Settling into the vibrant, chaotic, yet endearing rhythm of the city, Nadja has embraced this new chapter of her life—working at an international company while pursuing a master’s degree in communications. She also spoke about her early days in ESN; the importance of making connections and having fun while learning; and the thrill of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. Keep reading to find out more!
POINT 0 OF HER JOURNEY: JOINING ESN
‘It was 16th October 2015, when I had my interview. I remember that very clearly!’ That was the day of her ESN interview, a moment that would change her path. But even before becoming an official member, she had already dipped her toes in the world of Erasmus, helping her best friend organise local events for international students. One month before joining, she volunteered at an ESN event, an experience that ignited her passion for being part of an international community. It was a stepping stone into a world that would not only shape her personal growth but also define her professional trajectory.
THE LONG RUN: BECOMING A COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Nadja’s natural curiosity and drive led her to join ESN’s communications team. ‘I found myself in that world, and ESN gave me a lot of opportunities to learn things and to kind of develop through that, I had found my calling,’ she explained. With a growing interest in communication strategies, she quickly rose through the ranks, from local Communication Manager to being part of the National Communications Department.
During the pandemic, Nadja seized the opportunity to intern at the ESN Headquarters in Brussels, where she juggled her responsibilities as a Communications and Media Intern while also managing the Communications Community, and eventually writing articles for the Press Team. Despite the challenges of the lockdown, Nadja didn’t let it hold her back, making the most of her time by building strong relationships with her colleagues and friends.
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: ESN & PROFESSIONAL LIFE
When Nadja transitioned into the professional world, she quickly noticed the increased pressure of responsibility and acknowledged the challenges of adapting to a fast-paced corporate environment. However, her time in ESN had prepared her well. ‘With ESN, I learned how to communicate about this in the sense of, “All right, we are all working towards the same goal!” ’. This skill proved invaluable in her new role, helping her lead teams and ease the burden of responsibility by fostering open dialogue.
Nadja also shared how the practical skills she picked up during her ESN days had translated seamlessly into her job. ‘It's these small things that you don't necessarily notice that you're doing when you're learning. In a sense, I know how to create design briefs, because I had to create design briefs in ESN. And now it's easier for me to work with our designer because I understand what kind of information he needs.’
Reflecting on her volunteering experience, Nadja emphasised the importance of finding joy in what you do and also added that volunteering gives you purpose and satisfaction beyond just work. ‘It's not just work because it gives you a bit more of a pleasure in the sense that you're achieving something, that you're making a difference and you can really see the difference that you're making in the world, which is a special kind of reward in itself’. However, she also advises future volunteers to avoid taking on too much at once—a lesson she learned after wearing many hats within the organisation. Her view of ESN is simple: everyone should have fun while volunteering.
HER INTERNSHIP AT THE ESN HEADQUARTERS
During her internship at ESN’s Headquarters, Nadja experienced firsthand what it’s like to work in an environment where learning is encouraged. ‘It is very much of an environment where you can say, “I would like to learn this”, and you will be allowed to learn it if it's possible’. From mastering tools like InDesign to managing complex projects, Nadja found the internship to be an incredibly rewarding experience. She highlighted the importance of trust in her development, expressing gratitude for the responsibilities she was entrusted with and how they helped her grow.
THE WORLD THROUGH A NEW LENS
As someone who has lived and worked in international environments, Nadja believes that the true beauty of ESN lies in its ability to foster intercultural dialogue. ‘This is something that I think is the greatest advantage ESN offers’. She joked about how she never imagined that her time hanging out with Erasmus students would later help her bridge cultural gaps in the workplace: ‘You don't necessarily think “Oh! but this is actually going to help me one day bridge certain gaps in my office!” ’
Nadja’s international experience has not only broadened her worldview but also enriched her personal life. She remains in close contact with the friends she made through ESN, especially those from her local section. ‘If there was anything that I could teach younger people, if there was anything that I could still contribute to, I would gladly do it’.
A FINAL WORD OF ADVICE
As our conversation came to an end, Nadja offered some heartfelt advice to the next generation of volunteers:
Nadja’s story is a testament to the transformative power of volunteering. From her first steps with ESN to her professional journey in Brussels, she has embraced every opportunity to learn, grow and connect with others. And for her, the adventure is just beginning.
