What does it really mean to be chairwoman of MARUG? To give you a better idea, we spoke with the current chairwoman of MARUG, Sophie Thalen. In this interview, she shares insights into her daily responsibilities, her role within the board, and how this position has contributed to her personal and professional development.
A Versatile Role with a Lot of Responsibility
As chairwoman, Sophie has an overarching role within the board. She keeps an overview of everything happening within the association and supports where needed. This involves frequent contact with committees, guiding projects, and maintaining relationships with external parties such as companies and the university. She is, for example, closely involved in major events, business trips (including a recent trip to London and an upcoming one to Budapest), and strategic projects outlined in the annual policy plan.
In addition, the chairwoman is responsible for MARUG’s yearly policy. This policy forms the foundation of the entire board year: not just writing it, but ensuring that the plans are actually carried out. “You don’t just write the policy; you also have to make sure it is truly implemented,” she explains.
What Does a Typical Week Look Like?
No two weeks are the same, but there is certainly structure. Mondays start with a long board meeting in which planning, responsibilities, and personal schedules are discussed. Throughout the week, there are numerous meetings: with committees, with the vice-chairwoman, with other boards within the faculty, and with representatives of the university, such as the marketing department and the vice-dean.
This variety, from internal guidance to external meetings, is what makes the role so dynamic.
Leadership and Teamwork
A large part of the role revolves around people management. Each board member works differently and requires a different communication style. As chairwoman, Sophie adapts her approach to ensure everyone performs their tasks well, while also making sure that everyone enjoys what they do.
Because the board works together almost every day, a strong bond quickly forms. “You really become a kind of family,” she says. This mutual support is especially important when facing difficult decisions.
Making Difficult Decisions
When it comes to major strategic decisions, the chairwoman is never alone. Sophie discusses choices with her board and frequently consults former chairmen. MARUG has a strong alumni network, filled with experience and expertise. By combining different perspectives, decisions are made not only with the present in mind, but also with a vision for where the association should be in five years.
What She Is Most Proud Of
The board year is full of moments to be proud of from reintroducing international trips to seeing members secure jobs or internships through MARUG. However, what matters most to her is the strong sense of community within the association. Active members who are highly involved, regularly attend events, and truly feel at home at MARUG that is what ultimately makes it all worthwhile.
Personal and Professional Growth
The role of chairwoman has contributed greatly to Sophie’s growth. She has strengthened her leadership skills, improved her negotiation abilities, become more confident in public speaking, and learned when to ask for help. Despite her young age (21), she regularly interacts with experienced professionals and former lecturers, which can be challenging but mainly motivates her to prove herself.
On a personal level, the board year has brought more self-awareness, structure, and confidence. “I’m honestly just happier,” she says.
Why Become Chairwoman?
Her motivation to apply came from her committee experiences and the inspiring people around her. She saw the value of a board year—not only for her CV, but also for the lasting friendships it creates. The idea of working closely with five other motivated individuals on something bigger than yourself ultimately made the decision clear.
A Role with Impact
The role of chairwoman is intense, challenging, and demanding, but also incredibly rewarding. You are at the heart of the association, help shape the direction of MARUG, and build a network that will last for years to come.
For anyone considering applying: if you gain energy from leading, collaborating, and pushing yourself to grow, the position of chairwoman at MARUG is definitely worth considering.