Give students of RSG Wolsbos in Hoogeveen a look into the world of radio astronomy

© Tammo-Jan Dijkema

In the third year of secondary school, students must decide with which courses they want to continue. Are they for example going for a more economic centered choice with courses like history, statistical mathematics and economics? Or pick they the more technical courses like chemistry, physics and mathematics? When these kids are 14 or 15 years old, it might be hard for them to make a decision. They have to start thinking about their future. To help them making the right decision, the school organized a ‘profielkeuze’ week. One of the things that happened during this week were some inspiring talks by people from different disciplines. Tammo Jan Dijkema and Lisa Oosterhof were invited to talk about ASTRON. They gave an inspiring talk about radio astronomy, the projects at ASTRON and the different career opportunities.

Besides telling them all about LOFAR, SKA and other exciting projects, they also told them something about their own studies and careers. For example, Tammo Jan was invited by a friend to work as a consultant. One of the consultancy jobs was at the KNVB, the Dutch soccer association, but he didn’t really like soccer. He changed his career and started working at ASTRON. Lisa first finished an education as a primary school teacher and then started studying mathematics at the University of Groningen. She is now happy to combine both her mathematics skills and her soft skills in her job as technical project manager.

The goal of the presentation was not only to tell them about the world of radio astronomy, but also telling them that there are always opportunities to the job that suit you the best and that you have to choose the courses that make you happy.