Pieter J. Smits

Pieter J. Smits has extensive work experience in various roles and industries.

Starting in 2009, they worked as a Student-assistant at the University of Twente, where they created ICT manuals, designed and structured the ICT service department website, and also served as a Student-assistant for Online Media. Pieter J. later became a Member of the Faculty Council.

In 2010, Pieter co-founded GeneratIn', where they served as a Board Member responsible for digital and print media design, communications, relations, and general organization. Pieter J. held this position until 2017.

Between 2010 and 2015, they also co-owned Syndesign, a company focused on web and graphic design, manual design, corporate identity design, photography, and structuring information in documents and publications.

From 2014 to 2015, Pieter worked at Topicus Onderwijs on their Master's thesis project.

In 2015, they joined Gynzy as an Educational Technology Designer, where they developed digital learning experiences for primary school students and teachers. Pieter J. quickly advanced to become a Product Master, responsible for translating customer and strategic interests into feature development and refining the company's road map. Pieter J. also held the position of Product Strategist, coordinating and facilitating the process of turning product ideas into project proposals.

In 2018, Pieter briefly worked as a Product Owner at ParnasSys before moving on to their role at Gynzy.

Outside of their main employment, Pieter has held various board positions. Pieter J. served as the Secretary on the Board of Komma from 2015 to 2017, and as the Treasurer of Rotaract Nijmegen from 2016 to 2018.

Lastly, Pieter currently works as a Product Manager at Drieam, starting in 2021.

Pieter J. Smits has a strong educational background in the field of Educational Science & Technology. Pieter J. obtained a Master's Degree in Educational Science & Technology from the University of Twente, which they pursued from 2013 to 2015. Prior to their master's, they completed their Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Educational Science & Technology and Communication Studies from the same university, spanning from 2007 to 2013.

Before their undergraduate studies, Pieter spent a year in Open Studio for an orientation program for the Film and Television Academy in 2006-2007. Additionally, they completed their pre-university education (VWO) in Natuur & Techniek from Koningin Wilhelmina College, which encompassed the years 2000 to 2006.

In terms of certifications, Pieter obtained several additional qualifications. In August 2019, they earned the "Basisprincipes van Online Marketing" certification from Google. Pieter J. also holds an "edX Verified Certificate for Implementation and Evaluation of Educational Technology" from edX, which they acquired in September 2015. Pieter obtained the "Activism Certificate" from the Student Union University of Twente in February 2009.

Alongside their academic pursuits, Pieter also obtained the "First Certificate in English (FCE)" from the University of Cambridge in June 2005. Most recently, in June 2019, they completed the "BHV" certification in first aid, BHV (Bedrijfshulpverlening), and VCA (Veiligheid, gezondheid en milieu Checklist Aannemers) courses from Preventief BV - Erkende BHV, EHBO en VCA cursussen.