At Concept7, we believe that quality education and a strong professional practice cannot exist in isolation. Educational programs prepare tomorrow's professionals for the field. Working in the heart of that industry every day, we see how the profession evolves, what knowledge is required, and which methods and techniques actually add value in practice. That is precisely why we are committed to keeping these two worlds connected.
From theory to practice and back again
In programs such as Communication, Applied Psychology, Communication & Multimedia Design (CMD), Design, Computer Science, Data Science, and AI, students learn to work with models, frameworks, research methods, and techniques that prepare them for their future careers. At Concept7, many of those methods are put directly into practice. In our user research and UX lab, we study how people actually use digital products. We work with user research, interviews, focus groups, target group segmentation, personas, usability testing, and various forms of validation.
In doing so, we try to design based on assumptions as little as possible. Ideas and concepts are researched, tested, and refined. What we learn from real users forms the foundation for design and development.
This builds the connection between research, UX, and technology that drives our ambition: creating products users love.
Students in the centre of professional practice
For Concept7, that connection with education means we always try to make room for students looking to develop within the field. That includes Applied Psychology, UX, or Communication students who want to gain hands-on experience in user research. CMD, art academy, and design students looking to further develop their UX and digital design skills. As well as Computer Science, Data Science, and AI students eager to explore and apply innovative technologies.
To us, an internship is about much more than just observing. Students need to experience how the knowledge from their degree program is applied to real-world challenges, for real clients and real users. But as far as we're concerned, the bridge between education and practice doesn't stop with students. Educators need to get their hands dirty once in a while, too. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping tomorrow’s professionals. They possess extensive subject-matter and pedagogical expertise, maintaining connections with organizations through internships, graduation projects, and advisory boards. Yet, there is a clear difference between maintaining contact with the field and actively standing right back in the middle of it.
That is why Concept7 also makes space for teacher externships. A teacher externship gives educators the opportunity to actively participate in projects once again and experience firsthand how the models, frameworks, methods, and techniques they teach are used in today’s professional practice. And it’s a two-way street. We benefit from the deep knowledge and critical perspective of the academic world, while teachers bring real-time industry experience, cases, and practical examples back to their students.
Susan Veldstra: Where theory meets practice
Over the past period, we were delighted to welcome another teacher to our team. Susan Veldstra actively participated in research on cultural participation at Concept7. This nationwide study investigates the extent to which there is a need for a national platform to support cultural participation - a challenge where research, audience insights, and UX intersect, and where Susan could directly connect her academic
Susan reflects on her teacher externship as follows:
What stood out to her most was seeing that the topics covered in the degree program—such as focus group interviews, target group segmentation, personas, and usability testing—are genuinely used in practice. It was wonderful to see, confirming that what we teach our students truly aligns with real-world industry demands. Plus, it immediately provides a wealth of fresh examples to bring back to the classroom.
The team at Concept7 was fantastic as well—I felt completely welcome right from the start and had a great time with them. I would highly recommend a teacher placement at Concept7 to other colleagues! It gives you a fresh, realistic perspective on the field, which is incredibly valuable for our curriculum.
Susan Veldstra
Senior lecturer - International Communication
A better alignment leads to better professionals
For Concept7, collaborating with educational institutions is not a standalone initiative or simply a way to find new talent. We see it as part of our responsibility to the industry. Students bring fresh knowledge, curiosity, and new perspectives to our organization. Educators bring theoretical depth and insight into what the new generation of professionals is learning. In return, we offer current industry experience, real-world cases, research challenges, and technological developments. When these worlds meet regularly, a valuable synergy emerges.
Because ultimately, education and industry share the same goal: training professionals who understand who they are building for, who dare to test assumptions, who can validate their decisions, and who leverage technology to create better products and experiences.
At Concept7, we are proud to contribute to that goal.
Are you a student or educator curious about what it’s like to work with Concept7? We love making space for people who are curious, eager to investigate, want to experiment, and are ready to put their expertise into practice.