That there is a course like Global Project and Change Management was a gift to Luca from Zeeland, the Netherlands. It allows him to make the impact he strives for, as well as giving him the freedom to choose his own path. ‘When I discovered GPCM, I immediately knew: this suits me!’

Direct impact

After high school, Luca first chose to study Chemistry and Applied Biology, because he wanted to do something for the world. Interesting studies, but Luca felt he wanted to make a more direct impact. ‘Then a friend pointed me towards Global Project and Change Management. He said, 'Luca, I've known you for so long now. This is you!'

Choosing your own path

At GPCM, everything fell into place for Luca. "Here, you work on projects for real organisations from the beginning. There is of course an overarching goal - addressing sustainability and global challenges - but how you get there is up to you. For example, the more technical students focus on food waste and recycling of materials, while socially oriented students focus on child awareness or social inequality."

A better world

Luca finds it important that he can already work towards a better world while studying. "When I look at the way we treat our planet and each other, I think we don't appreciate enough what we have. We pollute the planet, choose fast fashion, throw away our food too easily. I would very much like to raise awareness, but also cooperation between people and organisations."

Community

The international community within Global Project and Change Management almost feels like family to Luca. "The vibe within the whole programme is very close-knit. Everyone knows each other, from year 1 to year 4. You learn a lot from each other's different backgrounds. In presenting skills, everyone feels the freedom to give feedback and make themselves vulnerable. We see each other grow in front of our own eyes and that's super nice.'"

Minor in Hong Kong

Soon, Luca will go to Hong Kong for his minor. "I think I should grab every opportunity I get here at HZ with both hands. This is one of them. In Hong Kong, I'm going to take courses on environment and culture. It will be very special."

Make a difference

Luca does not yet know exactly what he wants to do later on. "Global Project and Change Management gives me the chance to learn about many different aspects of sustainable project management. But whether I later work for Amazon protection or make a company sustainable ... I want to be able to say later that I have made a difference."

Read more about the Global Project and Change Management study programme at HZ