I planned to write something positive this time. No easy task, as I was on the verge of unloading some criticism of the Lebo-cafeteria (and all that because of a simple fork, but I may still do so at a later time). Today, however, WUR Career Day deserves some positivity!
The last Career Day was ill-received: too one-sided, too many food and biotech businesses and insufficient focus on lebo-studies. To my surprise, I was contacted by someone from WUR Career Services after my column on the subject was published. I was invited to ‘contribute ideas on the type of organisations and businesses you would like to see on a day like this’. Although it has not yet led to a follow-up meeting, it illustrates that the organisation is working on making the event more diverse.
To my surprise, I was contacted by someone from WUR Career Services after my column on the subject was published, inviting me to contribute ideas
The fee for NGOs and start-ups has been slashed in half, various government services and organisations have found their way to WUR, and discussions were held on increased collaboration with the UN, for example. Looking at the list of contributors now, I see a steep increase in organisations that are not part of so-called “big business”. Still, there are many businesses that could be considered “corporate evil”.
‘So much for your positive perspective’, I can hear you think. Alright, let me say something positive about multinationals this time. They create jobs, economic activities, and innovations and supply the supermarkets. They also generate a wealth of material for critical social scientists – you know the ones, capitalism this, neoliberalism that, exploitation the other- to study. And that, in turn, generates jobs for these scientists. And that is something I keep in mind should I ever decide to pursue an academic career. So, perhaps a bit more Bayer this time?
No, that may be taking it too far, also because a quick look at the line-up piques my interest. A small selection: Nature conservation, various businesses operating in the domain of agro-forestry and landscape restoration, and several regional and national government organisations. So, there is something interesting for everyone who was dissatisfied with the range of organisations last time. And you may even find a nice internship or job. Let’s hope so! Stay positive!
Resource-student editor Maurice Schoo (24) is a second-year master’s student of Development & Rural Innovation. He likes to cook, and he paints when he has the time.
