Liza Oostenbrink

Getting to know various disciplines

Getting a job in the arts and culture sector can be quite challenging. There are many great positions, but the competition is high. This makes it a challenging sector to start working in after your studies. I therefore decided to first expand and specialise my knowledge in the field of arts and culture after obtaining my bachelor degree in Arts & Culture.

I chose to study the master specialisation Cultural Economics and Entrepreneurship at the Erasmus School of History, Culture and Communication, as it connected well with my bachelor's degree, and I could learn more about the various disciplines within the arts and culture sector. There was a wide range of electives, which made it not only possible to study the subjects that I was interested in, but also to look at the field from different perspectives.

Landing a job in the heritage field

During my bachelor and master, I always had an interest in heritage and followed electives that addressed this topic. When I finally started writing my master thesis, I chose to write about the reallocation of cultural heritage in the Netherlands. I had several conversations with heritage organisations. During one of those talks, I was offered a job, which made it possible for me to start working in the heritage field right after completing my studies.

After three years working as a property manager at a commercial heritage organisation, it was time to move to a position where I would be more substantively involved with heritage. And so it happened: since April 2024, I am working as a policy officer for the Municipality of Nissewaard.

Why I love my job! 

As policy advisor for monuments and heritage at the municipality, I deal with various tasks. Just a few examples; I am secretary of the Heritage Committee, I process and advise on applications for the subsidy for municipal monuments, and I think along about the future of church buildings within our municipality.

Working for a municipality also means that I get to work with different parties. One moment I am talking to the aldermen, and the next I am on-site talking to monument owners. This diversity in my work and environment, as well as being able to contribute to the preservation of heritage makes me really enjoy my job!

The master programme Cultural Economics and Entrepreneurship taught me to be critical, but also to look at the bigger picture and think beyond what is in front of me. This is really helpful in my current position at the municipality.