Thank you for taking the time to do this interview! Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
Absolutely! My name is Meike van Gorkum, I’m 34 years old and currently working as a Senior Business Development Manager at DSV in the Netherlands. I studied International Business Administration (IBA) at Tilburg University and went on to complete a master’s in supply chain management. I’ve now been in the logistics sector for over a decade and truly enjoy the dynamic nature of my job.
What is your current role, and what does it entail?
In my role at DSV, I focus on attracting new customers within the Netherlands. Essentially, I work in sales for logistics solutions. We help businesses manage and improve their supply chains. Every day is different. One day I might be pitching to a potential client, and the next I’m deep-diving into how we can optimize their transport or warehousing setup. It’s a great mix of strategic thinking, problem-solving, and relationship building.
What made you excited to study IBA back then? What were your expectations when you started?
I’ve always been drawn to numbers. I really liked mathematics in school, and I enjoyed analytical thinking and working with data. That played a big part in my decision to study IBA. I saw the program as a great way to combine that numerical strength with broader business skills. I also loved the international aspect of the program and was curious to learn how businesses operated across different cultures. When I started, I expected a solid academic foundation, but also hoped to discover which area of business would suit me best—and in the end, that’s exactly what happened.
Experiences as an IBA Student
How would you describe your time as an IBA student? How did you experience that period?
Looking back, I’d say the coursework itself wasn’t overly challenging for me. I found the classes interesting, but what really defined my student years was everything I did outside the classroom. I was very active beyond university—I worked at Albert Heijn and also continued horseback riding, both of which were important parts of my life. I always aimed to do well in whatever I took on, so I tried to excel in my job and in sports, which required a lot of time management and discipline. Balancing all these aspects shaped me as much as, if not more than, the academics.
What was one of your biggest challenges during your studies, and how did you handle it?
One of the biggest challenges during my studies was definitely managing my time effectively. As mentioned earlier, I was always involved in a lot outside of university and trying to excel academically at the same time. Juggling all those commitments required serious discipline and organization. On top of that, group projects within the IBA program brought their own set of challenges. Working with people from different cultural backgrounds and with varying levels of motivation wasn’t always easy. I had to learn how to communicate clearly, adapt my approach, and find ways to keep the group moving forward, even when not everyone was equally engaged. It taught me a lot about patience, leadership, and how to navigate team dynamics—all skills that I still use in my career today.
Were there any specific courses, projects, or internships that you found particularly valuable during your time at IBA?
The most influential experience for me was working as a teaching assistant for Professor Bert Meijboom. That role was incredibly rewarding—not only did I assist in his classes, but I also received mentorship and guidance from him. He was the one who encouraged me to pursue a master’s in supply chain management, which shaped the rest of my career. I also enjoyed courses like Risk Management and anything that involved mathematics. They challenged me in a way I appreciated and matched my natural interests. But my time as a teaching assistant definitely stands out as a turning point.
Impact of IBA on Your Career
Many students experience uncertainty after graduation, wondering: "What now?" How did you experience this, and how did you handle it?
That period after finishing IBA can definitely feel uncertain. For me, a lot of clarity came from two places: my experience working at Albert Heijn and the advice I received from Professor Meijboom. My job at Albert Heijn sparked my interest in how supply chains work behind the scenes, and my thesis at the time was also inspired by that experience. Combined with my professor’s encouragement, these factors led me to pursue a master’s in supply chain management. Taking that next academic step gave me a clearer sense of direction and confidence in the path I was choosing.
Could you share how you eventually ended up in your current role?
After my master’s, I began working in the logistics industry and found that I really enjoyed the commercial and strategic aspects of the job. Over time, I moved into more sales-oriented roles, where I could combine my analytical mindset with client-focused work. I steadily built experience, learned the ropes of business development, and eventually moved into my current senior position at DSV. It was a gradual evolution, shaped by both interests and opportunities.
How has the IBA program helped you in your current role as financial director?
While I’m not a financial director, in my current role as Senior Business Development Manager, the IBA program has still proven incredibly helpful. It gave me a strong foundation in business strategy, economics, and communication - all of which are essential in my job. Understanding how international companies operate and being able to analyze their logistics needs critically helps me offer better solutions and win over clients. The program’s breadth really prepared me for the variety I deal with daily.
Can you provide examples of specific courses or skills that have stayed with you, or that you apply daily in your work?
Absolutely. Courses like supply chain management, risk management, and strategy were especially impactful. But what I use every day goes beyond just course content—it’s the skills I developed: how to present a complex idea clearly, how to work with people from diverse backgrounds, and how to think critically and commercially. Those group projects, presentations, and case studies at university were very realistic and helped build those skills in a practical way
Advice for Current IBA Students
What advice would you give to current IBA students to make the most of their studies?
Be proactive and curious. It’s easy to go with the flow, but if you want to get the most out of your studies, seek out experiences that push you a bit. Talk to your professors, take on internships, or look for a part-time job in an area you’re curious about. Also, don’t underestimate the value of extracurriculars—they teach you time management, responsibility, and interpersonal skills in a very real-world context.
Are there any specific activities or experiences you would recommend?
Yes—being a teaching assistant was incredibly meaningful for me, and I’d definitely recommend it to others. It gave me early insight into leadership, responsibility, and the academic side of business. I’d also suggest finding a job or internship in a sector you’re interested in. Even working at Albert Heijn helped shape my understanding of supply chains and gave me ideas for my thesis.
Is there anything you would specifically like to share with our female readers?
To all the women out there—don’t be afraid to take up space. The business world, and especially the logistics sector, can still feel male-dominated at times. But your voice, your perspective, and your skills are just as valuable. Trust yourself, speak up, and seek out mentors—both male and female—who support your growth. You absolutely belong here.