It was during his PhD that the spark was lit. Before that, Gerald Spijksma mainly did what seemed practical. Chemical Engineering – ‘because I enjoyed science subjects.’ Studying in Enschede – ‘because it was close to my home in Rijssen.’ And then a PhD project – ‘because it came my way.’
At a conference, he came into contact with fellow researchers. ‘Talking to my peers made me discover where my real strength lay: not in a technical specialisation, but in connecting disciplines and people. As a result, I realised that an academic career – which is highly individual and content-driven – was not the path for me.’
‘In SMEs there is more room for personal initiative’
Spijksma opted for a career in industry, moving into project and programme management. His career has been characterised by connecting people, processes and technology, gaining experience at a range of large organisations.
For the last four years, he has been working at a smaller company with 45 employees makes him well-placed to explain the differences. ‘At big corporations, you only spend a small percentage of your time adding something new. Most of your time goes to implementing that new idea through the system. The framework is tighter. In SMEs there’s more room for personal initiative. Decisions are quicker. If you have a good idea, it could be implemented the following week.’
His own role is still evolving and adapting to developments within the company. ‘As Operations Manager, I’m responsible for the whole operation, from sales through to delivery. A few years ago a new owner instituted a process of professionalisation and scaling up. With my background in project and change management, and a broad technical foundation, I was able to get started straight away.’
Spijksma adds that the market itself is constantly changing. ‘Whereas in the past we mainly dealt with customers who were technically skilled themselves, today we often sit around the table with purchasing departments. That requires a different style of communicating, at a different level, with different skills. So my role is also continually changing, and I get the chance to be part of that process. That’s fantastic.’
About Global Electronics
Global Electronics BV (1993), based in Haaksbergen, employs 45 people. The company specialises in producing electronics on behalf of third parties, also known as Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS). Its core activities include assembling printed circuit boards, semi-finished products and end products containing electronics, such as medical devices and charging stations. Clients include high-tech companies such as TKH Airport Solutions, Bronkhorst and medical spin-offs from the University of Twente.
About Gerald Spijksma
Born in 1976, Spijksma studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Twente. After graduating in 2002, he pursued a PhD in Inorganic Materials Science. In 2006 he moved to the United States for a postdoc position at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). After this brief academic adventure, his career shifted to industry, working in project and programme management roles at Sensata, Stork, IMTECH and Pentair. He is currently Operations Manager at Global Electronics.
Roots
This article appeared earlier this week in ROOTS, the regional career magazine of U-Today published in collaboration with Twente Board.
The magazine aims to inform, inspire, and activate UT students by providing insight into career opportunities within the Twente region. It serves as a connecting platform, bridging students and the regional labour market.
Companies are given a stage to showcase their organisation, company culture, and job opportunities to young talent.
Through the magazine, they can connect directly with their future employees by highlighting internships, traineeships, and entry-level positions.
Read the full magazine here.
