As board secretary at Rijn IJssel and labour market strategist with the Human Capital Team of The Economic Board, Corine Bos plays a connecting role between educational institutions and the labour market. With a background in both HBO and MBO - and years of experience in regional cooperation - she knows better than anyone how important that is. "I work four hours a week at The Economic Board, but my involvement goes beyond those hours. I live here, I live here, and I feel responsible for what is going on in this region."
The silent force between the links
Corine’s work centres on strategic advice and bridging the gap between worlds that do not always understand one another naturally. She works on issues such as untapped labour potential and governance matters, and facilitates collaboration with labour market regions. For example, she is currently involved in the multi-year agenda for the Midden-Gelderland labour market region, where she contributes the perspectives of education and the regional economy.
In addition, she is contributing ideas on the deployment of administrative ambassadors for the Human Capital Agenda, exploring the possibilities for a network of regional grant experts, and is indirectly involved in the energy transition practoraat. Her work on the Lifeport Welcome Centre, as a hub for better attracting and retaining international talent, further underscores her role as a bridge between policy, education and practice. 
Corine Bos, labour market strategist
Heart for Lifeport Arnhem Nijmegen Region
What motivates Corine is her genuine commitment to the region. Corine says "I studied here, I work here, I live here. Then you also have a stake in what happens here yourself. That makes the work meaningful." This intrinsic motivation ensures that she switches between parties, perspectives and projects with enthusiasm. "I don't experience hidden agendas. Everyone wants the best for the region and then working together is just fun."
The bridge between education and the labour market
A strength of Corine is that she moves effortlessly between sectors. She explains "I am neither a teacher nor an economist or an entrepreneur. I am exactly in between. As a result, I speak both languages and can translate between education and regional economic developments."
A smile as a life motto
Alongside her work, Corine is active at Loesje – the organisation known for its sharp and humorous texts. One of her favourite quotes, on the theme of the labour market and work? “When are you actually a hard-working Dutch person?” A tongue-in-cheek take on the debate about work pressure.
But her personal (and aptly summery) motto comes from a different angle:
"What the sun is to the sunflower, a smile is to the human being," he says.
According to Corine, there is a profound truth in this. “Kindness lifts people up. Even at work, when you’re working together, you need to want to support one another and help each other move forward.” 
Holiday tip: discover the Netherlands by bicycle
For anyone wanting to try something new this summer, Corine has an original tip: the Pieterpad – by bike. “You get to know the Netherlands in a completely different way. You don’t need to set aside weeks for it; you can cover a fair bit in just one week,” she says. Why go far afield when there’s so much to see and do in your own country, after all? Corine believes, “The Pieterpad is highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy the countryside, peace and quiet, and some exercise. And to discover all sorts of other regions in the Netherlands!”
