Vindicat is working on her reputation with symposium on moral ambition. ‘In your first two years you hardly talk about moral ambition’

It is a stimulating question for a student corps: how do you live up to moral ambition? Vindicat was considered this question during a symposium in Akerk in Groningen.

The student corps is due to several scandals with which she has been in the news in recent years – a mistreatment during a hazing, the demolition of a sushi restaurant – not necessarily known for morality. But, says Francesca Houben, secretary of the anniversary committee, « the symposium on moral ambition contributes to the cultural change that we have initiated within the association in recent years. » The meeting is part of the anniversary celebration because of the 210th anniversary of the student association.

Nearly three hundred summers dressed students are present this Monday afternoon, talking about the golf tournament that will take place soon. Some are scrolling on tapping under the church organ. How does the theme of moral ambition live with them?

Male

For Lilith van der Stelt (22), the interpretation of that term is starting to take shape. She completed her bachelor’s rights with a thesis on IT law. She says that she has not really found her passion herself, « but think it is important that people get the privacy and protection what they are entitled to. » With that starting point she hopes to discover information law during her Master’s degree where she wants to work later.

The term ‘moral ambition’ was in vogue last year, when writer and historian Rutger Bregman published his book of the same name. Moral ambition is about making the world a better place by using your talents. « Stop wasting your talent and make work of your ideals, » said the subtitle of Bregmans Book. Not yielding for the spacious salary and prestigious of a consultancy track on the Zuidas, but use your knowledge to solve major challenges, such as climate change and poverty. Nevertheless, research from 2017 from Consultancy.nl, an online platform for the consultancy industry, shows that the majority of the quarter million bachelor and master students in the Netherlands aspire to a Consultancy job.

One of the speakers is journalist Jeroen Smit. He is author of Preythat is about the decline of ABN AMRO. He asks who of those present at the Society sometimes talks about moral ambition. Only twenty hands go up in the air. When NRC Afterwards asking students about moral ambition, the male members refuse: they don’t want that publicly. « Soon my future employer will read this, that’s not good for me, » someone jokes.

Van der Stelt is one of the students who did put her hand. « In your first two years at Vindicat you hardly talk about moral ambition. Those conversations will get further, because you will still think more about your future and what you want to do afterwards, » Van der Stelt explains. The conversations are about what they find important in life and where they would like to work later.

Deathbed

During the symposium, among others, Princess Laurentien, who was discredited because of her role in the recovery operation of the Supplementary Scandal, argues for discovering your ideals. « Don’t think in terms of » what do I want? « , But » what do I stand for?  » For her, moral ambition is to « make companies from within more social », instead of keeping smart people away from large banks, consultancy companies or the business legal profession. Nobel Prize winner for the chemistry Ben Feringa encourages curiosity and follow your passion. « Dare to dream! » He talks about scientists who work on new treatment methods for cancer through a start-up.

When asked who has ideals, only a small majority stabs his hand

Vindicat member Mijke van der Putten (23), who follows a Master Strategic Innovation Management, can agree with the speakers. « What Laurentien said that you can change large companies from the inside appeals to me. I am not sure exactly where I want to work, as long as I make an impact. From the inside or from outside. »

Publicist Simon van Teutem is the only speaker who really responds to ‘moral ambition’. Van Teutem, who did an internship at a bank during his studies, recently wrote the book The Bermuda Triangle of Talent. He warns about postponing the pursuit of your ideals: « Do not regret your deathbed because you have drowned too much time with work that actually does not matter. » A call that resonates with many students, as witnessed the loud applause after his speech.

Inspired

The question is whether it will last. When asked who has ideals, only a small majority stabs its hand. And the vast majority of the students present first want to earn money before social contributions become priority. « Understandable, » says Van Teutem. Many people see consultancy work as an intermediate station, he sees. « But many ultimately stay in their job as a consultant. »

Most students who speak NRC are not yet concerned with their ideals. But for MEE Jansen (23) that is clear. With a bachelor’s degree in the pocket and a master criminal law, her main motivation is: justice. « I can’t handle injustice. It can happen to anyone. My father works in the business world. So at home we have interesting conversations about our society. For example, about what rights suspects should have. »

Jansen sees her future career as a way to contribute to a fairer society. After the symposium, she says that her roommates are inspired by it. « They came to me to say that we really have to talk about moral ambition. »

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