Testimonial EBF Board Chairman

First and utmost, I want to start by telling you that doing the EBF Board Year was definitely the most amazing adventure I have experience during my student life, and I can assure you this will be the same for you!

During my first year at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) I got familiar with the EBF. From the start, I was impressed by the quality of the events that were organised and the welcoming atmosphere of the association. I knew that I wanted to become part of the EBF, and therefore I became an active member. I largely enjoyed this first year, not only because I learned a lot but also because I met so many nice people, and therefore I became an active member again later on. When I reach the end of my bachelors, I was thinking of the next step. Having heard all the great stories about doing an EBF Board year, I knew that this would be the perfect opportunity for me! It seemed to me like the chance to develop myself on many aspects, whilst enjoying an unbelievable time together with seven other people!

During the application period I applied for three functions, of which the function of Chairman had my personal preference. This due to the fact that I wanted to step out of my comfort zone in terms of experiencing what it is like to have the ultimate responsibility, how it is to motivate and support my board members, and what it is like to represent one of the largest study associations of the Netherlands. After an exciting period of applying, I was appointed Chairman and together with seven other motivated people our board year started. Full of excitement we became immediately acquainted with our responsibility of running an association with over 5000 members and an annual turnover of about 1.3 million euro.

During the year, I developed leadership skills and negotiation skills (e.g. during the contact with the FEB, RUG and subassocations), became more confident in speaking in front of large audiences and got to know how to setup and implement (long-term) policy. The all-round character of the chairman position is certainly a wonderful challenge to take on when you want to steepen your learning curve! Having fun is included in almost every aspect of your board year. In your function specific responsibilities and tasks, but for most in the close teamwork you are involved in with your fellow members. Especially as chairman, it is important to create an environment in which everyone feels well and performs well. Moreover, the EBF offers a large number of formal and informal events where you get to know so many inspiring people. This is a great opportunity to broaden your network.

The relationships you build in doing so and the memories you make during the year (and after that!) will last forever and are amongst the most valuable aspects of doing a board year! Now,after my board year, I still immensely enjoy seeing my fellow board members and all the people involved in our board year!

So, if you are willing to step out of your comfort zone, grab this opportunity with both hands! It is going to be an experience of a lifetime and one of the best years in your life. I still – and will for the rest of my life – reap the benefits of this year since it opened up so many new possibilities after, but  especially because of my development as a person. Thus, apply for the EBF Board and hopefully we will see each other at the next EBF Board reunion and have a drink together!

Cheers, Lars Wartena

And in case you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me!