Defensity College

In addition to her studies in econometrics at Tilburg University, Jessy Massop works as a military work-study student at Defensity College. "Together with 193 other working students, I connect the academic and military worlds and dedicate myself to establishing peace and security. However, of all the working students, only two, including me, come from Tilburg University. I'd like to see that number increase!"

It was at 5000ft altitude when Jessy saw the light switch to green. Subsequently the door of the plane opened. The instructor waved her over and she had to slide towards the opening and then sit down on the edge, like she had learned the day prior. When the instructor then asked "Ready?", Jessy looked down and thought, "Not really". Before she realized, she was pushed and was hanging in the air alone.

Three days and a total of five jumps later, Jessy received her parawing during the so-called wing ceremony and thus obtained her military parachutist's licence.

"This is one of the experiences I have had since I started working at Defensity College, the Ministry of Defense military student programme. Together with 193 other working students, I connect the academic and military worlds and work for peace and security. However, only two of all work-study students, including myself, come from Tilburg University. I would like to see that number rise!

As a working student at Defensity, you work one or two days a week on a project that ties in with your studies. You do this as a soldier in the navy, army, air force or, in my case, the Military Police. "I am currently part of a team of data analysts working on a study for the Defense Security Inspectorate (ISD) to gain insight into incident reports within the Ministry of Defense. After six months, you change working places and get a new project. This takes you to many places and you get to know the company very well."

During exam periods, she doesn't work for a while, or less, because studies always take priority at Defensity College. "The work-study programme is set up in such a way that you have to obtain credits in order to continue working. You can improve your rank if you have enough military experience, enough credits and have developed yourself personally through the training programme."

You will begin attending basic military training after you are commissioned. This is compulsory for all working students. You will spend two five-day internships, with a weekend in between when you can go home. Here, you learn how to behave as a soldier and what skills are involved and required for becoming a soldier. "On the very first day, a weapon is placed in your hands. After learning all about this weapon and practicing with it in the simulator, you are allowed to shoot real bullets on the shooting range. That was exciting but very cool! Finally, you go on bivouac, where you learn tactics in the field and during a final exercise you put everything you have learned into practice.

The training is tough, but great fun! You develop a close relationship with your group and above all you get to know yourself very well; how you react under pressure and in stressful situations, how well you can lead and of course your perseverance is put to the test."

Even after completing your military training, you can continue to develop by taking part in so-called 'groundbreaking activities'. You can do this by obtaining your parawing, for example, or by simply being drilled over an obstacle course until you can do no more. You are always pushed to the limit and as a result you get the best out of yourself time and time again.

Besides work, study and military activities, there is also a lot of fun. Defensity College is actually a student structure within the Ministry of Defense, which of course includes dinners, galas and next year's anniversary celebrations! On these occasions you get to know other working students better and exchange experiences.

"At the moment there are only two of us representing Tilburg, but we would like to have more students from Tilburg as colleagues, to put Tilburg on the map within Defensity College!" So, have you read Jessy's experiences with interest, take a look at this page or feel free to contact Jessy if you have any questions!