Paul ter Veld, Information Manager Administration Services

The university's IT department is by nature a very diverse club. It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from. It's all about what you can do and what you do.

As an information manager at Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ, I work in an IT department that stands out not only for its diversity, but also for the breadth of the technology we work with on a daily basis. This diversity ensures that I am surrounded by different perspectives and experiences. The feeling of inclusion that we have here is enormously important to me. It motivates me to enjoy working on the various challenges we encounter, from technical issues to the ethical dilemmas that arise in the IT landscape.

An unexpected but valuable journey

My career at the university began 25 years ago as a secretary at the Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ Fund. At the time, I could not have predicted that I would end up in IT. With a background in art school and a creative mindset, I was looking for a part-time job when a friend suggested I apply for the secretary position. At the time, I realised that I am not afraid to take on new challenges. It is in my nature, but my background in art has also taught me to push boundaries and not be afraid of failure. It is precisely this mentality that has enabled me to develop, from communication and functional management to privacy (GDPR) and ultimately information management within ITS.

Career opportunities do not come automatically; you have to create your own path by sharing your ambitions and actively seeking opportunities. I have always tried to take control of my development and was open to new opportunities, regardless of whether they were immediately obvious.

Making technology accessible

The IT landscape is enormously complex, but what I like most about my work is the pursuit of making technology accessible to the end user. My ‘secret agenda’ is to simplify business operations and systems so that everyone can work together efficiently and exchange data. I do not only focus on the technical side of IT, but especially on the impact our choices have on users. I find this important, not only for Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ, but also for society at large. IT is not a goal in itself, but a means to connect people and to stimulate innovation.

Working together, growing together

In my role I feel a great sense of responsibility, especially when it comes to the high costs associated with IT and the collaboration with external suppliers. I am always aware of the impact of our choices, both within the university and beyond. What makes my work special is the cooperation with my colleagues and the satisfaction we get from solving challenges. The diversity within our IT department ensures fresh ideas and solutions, and we learn from both successes and mistakes.

For me, IT is not just technology, but a means to connect people and make a social impact. It's about using technology to improve business operations and create innovative solutions that go beyond the technology itself.

Portret van ITS medewerker Paul ter Veld