Meet MSM's faculty members: introducing Rita van Deuren
MSM’s faculty members are passionate about what they do and tenacious in finding solutions to the toughest business challenges. Each month MSM will highlight one of its faculty members and this month the spotlight is on Rita van Deuren.
Let me introduce myself…
My name is Rita van Deuren and I fulfill various functions and roles at MSM. In my position as Senior Project Consultant at the International Projects and Consultancies Department (IPD) I am responsible for MSM Global Custom Programs and for various capacity development projects and trainings. In this position, I also conduct trainings in educational and management topics. In my position as Assistant Professor, I supervise students and I teach courses on leadership and organizational behavior in the MSM MBA and MSM MM programs.
My post-secondary education started at the Psychology Department of Tilburg University, specialization in Organizational Psychology. A few years later I received my Master’s degree in Business Administration from Rotterdam School of Management, specialization in Business Information Systems. After having worked for 15 years I decided to start a PhD trajectory at TU Delft on bachelor student choice behavior, which I successfully finalized in 2010.
I started my career at Philips Electronics in the area of Supply Chain Development. Later on, I changed my career to higher education and started at Fontys University of Applied Sciences where I have held various positions. I joined MSM in 2011 and for the past six years I was also a member of the supervisory board in primary education in my hometown.
Every day at MSM is different and we use to say ‘never a dull moment’
In our IPD department we work on projects and trainings that are relevant for strengthening the capacity of professionals and organizations in Asia, Africa and Latin-America. In most of the projects and trainings, but not all, donor-funding is involved. To ensure that we enquire new projects and trainings, business development is an important aspect of our work. Working with many parties and stakeholders (in business development and implementation) makes the work dynamic and challenging. Every day is different and we use to say ‘never a dull moment’.
It is my belief that individual people can make a difference, to their own life, to other people and to society…
It is my belief that individual people can make a difference, to their own life, to other people and to society. I have developed a real passion for education. Education helps people to develop their talents and qualities that allow them to make a difference. My current work at MSM allows me to broaden my educational experience and expertise. For example, MSM’s training and education programs are designed for professionals allowing me to further develop my adult teaching skills. Also, the dual objective of MSM’s custom made training programs (strengthening both individuals and organizations) requires me to combine my educational and organizational expertise.
Looking beyond the differences there are many things people have in common…
I find it personally very rewarding to work in an international environment like MSM. It enriches me to work with people from countries and cultures from all over the world and to find out about how they live and about their perceptions and interpretations of the world. Each time I go on an international trip to a new country I prepare myself by reading about its culture and history. Currently, I am very much interested in the history and recent developments in Africa. My international experience at MSM has taught me that differences between cultures are only one aspect. Looking beyond the differences there are many things people have in common and realizing this is very helpful in working in and with other cultures.
In my spare time you can often find me..
I am happily married and proud mother of three sons, all studying in higher education. Whenever possible I try to find time to mountain bike, fitness, walk and read or listen to books. Until recently, I have been (indirectly) involved in politics in my hometown. My experience at MSM has made it very clear to me that I am privileged to live in our prosperous and well-organized part of the world and that it is our duty to pass it on to future generations.
My plans for the future…
In the coming years I want to expand my expertise in the area of educational institutions taking part in partnerships and the capacity needed to participate in or lead partnerships with private sector and government institutions.
Related News:
SEAD capacity building workshops received successfully by Rwandan IPRCs and Universities
Nuffic grants food & nutrition security tender in Rwanda to Maastricht School of Management
Fruitful Kick-off Project ‘End Impunity of SGBV’
Meet MSM’s faculty members introducing Huub Mudde
Meet MSM’s faculty members introducing Stuart Dixon
