1. Isabel Estrada
Nettelbosje, 2
9747AE Groningen,
The Netherlands
December 28, 2012
To whom it may concern:
I am writing on behalf of Vincent Vinken regarding the position he is applying to in your organization. I am Assistant
Professor at the Department of Innovation Management and Strategy in the University of Groningen. I am the
responsible lecturer of the course ‘Research Paper’ of the Pre-Master program ‘Strategic Innovation Management’,
in which Vincent enrolled in the academic course 2012-2013. Subsequently, Vincent enrolled in the Master ‘Strategic
Innovation Management’, taking the course ‘Organizing for Innovation’ (2013-2014), in which I am also involved as a
lecturer. Finally, Vincent developed his Master Thesis under my supervision, between January and June 2014. As a
result, I have gotten to know Vincent quite well. I am able to provide reliable information about his abilities.
During his Pre-master and Master studies, Vincent developed important knowledge and skills in the area
of strategic innovation management. In addition, as an undergraduate student, Vincent was a pleasure to work with
because of his motivation and positive attitude. I still remember when Vincent passed by my office and told me that
he really wanted to study the learning dynamics in a health-care multi-party alliance and develop his Master thesis
under my supervision, because of my expertise. His motivation and perseverance quickly convinced me.
Vincent has showed himself as focused on learning, advancing his competences and doing his best,
showing resilience to increases in workload. While showing high levels of independence and creativity, Vincent has
exhibited always a strong willingness to accept my criticisms and use them to improve the final product. The thesis
of Vincent was based on a case study, a methodology that is very time-consuming, lacks standards procedures
and requires lots of patience and flexibility to deal with unexpected problems. Vincent managed quite well the data
collection process, coming up with improved solutions to analyze rich qualitative data.
Finally, Vincent has proved himself to be a highly goal-oriented person, who strives to fulfill the agreed
targets and overcome unexpected problems. While developing his Master thesis, Vincent experienced some
unfortunate personal circumstances, which delayed his project in one month. Although I offered him the possibility to
get an extension, Vincent insisted that he was willing to make an extra effort. He stressed that he wanted to deliver
a good thesis, and asked me to keep providing him with critical feedback. Vincent finally submitted his thesis in the
regular deadline. The quality and rigor of his thesis was not affected, as proved by the good grade he received.
With his motivation, determination and knowledge of strategic innovation management, I am sure Vincent would
be an excellent fit for your organization, actively contributing to creating value. I highly recommend Vincent for the
available position. If you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
Isabel Estrada
Assistant Professor, University of Groningen
i.estrada.vaquero@rug.nl