We would like to introduce our colleagues to you. In this interview you will get to know Maud, Project Manager in Amsterdam.
Who are you and where are you from?
My name is Maud and I grew up in Breukelen, the nicest village in the Netherlands. I had a great childhood here and I still enjoy my hometown. I grew up here with my sister and my mother. I studied communication in Amsterdam and actually expected more from my student time, this is because I was at home for almost 2 years due to corona. To make up for this time, I would like to live in Amsterdam. A house in Amsterdam is just not 1, 2, 3.
What is your position at STROOM and how do you fill it?
I am Jr. Project Manager at STROOM. During the 2.5 months I have been working here, I have become much wiser in what this job is all about. After all, it is very diverse, fortunately, because I like that. As a PM, like almost everyone else, you also have your own set of clients. I have to make sure that the project or campaign runs smoothly and also try to make the team's work easier. The team doesn't have to worry about deadlines, hours and to do's, because I keep an eye on those. I also make sure everything is processed in Teamleader, including quotes and invoices. I also liaise with clients for materials. Anyone can come to me for questions for a specific project, because as a PM, you know everything about the project. I like my job because no two days are the same. I am also very happy that I ended up here, because I couldn't have wished for a more enjoyable first full-time job.
What energizes you in your work?
What I mentioned earlier, I really like the variety. This is also because of the different types of clients I have. For example, in one morning I'm working with Nintendo, BlueMovement and Dutch Filmworks, all with their own campaigns. Sometimes it takes some switching, but it keeps me on my toes! What I also find important is the atmosphere in the office. I have great colleagues, so the atmosphere here is definitely good! Sometimes the work can be a lot, but in a good way. That it's just nice and busy. At my job interview I was already warned that I have to be able to handle stress and prioritize. I have also encountered that here.
What do you get energy from in your free time?
I'm really a people person, so I don't care what I do as long as I have my loved ones around me. Grabbing terraces, having drinks, walking in the woods with my (half) sister and father, or just going totally crazy with friends. If I had to choose, I would always choose festivals over going out in a club. Every time I go out, it still disappoints. A festival never disappoints. If I have a day off, I also enjoy being really free. So I plop down on the couch and don't get off. This does not happen often (unfortunately), because I am a real doer. My weekends are therefore always full of fun things.
What is your favorite meal?
I love Asian cuisine. So my go to snack will always be noodles. My friends say I can make the best instant noodles, I'll do anything! But I don't say no to a delicious pasta either. With my boyfriend I always get our favorite ingredients or anything we feel like and we always whip up a delicious dish.
What is your favorite vacation or vacation country?
In answering these questions, I find that I never have one answer. Again, this varies a lot with me. I like a 5-day city trip, but so does a beach vacation. Ski vacations also remain the best memories. With girlfriends I thoroughly enjoy but alone with my boyfriend too. I could not choose my favorite vacation. As long as I can enjoy myself and eat well (very important).
Which sports do you prefer to watch and which sport do you play yourself?
I can answer this question succinctly, as I do not play sports.
What do you personally like the most, how much time do you spend on it and what are your favorite TV shows, radio stations, podcasts and social media?
I think I'm the only one in this, but my number one means of communication with friends is Snapchat. So I use this mainly to communicate. In addition, I can get lost for hours on TikTok. If I had to choose, I would go with Instagram. I like keeping up to date with what my friends are doing. On Insta, I also mostly watch cooking videos (especially of noodles) and then I get inspired again.
What is your favorite quote and why?
Very cliché: stick to yourself. When you stick to yourself, you are at your best. And don't let anyone tell you otherwise 🙂
What can people wake you up at night for?
I would prefer to just sleep on, but if someone needs me, that person can always call me awake.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I like the Christmas atmosphere so much, not even Christmas itself. But just candles, Christmas music, warm clothes and Christmas movies. So from me this can all come as early as November (maybe as early as the end of October). I don't even know if this is really a guilty pleasure.
What is the best thing about working at STROOM and what is the best thing about working in media?
I've only been working in media for a short time, so I can't say much about it yet. When I started working at STROOM , I wasn't aware that there are so many events. In the first month I was already invited to five events. You notice that this is also really a part of working in media, staying connected: also a part I really like (who doesn't 😉 ).
What is your favorite movie or series and why?
Yes then I get back to the Christmas spirit. But I watch The Holiday every year. It has become a kind of tradition. Also, I like all the Disney movies. I've also secretly become a bit of a fan of Marvel. I am more of a fan of series, though, mainly because I hate spending hours searching for a fun movie. If I may recommend a series, this always remains White Collar. You should look this one up, besides having a handsome protagonist, it is also a really well thought out series where something exciting happens every episode.