An ESN Executive Board year offers various opportunities for personal and skill development, travel and unique experiences that are incredibly valuable for your career after your studies and make your CV stand out, whether you are a Dutch or an international student.
First of all, you gain hands-on, practical experience in running one of the largest student organisations in the city and the biggest ESN section in Europe. As a board member, you work on real projects with real responsibility, providing the perfect basis for developing skills such as leadership, project and event management, communication and teamwork. Depending on your position, you have the opportunity to develop your own portfolio, work with professional software such as Adobe Illustrator and our graphic designer (PR coordinator), set up contracts, negotiate deals and manage communication with our partners such as ABN Amro, New York Pizza and many more (External Relations coordinator) or manage the budget and financial decisions of the organisation, gaining experience in accounting and financial administration (Treasurer). The experience you gain in each position is highly valued by employers, especially in the Netherlands, where a board year is widely recognised as a strong addition to your profile. You can read more about the specific positions here!
One of the highlights of an ESN board year is the opportunity to travel across Europe. Through ESN’s national and international network, you can attend conferences, meetings, and training events in different European cities, where you exchange knowledge, gain new insights, and connect with students from all over the continent. This truly sets the ESN board experience apart from other board years. These experiences broaden your perspective and strengthen both your professional and personal network.
Throughout the year, you work in an international environment within the organisation itself and as part of the wider ESN network. This helps you build an international network and improves your intercultural competencies and confidence, while learning how to collaborate with people from different backgrounds. At the same time, ESN Groningen places you right at the heart of Dutch student culture. You actively engage with local Dutch student associations, institutions, and partners, giving you the opportunity to build a strong Dutch network within the Netherlands.
Beyond professional skills, you also grow a lot on a personal level. A board year pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you discover your strengths, interests, and working style.
In addition, ESN offers access to a wide range of workshops and training sessions focused on leadership, communication, diversity, and personal development. Your commitment is supported by a financial grant from the university and in most cases a tuition free year, allowing you to fully focus on your board year.
All in all, an ESN Executive Board year is an investment in your future, your network, and yourself. It’s challenging, rewarding, and full of opportunities that will stay with you long after your studies.