Michiel Nijsten

I couldn't live without my sport

Ever since I was little, I have been involved in sports whether it was tennis, volleyball, athletics or kickboxing, I could never sit still. But one sport always stood out for me: soccer. I have been playing soccer since I was 5 years old and it soon became clear that I had "some" talent for it. 

For example, I have the "opportunity" received to play youth series soccer in first class. 

My time was taken up with soccer and fitness training and competitions, so I had little time for other things. Which was true because often enough I had to finish my school tasks in the car or study for a test in the bus when we had an away game for example to Ostend. But after a while you start to get into a routine, you start working ahead and you learn to plan your time better. Thanks to my soccer, I discovered the value of working hard and developing yourself to become even better. This created a positive competitive mindset to possibly reach new heights. 

There were also many great moments like the different tournaments in different countries. So I was able to see many countries at a young age such as: North Holland , Portugal, France, Italy, Germany, etc. Soccer allowed me to see a lot of the world. The farthest I ended up going was America. I got the "opportunity" to live in California for three months. Of course, as an 18-year-old, I immediately took this "opportunity" with both hands, especially when I heard the word "California. 

My American Life

So as an 18-year-old I left for America and lived with friends of my family for three months. After seeing all the tourist activities and places I needed to keep myself busy. And what better way to keep myself busy than soccer. I had enrolled in a Sunday league where I met new people who shared the same passion with me. During some games, a coach from the university saw me playing soccer and offered me a scholarship. And I was able to get this "opportunity" not to be left out anyway, surely ! 

After I explained to my parents what opportunity was offered to me and my visa was in order, I officially left for America as a 19-year-old. Where I ended up staying for 6 years. 

I experienced the first 2 years of "My personal American Dream" in California. I had the time of my life: study, friends, sun, sea, beach, adventure and of course soccer. I had everything I wanted, but California is more expensive than I thought.

After two years, I was again offered a new scholarship from Kansas Wesleyan University. One that allowed me to play soccer at a higher level, where my entire studies were paid for as well as my stay. Another "opportunity", which I couldn't pass up. So I left for Salina, Kansas and embarked on a brand new adventure. 

When I got there, I quickly noticed that it wasn't exactly sun, sea, beach like California but luckily there was the soccer. It was a completely different level, my days were more filled and expectations were higher. After 2 years in Kansas, I received my degree as a Bachelor in Marketing. I had had a great time. Thanks to my good grades and extra activities outside of school, I was eligible to get my MBA.

After getting my MBA degree, I was eligible to work in America for 1 year. So I decided to go back to California. To the sun, sea and beach, which I had missed so much. But without my scholarship, I noticed how expensive life was in California. After 8 months, I decided to come back to Belgium as a 25-year-old and put a point behind "My American Life." In Belgium, I looked for a job and finally got the "opportunity" to work for Digitong.

Digitong, my future

I have many opportunities had in life but Digitong is definitely one of the better ones. Just like in soccer, I was able to develop myself further at Digitong to become an even better marketer. For example, thanks to Digitong, I have been able to pursue my passion for SEO  and SEA discovered and given the opportunity to develop myself into a better marketer. develop. 

I was also able to keep "My american life" at Digitong. We have many international clients, a fair number of which are from America. Having lived so much of my life in America, I naturally enjoy being in touch with the culture and working atmosphere. At Digitong, I have the opportunity Got to manage American clients and rediscover this culture and work atmosphere.

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