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By Kim Donaldson

Design researcher and network incubator Victor Evink ’10 sees his career not as a straight line, but as a web of ideas, disciplines, and experiences woven together. “It’s always been a challenge to introduce myself,” he says. “I’m still piecing together my professional identity."

At UCU, Victor majored in both science and social science, an unusual path that mirrored his deep curiosity about both the natural world and human culture. “My thinking is humanities, my interests are the natural sciences, and my heart is in the social sciences,” he explains. This interdisciplinary mindset has shaped everything he has done since.

From UCU to the Lab—and Beyond

Victor’s UCU journey started in 2006, and true to form, it took a little longer than the standard three years. “I’ve always had too many interests,” he says. He pursued a double major in both natural and social sciences, studying molecular life science, biochemistry, and cell biology alongside social geography and political sociology. His academic curiosity was boundless, but he soon discovered that following one strict path wasn’t for him.

Initially, Victor pursued a master’s in molecular life sciences, picturing a future in the lab. However, his time in the lab revealed an essential mismatch between his abilities and the daily realities of laboratory work. “I had ideas, but executing the meticulous, detail-oriented tasks in the lab was a struggle,” he recalls. A professor helped him see that pursuing this path would not make him happy, and Victor made the difficult decision to leave the program.

Undeterred, Victor pivoted to the History and Philosophy of Science master’s at Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��, where he could explore the broader intersections of science, society, and technology. The shift was liberating. “I always liked to combine everything with everything,” he explains. This interdisciplinary approach led him into fields he hadn’t previously considered: artistic research, music blogging, and cultural analysis.

Navigating the Workforce to Reach a Breakthrough

Victor’s transition into the labour market was not straightforward. For almost ten years after graduating from his master’s program, he faced significant challenges in finding stable employment and received a  (Invalidity Insurance Act (Young Disabled Persons)). This program provides financial support or assistance in finding work for individuals who have lived with a long-term illness or occupational disability from a young age. For Victor, this support was essential in helping him navigate a job market that often prioritizes specialization over versatility, as he managed the unique challenges that come with being neurodivergent and living with autism. While this offered some relief from immediate financial pressures, his efforts to build a career often remained at the level of elaborate hobbies rather than professional breakthroughs.

During this period, he experimented with different kinds of work, from writing about global music trends to attempting to launch a cultural center. “I was constantly trying to lift a career off the ground,” he explains. He also took on practical jobs, like working in a factory and in hospitality, but found that these roles often reinforced that he wasn’t meant for rigid workplace structures.

His breakthrough came when he was invited to work with Emilia Tapprest, a designer-filmmaker, as a background researcher for art projects. Their collaboration, , blends research, storytelling, and visual media to create thought-provoking work. In 2024, Victor and his team won the , a significant milestone that reinforced his interdisciplinary approach. “The project paired artists with scientists,” he explains, noting that these two worlds often have contrasting ways of thinking and relating. “But in our case, we already had one foot in each, which made for a really exciting exchange.” For their project, Victor and Emilia collaborated with Samar Khan, a fellow graduate of UU's History and Philosophy of Science master’s program.

Creating Community at Seats2Meet

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Victor has found a home at , a meeting center and co-workspace in Utrecht. Originally introduced to the space by a fellow UCU alum, he now works there in a unique self-defined role as a “network incubator.”

“Seats2Meet was founded on a philosophy of knowledge sharing, but that culture had faded over time,” he says. “I’m working on bringing it back.” Through organizing events and fostering connections among the diverse community of freelancers, students, and entrepreneurs who use the space, Victor has created a professional niche for himself.

Looking Ahead

As Victor continues to build his career, new opportunities are emerging. This year, he will embark on his first international art residency in Bogotá, Colombia—his birth country, which he hasn’t visited since being adopted by a Dutch family. “It’s a full-circle moment,” he says. “I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.”

Victor hopes that by sharing his story honestly, he can inspire others who are navigating similar challenges. For those still searching for their path, Victor has a simple but powerful insight: keep reinventing yourself. Be open to shifting directions—sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones you create yourself.

And for those looking to explore interdisciplinary spaces or alternative work environments? “Come by Seats2Meet,” he says with a smile.