Astrid van Deelen, Manager Education & Labour Market at Brainport Development: “Private lessons that went above and beyond”
 
An economic geographer by training works as Manager Education & Labour Market at Brainport Development. Previously, Astrid was project leader for the Dutch Technology Week, among other things, and alliance broker for the Brainport Eindhoven Regional Deal. At STE Languages, Astrid specifically honed her Business English with the help of trainer, Natalie Dudnytska.
 
Self-confidence
“The economic development agency for the Brainport region”, as Astrid describes her employer, puts and keeps the high-tech region on the map: “Dutch is still the working language here, but there are many English-speaking colleagues, projects, and presentations in the international arena. Because English is not my native language, I didn't feel entirely comfortable, even though I am aware that it doesn't have to be perfect. I had previously taken a course at STE Languages, and I felt it was time for a refresher. That is an investment in myself, my vocabulary, and my self-confidence, to be able to tell my story even better, and of course, Brainport Development benefits from that as well.”
 
Valuable and educational
“I clicked with STE trainer Natalie Dudnytska, and they scheduled eight two-hour private lessons: So, one-on-one training, with a lot of freedom. I wanted a tailored approach, and that is what I got. I discussed my goals with Natalie and what we were going to tackle.”
 
“Natalie prepared the course specifically tailored to the subjects I am currently working on. She really delved deeply! The content was focused on the topics and terms I deal with: photonics, quantum computers, co-operation in education, ecosystems, and European tracks. The content she brought was entirely geared towards my learning objectives. Aside from the English, I learned a lot of new things from it as well! It was valuable, educational, and directly applicable. I greatly appreciate that. It is not without reason that I have complimented her multiple times. Now it is up to me to keep practicing, retaining my fresh knowledge and not let it get lost in the daily grind. Otherwise, I will ask Natalie again for a refresher.”