Why Jaap chose the EMFC programme at the UvA

‘My first job at FrieslandCampina was as operations controller. I’m ambitious to advance to a position in our Financial Shared Service Centre in the near future, and to do that I need supply chain experience. Right now, I’m working as plant controller at a cheese-packaging site in Leerdam. Another ambition on my list is obtaining the RC qualification.

I chose the Executive Master of Finance & Control at the UvA because of the programme’s focus on operational excellence and digitalisation. These topics are very relevant for a production company like FrieslandCampina, where many processes are being automated and standardised. Of course, it’s also a nice bonus to be able to cycle to the university on Fridays, when we have class.'

Practical relevance and expanding your network

'I’m really enjoying the EMFC. Studying is going well because the courses are so relevant to my daily work. For example, in one course we had to calculate a project’s ROI and I could turn around and apply that experience to the masterplan we’re drawing up for our plant. The programme is also super useful for my network. Everyone in it is motivated and ambitious, and we bounce a lot of ideas off one another.

My colleagues are already noticing how well-equipped I am and ready to take on new challenges. For example, in the Strategic Finance course we got practical tools for working with the Business Model Canvas. I subsequently facilitated a session with the plant’s MT, guiding the development of the model for our strategy. Despite being one of the youngest people at the table, it was natural for me to take the lead, thanks to my knowledge of the method. I have to say, jaws dropped...!

For me, the EMFC is a concrete incentive to step up to a more strategic level. For the lectures on strategic management, for instance, I wrote an essay on FrieslandCampina’s sustainability strategy, arranging a special session to speak with our CEO, and that provided me with valuable input.'

Become an allround finance professional

'I really appreciate the EMFC’s combined focus on theory and soft skills. The programme’s structure is also fully aligned with this, for example balancing a more theoretical accounting module with lectures on digital transformation that really tap into your creative capacities.

In my view, every CFO should have an RC or RA qualification. I want to be both a well-grounded and well-rounded finance professional. The EMFC degree is proof that you’re conversant with all facets of finance.’