Who we are
ProActief UvA is a career agency affiliated with the University of Amsterdam. Since 1996, we have been guiding and empowering employees of the UvA and organizations affiliated with the university world. We have a long track record. We are experienced and committed. We offer career coaching, workshops, and training in the areas of career questions, career development, outplacement, and reintegration.
Our vision: Sustainable careers with direction and perspective
We collaborate with the university and our other clients to create an academic environment where career development is a natural and integrated part of professional life. Proactive behavior is the foundation for healthy mobility, both internally and externally.
Our goal is that everyone in academia has access to the right resources and guidance to achieve their ambitions and make a valuable contribution both within and outside the academy.
What we offer
We work from the understanding that professional growth is never separate from context. That is why we always seek to connect individual development with the opportunities within the organization. The lemniscate symbolizes this continuous interaction.
This is how we build sustainable careers together, both within and outside the academy.
We understand our profession
Our team of coaches and career advisors is available to all employees who want to reflect on their career. We bring years of experience to the table, know the job market, and understand the dynamics of the academic world. This combination makes us a committed and expert sparring partner for anyone who wants to explore the next step in their career or development.
The career coaches and trainers at ProActief (permanent and flexible) are professionals. We would like to introduce them to you:
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DirectorRuerdje van Mierlo‘Innovation and quality are what drive me. When it comes to career development, I believe that personal control is essential.’
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Career coach and trainerSieta Keizer‘I focus on ownership, self-knowledge, and proactivity—supported by creativity, humor, an open mind, and the ability to see through patterns and deeper layers.‘
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Career coach and trainerLeon Bos‘The best thing about career coaching is the moment when candidates discover what they already have to offer—and gain a clear view of their next step.‘
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Career coach and trainer (flex)Jacqueline Smits‘My approach is pragmatic, positive, stimulating, and results-oriented. I help you enjoy the process of finding a suitable new job or achieving a healthy work-life balance.‘
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Career coach and trainerChannah van Dootingh‘I combine genuine commitment with quick analysis and creative solutions. My approach is practical and action-oriented.’
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Career coach and trainerMarjolein Niehe‘I always see talent and potential in you. With practical tools and a touch of humour to keep things light, I help you take the next steps with confidence, even when it comes to management and leadership.‘
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Career coach and trainerSimone Schulp‘What's holding you back? I'll free you up and get you moving toward new work, toward yourself, and toward what you want to do in life and from your heart.’
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Career coach and trainerJosta Vencken‘By listening carefully and using my creative perspective, I help people see new possibilities and turn them into reality.’
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Business operations and financeBianca KlupperOur rock when it comes to planning, organization, and finances. Knows almost everything and comes up with practical and effective solutions.
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Office managerIlse VlassakExperienced office manager who likes to roll up her sleeves. Friendly, to-the-point, and results-oriented, she assists our candidates and clients.
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Trainer and career coach (flex)Rob Smits‘Not just talking, but above all practicing and pushing boundaries. For a mix of Amsterdam guts and Zaandam pragmatism, I'm the person to turn to.’
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Career coach and trainer (flex)Mervyn Nankoe‘I create a safe space where you learn to trust yourself and let your authentic colors shine.’
Our partners
Since 1996 ProActief UvA has provided career guidance and coaching, mainly for organizations within higher education, including all faculties of the University of Amsterdam. ProActief UvA also works for:
Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA), Amsterdam UMC (AMC and VUmc locations), Vrije Universiteit (VU), Center for Mathematics and Computer Science (CWI), FOM Institute AMOLF, Amsterdam University Press (AUP), Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Nikhef, Vrije Universiteit (VU), Amsterdam University College (AUC), and Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL).
