Newly Launched 'Made in Apeldoorn': Connecting Businesses and Wittenborg Students

14.10.2023

The Second Edition of 'Made in Apeldoorn' Unveiled: A Showcase of Local Businesses

Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences features prominently in the second edition of the book 'Made in Apeldoorn'.

With this edition, readers can discover over two hundred businesses from Apeldoorn, ranging from small enterprises to large corporations, from startups to multinational entities.

The newly launched edition of 'Made in Apeldoorn' came to fruition through the collaborative efforts of the Business Circle Apeldoorn (Bedrijvenkring Apeldoorn - BKA) and the municipality of Apeldoorn.

To mark the release of the second edition, the BKA hosted a special event, where its Chairman, Priscilla Trip, presented the book to Alderman Marco Wenzkowski on 27 September at Krommenhoek in Stadhoudersmolenweg.

Mayor of Apeldoorn Ton Heerts contributed a foreword highlighting Apeldoorn's diverse array of entrepreneurs. He said: "There is close cooperation between the business community, educational institutions and government when it comes to technical innovation, safety and local opportunities."

Mayor Heerts further expressed his hope that this book would serve as a conduit for connecting companies, fostering cooperation and sharing knowledge, especially in the realm of international trade.

Making connections

The event provided a valuable platform for participants to network and gain insights. Notably, Wittenborg students were active participants, expressing their enthusiasm to be considered for future internship opportunities with companies featured in 'Made in Apeldoorn'.

Kalu Agwu Kalu, who is pursuing an MBM (Master of Business Management) with a specialisation in Logistics & Trade at Wittenborg, shared his perspective. He finds Apeldoorn, though considered small, to be a hub of businesses and entrepreneurs contributing significantly to the Netherlands' economy.

In this case, the presence of international students, as highlighted by Sadaf Bafandeh, pursuing an MBM with a specialisation in Human Resource Management, holds great importance. During the event, Bafandeh and other students engaged in discussions about their potential contributions to Apeldoorn's enterprises and the city's international profile. Notably, industry leaders gave students a crucial piece of advice: 'Learn to speak Dutch'. Bafandeh says that this guidance is expected to shape the career paths of students, classmates and alumni as they pursue opportunities in Apeldoorn.

Alexandra Kukhtina, currently pursuing her Phase 2 IBA (International Business Administration) degree with a specialisation in Economics and Management, further noted an emerging trend: Companies are increasingly focusing on recruiting international employees and expanding their global customer base. "Wittenborg is a key component in bringing people of different cultures together to make Apeldoorn more international," she explained.

Payam Gharahasanlo, who is finishing his MBA (Master of Business Administration) in Sports Business Management, said that 'Made in Apeldoorn' simply provides Wittenborg and businesses in Apeldoorn with opportunities. Wittenborg's Human Resources Manager, Maike Nuyken, reiterated that such initiatives underscore Wittenborg's commitment to regional impact and its potential contributions to local businesses and the community:

"Such events highlight our students' talent and employability. Many local companies engage in international business and might have opportunities for internships or employment for our students. Even small companies with only a few employees can provide great learning opportunities for students during internships."

Wittenborg's regional impact

Maggie Feng, CEO of Wittenborg calls 'Made in Apeldoorn' a "contact point" for Wittenborg's international graduates and alumni.

"Enhancing the visibility of these businesses and their awareness of our talented student body serves as a crucial step in bringing together valuable connections," she explained. "This connectivity, we believe, will not only benefit our students but also contribute significantly to the regional economy."

According to Feng, the aim is to foster a more inclusive and international approach to business strategies in the region.

"Despite the Netherlands' modest size, its involvement in import and export is virtually inevitable. As globalisation and technological advancements continue to reshape the business landscape, we anticipate that businesses will become even more international in the future. Our international talent pool plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the regional business landscape and sustaining prosperity in the region," Feng continued.