What was your dream job growing up, and what is your dream job now?

When I was young I always dreamed of becoming a TV presenter. I really wanted to host the evening news. And to be honest; this still seems like an amazing job (So NOS, if you're reading this, feel free to contact me!). But, in all honesty, at the moment I don't envision a particular dream job. I do have certain values that I find important and would like to see represented in my daily work.

For example, I find it important to make an impact with my work, even if it's just on a small scale. And the world around me keeps inspiring me, therefore I love going to new places and meeting new people. I also get energy from facilitating connections amongst people and from creating something new together. Preferably, I analyse situations, content and complex problems in order to find a fitting solution. And last but definitely not least, I love to have fun whilst working. We should all laugh a bit more during a day of work, don't you think? 

How did you get your first job?

During a surfing festival back in 2018 I was chatting to a friend’s friend about her job. Everything she told about the company, called Fronteer, seemed so appealing to me: a young and driven team that uses strategies and co-creation to make a positive impact. We kept in touch and half a year later she told me there was a job opening. I applied and got the job. I was over the moon! 

What is your current position, and what do you do?

I quit my job at Fronteer very recently to start my own business: MOKSY Impact. I loved my job, but I started to feel very comfortable at it. For me that was a sign to move on. I feel that I want to keep challenging myself and create new adventures. With MOKSY Impact I am completely in charge, which is incredibly frightening, but extremely rewarding, since it gives me the autonomy to choose my own projects.

I give strategic advice to organisations that are working on specific positive impact projects. For example, I am currently working for a foundation that develops community gardens in less affluent areas in Amsterdam for women to garden. I am also working on a secret project for MOKSY Impact, but that’s still under construction… 

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

When you’re an entrepreneur you are immediately confronted with your own imperfections. My biggest insecurity is that I do not work hard enough for my own business. When you’re in a fulltime job you can close your laptop at the end of the day and stop thinking about it. As an entrepreneur it’s very tempting to never stop working: there is always something you can do and there are always new opportunities around the corner. 

What do you like most about your job?

I feel empowered and alive. Empowered because I am fully in charge of my work week. Alive because I know that everything that I will achieve is because of my own drive. 

How do you apply the knowledge and skills you gained during your studies to your job?

My studies were a special time for me. You are allowed to try out different things, absorb knowledge from very smart people, mess around, and meet a lot of people. It’s a time of developing your personality and everyday learning. I loved it. Collaborating with different kinds of people, planning, analysing, researching, forming arguments and writing are things that come to my mind. 

What did you take away from your various study association board positions and student jobs?

Pfff, I’ve participated on many committees and had plenty of different student jobs. These allowed me to meet a lot of people and to find out what my strengths and weaknesses are. You simply get to know yourself better by trying a lot of different things. Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. 

What career advice would you give students and fellow alumni?

I think I just gave my career advice : ) However, some other advice that I would love to share with everyone: don’t take life too seriously, you don’t know what will happen tomorrow or next year. We’re very privileged growing up in Europe: we can go anywhere. Therefore, the world is your playground. Make use of it (in a sustainable way)! 

We thank Tessa for her enthusiastic answers, and wish her well for her new business!

Questions?

If you want to ask Tessa any questions, feel free to reach out to her on LinkedIn.

We hope this month’s alumna was an inspiration. What kind of Economics and Business career would you like to know more about? Let us know and we will try to arrange an interview with alumni who have experience in that field for a future instalment of Alumni in the Spotlight!