Who we are
At ProActief UvA, we believe that every career deserves purpose, perspective, and a clear direction. Since 1996, we’ve been supporting staff from the University of Amsterdam and other academic institutions in shaping their professional path—within or beyond academia.
We offer coaching, training, and workshops in career development, internal mobility, outplacement, and reintegration. Every year, we actively support many professionals in finding new roles—both inside and outside the university. Backed by years of experience and a deep understanding of academic culture, we are a trusted partner in every phase of your career.
Our vision: Sustainable careers with direction and perspective
We envision a university environment where career development is not a luxury, but a natural part of working life. A place where people are encouraged to reflect, grow, and take initiative.
Proactive behaviour is the foundation of healthy, sustainable careers—within the organisation and beyond. Our goal is to ensure that every academic professional has the tools, space, and guidance to pursue their ambitions and contribute meaningfully, both inside and outside the academic world.
What we offer
We believe professional development doesn’t happen in isolation. Growth is always connected to context—your role, your team, your institution. That’s why we link individual ambition to organisational opportunity.
Our symbol, the lemniscate (∞), reflects this ongoing interaction: a continuous exchange between personal insight and professional movement.
Together, we build careers that are sustainable, flexible, and focused—within and beyond academia.
We understand the journey
Whether you're rethinking your direction or preparing for your next step, we’re here to support you. Our team of coaches and career advisors brings experience, empathy, and a sharp eye for what’s possible.
We know the job market, we understand the academic system, and above all—we listen. That’s what makes us a strong, thoughtful sparring partner for anyone ready to move forward.
Our coaches and trainers—both in-house and freelance—are true professionals. We'd be happy to introduce them to you.
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DirectorRuerdje van Mierlo"Innovation and quality are my drivers. Regarding career development, I say: self-direction is indispensable"
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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‘I help you translate opportunities into concrete solutions, by listening sharply, asking focused questions and thinking along from an innovative perspective.’
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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).
