With over 13.000 alumni worldwide, the IHS Alumni Network gathers international experts in urban development from across the globe. In this series we reconnect with some familiar faces and find out more about their professional path after graduation.
Ramiro has a background in architecture, having studied at TU Delft, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Bouwkunde (Architecture). This programme provided him with a strong foundation in design, planning, and construction. After completing the Strategic Urban Planning & Policies track last year, he joined IHS as an Academic Assistant. Outside of work, Ramiro enjoys rowing and is an active member of a theatre group that recently premiered a new show. Read more about his journey below.
A "year abroad", while staying close to home
For Ramiro, the focus on sustainability was one of the things that set the Urban Management and Development (UMD) programme apart. As a Dutch student, he appreciated the opportunity to study in an international environment and learn from peers with diverse cultural backgrounds, all without having to leave the country.
This gave him a unique "year abroad" experience while staying close to home. The interdisciplinary mix of subjects and real-world case studies encouraged him to explore urban challenges from a broader perspective, beyond just the Dutch or European context.
During the programme, Ramiro often felt like he was moving between two worlds. At IHS, everything was in English; from lectures and group work to everyday conversations. It became so normal that switching back to Dutch outside of class sometimes felt a bit odd.
“I had to remind myself when I was outside of IHS- oh right, I need to speak Dutch again,” Ramiro explains.
Conversations with classmates often highlighted aspects of life in the Netherlands that Ramiro had never given much thought. Things like cycling everywhere or the way the housing system works, which felt completely normal to him, often surprised or impressed others. Hearing their perspectives helped him see his surroundings through fresh eyes and appreciate them in a new way.
"I liked explaining how things work in the Netherlands and hearing how others saw them. It helped me see everyday things from a fresh perspective." Ramiro recalls.
From student to staff
While most people know IHS from the perspective of a student, Ramiro also got to experience it as a staff member. After graduating, he joined the institute as an Academic Assistant, where he contributed to a research project that allowed him to apply his analytical skills. His prior experience with QCA methodology, gained during his coursework and thesis, proved especially valuable.
Ramiro’s main focus was on research support, particularly gathering, cleaning, and organising data to expand an existing dataset. But the role involved more than working with numbers. He worked closely with his colleagues to determine which information was relevant and how to connect different pieces of data. At times, this meant reaching out to stakeholders to fill in the gaps. For Ramiro, the goal was always to make the data clear and useful for those who needed it.
The transition from student to staff was smoother than he expected. While it took some time to adjust to working alongside former lecturers, the informal atmosphere and open-door culture at IHS made the shift easier. The communication skills he had developed during the programme continued to serve him well. With colleagues from many different countries, the staff community at IHS reflects the same diversity as its student body, creating an environment where different perspectives shape everyday work.
Ramiro’s next act
After concluding his time at IHS, Ramiro took the next step in his career by joining a new company as a Sustainability Consultant. In this role, he contributed to both the sustainability and housing teams. With his multidisciplinary background, he approaches his work with flexibility and a focus on practical solutions. He enjoys working through complex problems and is motivated by the need to adapt when plans change. Recently, he started a new position as a trainee in real estate asset management, where he hopes to refine his skillset and gain hands-on experience. Outside of work, Ramiro remains active in the theatre group he’s been part of for several years. Their recent premiere marked another highlight for him. He continues to make space for both his professional development and personal interests.
