For the first ‘Look who’s talking’ of the new academic year we are talking to Andreea Voicu from Romania, a recently graduated Master student of Embedded Systems. During her Master studies Andreea was an active member of BEST, Board of European Students of Technology. “The good thing with BEST is that we combine work and pleasure. ‘Work hard, party harder’ is our motto.”

BEST organizes courses, lectures and exchange programs throughout Europe and acts like a bridge between universities, their students and the industry in Europe. BEST has 86 associations in 30 different countries. “It is a large network of universities and companies that comes in useful during your studies, and also when you are looking for a job. For instance, you may know about companies as a result of a course, and they know BEST”, says Andreea.

Andreea thinks that one of the good things in BEST is that local and inter-national students get to know each other easily: “Within the association I got to know Dutch students quickly. Everybody speaks English and is very open-minded. Apart from friendships in Eindhoven it has also gained me friendships with members of associations from other countries.”

Besides, she finds the combination of work and pleasure very enjoyable. “Via BEST I have followed courses in soft skills (personal and social skills), leadership and time management. During these courses you are learning in the daytime and at night it is always party time.

BEST also organizes courses on technological subjects that non-members can attend. “It is often difficult to be admitted to these courses. We receive loads of applications and unfortunately we cannot grant all of them. It is definitely worth a try though!” (HB)

Check out www.besteindhoven.nl or www.best.eu.org
Join in? Send an e-mail to eindhoven@best.eu.org

BEST Eindhoven. Andreea is located at the top in the photo.