From data to doing: in conversation with Carmen

Carmen joined DUO-Onderwijs's team almost a year ago. From her background in sociology and communication, she brings both analytical skills and practical insights. While studying Communication, she became interested in education. ‘Education should provide equal opportunities for students in society. The idea that I can contribute, however small, to good education to create these equal opportunities energises me.’

Her time at Windesheim University of Applied Sciences gave Carmen valuable practical experience: she supervised students, supported teachers and contributed to educational development. This practical experience made her curious: what makes education valuable for every student and how can you improve it? During a previous internship at another research firm, she discovered how powerful research can be as a basis for improvement. ‘During my internship, I worked on several projects where we looked for solutions together with clients and colleagues. I enjoyed thinking about practical issues in this way and I would like to develop further in this area. At DUO-Onderwijs I find a unique combination of research and practice, about education.’

Carmen now experiences that match every day in her work. One of her core activities is guiding image surveys. This gives schools insight into how they are perceived by pupils, parents and staff. ‘What makes these surveys so valuable,’ she explains, ‘is that it doesn't stop at collecting and reporting data. We translate the outcomes into concrete recommendations that schools can use to make targeted improvements.’

What appeals most to her in her work? The personal contact she has while doing qualitative research in interviews. “What appeals most to me in my work is the personal contact I have while doing qualitative research, in the interviews. In those interviews, those involved [teachers, lecturers, headmasters, parents] share their knowledge and experiences. From that, I learn a lot about what is going on in education. I find it interesting to translate that information into useful advice for our clients. In this way, I try as much as possible to convert what is going on in the field into advice that educational institutions and education providers can benefit from and thus improve education’.’

Carmen looks back on her first year at DUO-Onderwijs with satisfaction. She remembers the early days well. ‘The team I ended up in felt like a warm bath. All my colleagues were friendly and helpful. It immediately made me feel at home.’ That open culture gave her the confidence to learn.
‘I think it is important that there is room to make mistakes. It is precisely from that that you learn.’

That she quickly felt at home is clear from her first weeks. ‘I was allowed to do interviews independently right from the start. Exciting, but also nice. The confidence of my colleagues felt like a big compliment and encouraged me to get the best out of myself.’

In the coming years, Carmen wants to continue to develop and, above all, keep learning. ‘I would like to improve in giving practical advice,’ she says. ‘The idea that I can contribute to better education in this way gives me great satisfaction.’

Carmen believes in the power of research as a tool for development. Her advice to schools? ‘Stay critical. It is tempting to get caught up in the issues of the day, but it is essential to regularly reflect on how you are doing. Research helps with that.’