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.
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).