What does a career after MAK look like in practice? For Jeffrey, former MAK board member (2012–2013), his time at MAK ultimately led to an international career in finance. He currently works as Group Treasurer at L – founder of loyalty, a frontrunner organization in tactical loyalty campaigns for grocery retailers. In this interview, Jeffrey shares how he started at MAK, the choices he made along the way, and what MAK has meant for his carreer opportunities.
Who is Jeffrey today, and what does he do at the moment?
“My current job title is Group Treasurer at L - founders of loyalty. This means I am responsible for everything related to cash management, payment flows, and financial structures and risks within our international organization. I work closely with external parties as well as with other departments within the company. It is a financial role, but one that involves a lot of communication and add-hoc dynamics, something that suits me very well.”
How do you look back on your time at MAK?
“What has stayed with me most is the open attitude within MAK. People approached each other without judgment. I come from a small village in Zeeland, and I wasn’t used to that at all. That openness truly changed my way of approaching things. What I also find special is that the friendships have lasted: thirteen years later, we still go on weekend trips and skiing holidays together.”
What role did your board year play at the start of your career?
“I always describe my board year as the most important year of my studies. Not because of the courses I took or my CV, but because you really get to know yourself. You learn how to collaborate, delegate and take responsibility. You simply can’t do it alone, and that realization stays with you. Through MAK, my perspective broadened: I saw that the world is bigger than my own bubble. That helped me when I started working at international companies.”
Did you know early on which direction you wanted your career to take?
“Absolutely not. I am a generalist and a late decision-maker. I mainly knew what I didn’t want, and that in itself is very valuable. If you know that, you are already one step ahead. I have often made choices based on gut feeling, and that has proven to be a good guide for me. You don’t have to map out your entire career before you start. Eventually, I ended up in the loyalty sector, where I have now been working with great pleasure for ten years.”
What do MAK members bring with them into the labor market, in your view?
“For me, a key aspect is personal development. Continuing to learn, constantly questioning yourself, and always asking the ‘why’ question. The argument ‘this is how we’ve always done it’ was never enough at MAK. Challenging the status quo is something I still do every day in my work. And also: daring to say when you don’t understand something. That is not a weakness, but a strength; it enables you to learn quicker and get better at what you do. In addition, I believe MAK members simply bring a lot of experience with them. They can communicate, collaborate, and present themselves well. When I now see applicants who have done a board year or active committee work, it stands out immediately. The conversation is different right away. Not because it guarantees a job, but because you’ve experienced more. You start from a stronger position.”
Why would you recommend MAK or a board year?
“MAK is a very strong foundation for your further career. You develop yourself in ways you don’t learn in the lecture halls. You build a network, learn how to work together, and gain insight into what suits you. That helps you end up in a position that gives you energy: and that may well be the greatest career opportunity MAK offers. And to end on a romantic note: sometimes it gives you more than you ever expected; in my case, I even met my wife through MAK.”
Do you want to make the most out of your student life and become active, or are you considering a board year? Don’t hesitate to send us a message on Instagram @MAKTilburg, and we’d love to tell you all about it over a coffee!