Lisan Hutten | Faces of FEB
The Faculty of Economics and Business is a faculty with a great diversity of people. But who are these people? Within ‘Faces of FEB’, we talk to different students of the faculty and give a little peek into the world of these FEB students. This week: Lisan Hutten, who was able to start her own business and find an internship during the pandemic!
Written by Jessica Paas
Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?
Of course! My name is Lisan, I am 22 years old and I am currently following the master’s programme Finance at FEB. I am almost halfway through my master’s programme and I have decided to go on an internship in Zeist, a place close to Utrecht. This means I will be going to Utrecht this February.
Why did you choose to go on an internship?
I was already very much doubting what to do when I finished my bachelor’s degree. I preferred to go travelling, however, this was not possible because of Corona. As I did not feel the pressure to finish my master's degree in 1 year, I began to wonder ‘how can I stretch the programme a bit, while developing myself at the same time?’ This is why I started looking for internships and ended up here!
What kind of internship will you be doing?
I will be doing my internship at JBR. This is a corporate finance office, meaning that they are concerned with the valuation of businesses and their activities. In specific, they deal with the financial side of, among other things, mergers and acquisitions. How much is a company actually worth?
Sounds interesting! Is it different nowadays to find an internship?
I found my internship at JBR with the help of Risk. Every once in a while Risk sent us emails in which they share vacancies of internships. This happened to be one of them. I was specifically searching for an internship at a small company. The procedures are a bit different for the smaller companies anyway. At least that is what I've experienced. Instead of having to take tests, which is what they do at the larger companies, we had a really nice job interview. This made the application very personal.
Is that the reason you wanted to start working for a smaller company?
Yes, I think it is important that you get personal guidance. For example, they mentioned that the first ones to go to the office again are the interns. So instead of being tucked away at home, you really get involved.
Are you able to go to the office when you start?
Yes. I will go to the office as much as possible at the beginning, so I can get the right training. But I assume after a while it will be combined, so I will work partly at the office and partly from home.
You also have your own business, right?
That is correct. We sell vintage apparel on Instagram!
How did you come up with this plan?
I already had this idea in my head for a while and I really enjoy working in fashion. When I saw other people starting doing it, I thought to myself: “I am just going to try it, maybe it will work!” Therefore, I started ‘LIEZ vintage’ together with my roommate.
How did you start?
First of all, we focused on buying vintage clothes. Then we started looking for ways in which we could sell. As Instagram is a very easy platform to reach people and we have a large network here, we decided this would be our best option. At first, we mostly sold to friends and family. Then, slowly but steadily people from around the Netherlands found our Instagram.
How do you combine everything?
I must say the Finance master is quite tough. It is certainly different from a bachelor's degree. I am really busy with my studies, but I try to plan well. Also, I like getting up early in the morning, when I schedule an hour of work for LIEZ vintage. That way I keep myself busy. It doesn't really feel like an obligation, because I just really enjoy working on it. I notice that I am just happier when I am busy.
What do you enjoy the most?
Well, surely when the very big box of clothes arrives. It is always a surprise to see what comes in. With vintage clothing, you never know in advance what exactly you buy. Sometimes the items are very pretty, but sometimes some items are damaged, which you can't sell.
What do you advise students who do not have the energy to pick up on new things during this pandemic?
I also have days in which I don't feel like doing anything. On these days specifically, I go out of the house anyway. Having nice people around you and doing nice things, such as taking a walk, is a great way to get your energy back. I always think ‘the more reluctance you have, the nicer it is when you finally did it’. For example, if you don't feel like running and you did it anyway, you will be very proud of yourself!
Do you have plans for after your internship?
When I am finished with my internship, I still need to write my thesis. Moreover, I still really want to travel. Not necessarily for months, but I would like to go for a few weeks if it is possible. And then start working I think!
| Last modified: | 31 January 2021 3.49 p.m. |