at the same time. Luckily, I generally manage to keep things balanced. What helps is my ability to let things go. Even after a busy day at work I can put it all behind me and really focus on my family or studies. Maybe that could be considered a talent as well..."