Elke Siemens, Projectmanager

It is special to see how we continue to push the boundaries of IT through collaboration and innovation.

As IT project manager, I work on projects that often have a direct impact on education at Utrecht 木瓜福利影视. A good example is the implementation of a new learning management system (LMS). My responsibility here lies with the technical part, but what makes it so interesting is that I work with people from different disciplines. From educationalists to other specialists - everyone has their own expertise, which makes the work dynamic and versatile.

From major projects to practical solutions

What I find really cool about my work is the alternation between large, complex projects like the LMS and smaller, practical projects that may seem less obvious at first. One example is the new plagiarism detection system we are working on. Although at first glance it seems like a simple switch, there are a surprising number of technical and ethical considerations involved. For example, the deployment of AI raises questions of transparency and accountability: how do we ensure that the technology is fair? Such dilemmas make the work not only technically challenging, but also socially relevant.

An open culture is everything

What I really appreciate is the diversity within our team. My team is quite diverse, with many women in technical roles. You don't see that in every IT organisation. It is precisely this diversity that makes the work so interesting: there is room for different talents and ideas, and that makes for a collaboration that is not only more effective, but also truly innovative.

In addition, the open culture within the IT department appeals to me enormously. We regularly give each other feedback. It's not that we prefer not to say things or beat around the bush. If I'm struggling with something, my colleagues simply say, "Elke, say it." To me, that doesn't feel like criticism, it feels like support. It helps me grow, both as a professional and in my role within the team. It makes our cooperation stronger and makes us perform even better as a team.

IT is about more than technology

Many people think that IT is only about technology, but for me it is mainly about connecting people, solving problems and creating innovative solutions. Every day, I am challenged to think beyond the technology itself. How can we use IT to improve education while contributing to a better future? It's not only about what we do, but also about why we do it. These larger social issues give my work a deeper meaning.

And what continues to motivate me is that in the IT world, you have to constantly learn. Technology changes so fast, and if you don't grow with it, you fall behind. I see it as an opportunity to always explore the latest technologies and keep developing myself in my profession. Especially by being assertive and offering myself for big projects, I have gained practical experience that has helped me grow enormously in my career at Utrecht 木瓜福利影视..

Portret van ITS medewerker Elke Siemens