Room for Discussion

Room for Discussion is the official student-led interview platform of the University of Amsterdam. We regularly bring a range of leading thinkers to our signature Chesterfield couches at the Roeterseiland Campus: from academics to policymakers, CEOs, journalists, or philosophers. The Room for Discussion stage is situated in the central hall of the E-building at the Roeterseilandcomplex of the University of Amsterdam. The weekly interview sessions are open to everyone. Room for Discussion also manages online platforms including a podcast and a YouTube channel.

What can I learn as a committee member?

As a member of Room for Discussion, you are trained to become a well-rounded critical thinker. You come up with and plan interviews with relevant names from the business, political, or academic environment. Interviews are done by two committee members at a time, who prepare an interviewing document together and bring it to the weekly committee meetings to optimise the structure of the interview and implement potential feedback.

Besides the theory, you also learn the practical side of interviewing: How do you arrange travel plans for a diplomat? How do you successfully promote an interview through online and offline channels? How do you communicate effectively with media teams of renowned speakers? How do you grow a successful discussion platform together with like-minded students?

Testimonial

Ella Otterbeck, Chair 2023–2024

“Room for Discussion presents students with a unique and exciting opportunity to learn essential skills that would be hard to get elsewhere, while contributing to an open discussion climate at the University. Interviewers get the chance to explore topics of their interests, interact with (in)famous thinkers and notables, and learn how to express themselves on stage in front of an audience. Marketing officers work with multiple programs to manage our social media and grow our brand, as well as help out with essential organizational work to keep our events running smoothly. Moreover, everyone in Room for Discussion learns what it means to work in a very tight-knit team and high-performing environment. My promise is that Room for Discussion somehow just sucks you in, and leaves you wondering why you didn’t join sooner! All in all, the Room for Discussion experience is challenging, fun, and meaningful, and I would recommend it to all students!”