Nieske Vergunst
Strategic communications advisor and postdoc-researcher Public Engagement
Over eight years ago, I started working in the External Communications team of the Faculty of Science. Never before have I worked in the same place for so long. During this time, I was able to develop myself and by being open about my desire for a new step in my career, I can now combine my role as a communication advisor with a research position. This multidisciplinarity is not new to me. Even while studying Artificial Intelligence, I puzzled with the timetables of different courses to combine the most interesting subjects.
Jobcrafting
In a similar way, I now work for two, or actually three departments within Utrecht University. In my role as communications advisor, I spoke with Erik van Sebille a few years ago for a news item about his appointment as professor of Oceanography & Public Engagement. During that conversation, we also talked about the establishment of his research group, and plans for closer cooperation bubbled up. In this group, the link to the practice of science communication could not be missing. Subsequently, my supervisor was also enthusiastic and saw possibilities, partly because I already had a PhD and could therefore start working as a postdoc. We found financial support from, among others, the university's Centre for Science and Culture.
Based on several meetings, I wrote a plan and it became increasingly clear that we were all happy about this and saw the added value. So now I am seconded two days a week internally, from the Science communication department, as a postdoc in Public Engagement at the Freudenthal Institute for two years. For my research, I developed the Sea Level Game 2080, which is played by various groups such as high school students and audiences at the Betweter Festival. I investigate the effect of such a game as a tool for science communication.
The advantage of this combination is that I can make all kinds of important connections, taking my work and that of colleagues to a higher level.
Fundamental connections
It is great that this is possible, although it is also intensive to combine two jobs. Because I know the university well and have many years of work experience, I can work efficiently. I did have to get used to the academic way of working again, ten years after finishing my PhD, and also in a different field. In academia, you cannot cut corners, you cannot write anything down without reference or evidence. On the other hand, as a communication consultant I am allowed to rely on my own experience and intuition. The advantage of this combination is that I can make all kinds of important connections, taking my work and that of colleagues to a higher level.
As a postdoc, I see clearly how many tasks researchers have to keep up with: storing your research data properly and making it accessible, the ethical review of research involving humans and so on. All very important, but it adds up. That influences how and what I advise when I put on my communication hat. And vice versa, I also look at my research through communication glasses. For instance, as part of Open Science, I write a blog about my research activities to involve the public more directly.
Work pressure
The danger is that my enthusiasm keeps me from taking time off because I think my work is important, and of course I want to do well for my three internal clients. Not an unknown risk for me: I suffered burnout a few years ago. The fact that we all do good and important things here forms a risk, especially when combined with a systemic problem. We want to do as much as we can with as little money as possible, and sometimes that tips over into a way of working that is ultimately unsustainable. We expect more of ourselves than we can deliver and don't slow each other down easily. It is difficult to be the first in a group to say no, which keeps the workload high. At the risk of colleagues burning down.
This gives me a sense of freedom and the feeling that a lot is possible.
Sense of freedom
There was a time when I doubted whether I wanted to stay here, there was no room for a position on a higher salary and I saw no opportunities to grow in terms of the content of my work. Now I'm learning new things again and developing myself in ways I didn't think possible then. This step makes me feel appreciated for my work, not only financially, but also in other ways. Now I see perspective here again, also for the long term. This gives me a sense of freedom and the feeling that a lot is possible. If at some point I feel stuck once more, I might look for such a nice side step again.