To Be an Entrepreneur or a Corporate Professional?

20th International Talent & Food Festival at VU Amsterdam

On Friday, 20th of July 2025, Monika Matuszewska – international career coach, intercultural communication specialist, and founder of LaMatu – will lead an interactive Table Topic discussion “To Be an Entrepreneur or a Corporate Professional?” as part of the 20th International Talent & Food Festival at VU Amsterdam.

The Festival brings together an exceptional community of globally minded students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. With more than 40 nationalities represented across past editions, it has become one of Amsterdam’s most dynamic platforms for international talent development. With 19 previous events, 790+ attendees, and participants from 40+ nationalities, the Festival offers a vibrant setting to learn, connect, and grow.

Event Details

📅 When: Friday, 11th of July 2025, 17:30 – 22:00
📍 Where: VU Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
🎯 What: 20th International Talent & Food Festival

About the Session: “Entrepreneurship vs Corporate Life: Which Path Fits You Best?”

More than 60% of people dream of starting their own business, yet fewer than 10% ever take the leap. At the same time, corporate careers offer stability, structure, and growth opportunities that many early-stage entrepreneurs struggle to access.

Both paths can be deeply fulfilling—yet each comes with its own mindset, challenges, and rewards. Entrepreneurs navigate uncertainty but gain ownership, autonomy, and endless space for creativity. Corporate professionals benefit from mentorship, clear progression ladders, and organisational support, but may sometimes feel constrained by hierarchy or limited decision-making freedom.

So how do you decide which direction truly aligns with your personality, values, and long-term vision?

During this special 20th edition of ITFF, this Table Topic invites participants to explore the question: To Be an Entrepreneur or a Corporate Professional?

1. Who are you at your core?

• ⚪️ What kind of environment helps you thrive: a fast-moving, unpredictable setting or a structured, stable organisation?

• ⚪️ What motivates you most—freedom, impact, creativity, security, or progression?

• ⚪️ Do you see yourself building something from 0 to 1—developing ideas, creating products, or shaping teams?
  Or do you prefer contributing to a well-established structure with clear roles and responsibilities?

   

2. What have your past experiences taught you?

• ⚪️ Have you tried entrepreneurship or worked in a corporate role? What did those experiences reveal about your strengths, preferences, or boundaries?

• ⚪️ If you’ve only explored one side so far, what questions or assumptions do you have about the other?

   

3. Which direction are you leaning toward—and why?

• ⚪️  What path speaks to you at this moment in your life?

• ⚪️  What challenges do you anticipate on that journey—and how can you prepare yourself to navigate them with confidence?

   

💼 For Whom?

This session is designed for:

• ⚪️ Students preparing to transition into the workforce

• ⚪️ Young professionals seeking direction, clarity, or support in their next career steps

• ⚪️ Entrepreneurs looking for guidance from experienced founders or industry experts

• ⚪️ Anyone interested in building purposeful, long-term professional relationships

Why Join This Festival?

Previous attendees come for:

• ⚪️ 91% – Networking opportunities

• ⚪️ 75% – The international community vibe

• ⚪️ 46% – Gaining more knowledge about the topic

• ⚪️ 42% – Career opportunities

About Monika Matuszewska

Monika is an Amsterdam-based career and leadership coach specialising in supporting international professionals working across borders. Through her company, LaMatu, she helps clients build meaningful careers, strengthen intercultural communication skills, and thrive in global organisations. Her coaching blends cultural intelligence, values-driven leadership, and practical workplace strategy tailored to the realities of multicultural teams. Monika’s approach draws on her 20+ years of international corporate experience (IBM, L’Oréal, Philips, Dyson), her academic background across four European universities, and her coaching practice supporting international professionals from over 60 nationalities. She will guide participants through practical examples drawn from her own experience as a mentor in multiple international programmes and her work with global professionals navigating complex career transitions.

Venue

This edition of the International Talent & Food Festival takes place at VU Amsterdam, one of the city’s most well-known academic hubs located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Knowledge District in Buitenveldert. Located near the Zuidas business district and surrounded by research institutes, startups, and multinational headquarters, the area reflects the international, innovation-focused atmosphere of the event. Attendees often appreciate the modern facilities, open spaces, and easy access to a wide selection of cafés and restaurants. The campus is easy to reach from across the city, making it an ideal location for students, young professionals, and international visitors.

📍 Easy to Reach from Amsterdam City Centre

VU Amsterdam is conveniently connected to Amsterdam Zuid Station, one of the city’s major transport interchanges. From Amsterdam Central Station, the venue can be reached in around 15 minutes by metro or train, offering a smooth journey for anyone travelling from the centre or other parts of the Randstad. Its excellent accessibility makes VU Amsterdam a strong choice for international and local professionals attending events, conferences, and talent development programmes.

VU University
De Boelelaan 1105
1081 HV Amsterdam
The Netherlands

🚆 Public Transport Access

• Metro: M52 (North–South Line) to Amsterdam Zuid + short tram/bus ride

• Train: Direct connections from Amsterdam Central, Schiphol, Utrecht, and The Hague

• Tram/Bus: Multiple lines stop within walking distance of the main campus buildings

🚗 Arriving by Car

The campus is close to the A10 ring road, with several nearby parking garages. Guests arriving from outside Amsterdam or elsewhere in the Netherlands will find the location simple to navigate to.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for inspiration and general reference only. While LaMatu aims to keep details accurate and up to date, LaMatu cannot guarantee their completeness or correctness. LaMatu is not responsible for any changes, updates, or cancellations related to this event. LaMatu disclaims any liability for errors, omissions, or decisions made based on this information. For the most current details, please refer to the official event organisers.