What is it like to be part of the world’s largest youth-run organisation? To develop yourself in a group of people that inspire you to reach for the stars while being there to catch you in case you fall? In the series “Develop your leadership skills with aiesec.”, we interviewed different members of AIESEC The Netherlands. We talk about their experiences and learnings of being an AIESECer. In this third interview, we talked to Emma de Jager, 22, about her experience as External Relations Manager (ER Manager) in AIESEC Rotterdam.
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What was the highlight of your AIESEC experience?
My first national conference! I was new to the organisation and did not really know what to expect, but I loved the atmosphere and the people I met. The conference was a really inspiring start to my AIESEC journey.
What did you learn about yourself through your AIESEC experience?
I learned a lot about my strengths and weaknesses. Also about how I can use them in my work and daily live. I also learned that I really want to make a lasting impact in the world and that I find the SDG’s really important.
Were there any challenges you had to overcome during your AIESEC experience? How did you manage this?
Being stress-resistant. Through my personal development plan, I learned how to be more efficient with my time and planning. This resulted in being less stressed in busy times!
What key learning are you taking away from your AIESEC experience as ER manager?
My main take away from my experience with AIESEC is that you can do more than you think you can and that youth leadership is important for making a positive impact and unlocking a better future for the world.
If you could give one piece of advice to (potential) future AIESECers, what would it be?
The more you give to AIESEC, the more AIESEC gives to you. AIESEC gives you so many opportunities to develop yourself and to make an impact, and it is really in your own hands to do something with it.
This post was written by AIESEC in the Netherlands. We offer international voluntary projects and professional internships with the aim of developing leadership in youth.
