Meet Your Admissions Officers at Maastricht School of Management

As the key contacts in our Admissions Office, Stef, Carlo and Gianluca ensure that every application is processed smoothly and with care. They’re not just reviewing documents—they’re supporting real students with big ambitions. From making sure your paperwork is complete to guiding you through next steps, Stef, Carlo and Gianluca are here to help turn your MSM dream into reality.

Getting to Know Stef, Carlo and Gianluca

Let's meet: Stef Bolte
Hello there! I am Stef, with 2 Master degrees originally trained in intercultural communication, media studies, and critical discourse analysis. Over the years I’ve worn many hats - I’ve volunteered in Sierra Leone and Indonesia, and lived and worked in Malaysia for over five years and helped with refugee integration in the Netherlands before joining MSM. All these diverse experiences have shaped how I see the world and how I engage with people from many walks of life.
I’ve been working with MSM Admissions for over 8 years now. What I enjoy most about my role is to build real relationships with applicants from all over the world, support them through a major life transition, and be part of their story from the very beginning. And we move through that journey of documents, finances, visas and other preparation together until the actual start of the programme! Along with my colleagues Carlo and Gianluca, we try our utmost best to give you a seamless experience!

How do you like to spend your free time?
When I have done my MSM work and household chores, you’ll probably find me gaming. I’m big into the PS5 and Switch, and my playlist is all over the place: Far Cry, Borderlands, Resident Evil, etc. Name it, and most probably I’ve played it (except FIFA). On rainy weekends, when we don’t go out for a hike, bite or activity, it’s game on with the family - Mortal Kombat and Mario Kart battles are a family tradition. No matter how busy life gets, being with my wife and daughter always brings me back to what really matters - and keeps me laughing, even if I lose every single round of Mortal Kombat or Mario Kart.

I’m also a fan of cooking up something tasty, especially when there’s a horror movie or series waiting on the couch afterward. The scarier, the better. Aside of all the entertainment, I watch a lot of news and documentaries to keep up with what’s happening around the world - from geopolitics to social issues. It helps me stay grounded and curious, even in a world that never seems to slow down.

What's a fun fact about you?
Before my university studies, I served as a Mechanised brigade squad recon in the Dutch Armed forces for 2,5 year. I spent 6 months in Bosnia for the SFOR14 peacekeeping mission in 2003, and am officially a veteran. Oh, and I can speak the Indonesian language quite well!

Favourite quote?
“Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do.” - Voltaire

Let's meet: Carlo Rose
Born and raised in the peaceful countryside just outside Maastricht, I bring both a local touch and a global mindset to the Admissions team. With Dutch and German roots and a Master’s degree in International Business from Maastricht University, I have always been drawn to diverse perspectives and new ways of thinking. My open-minded and easy-going nature helps me connect naturally with students, and I feel right at home at MSM, where community, personal attention and meaningful interactions really matter.

How do you like to spend your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy getting hands-on with old-timer tractors, a passion rooted in where I grew up. I also have a real appreciation for brass music; there is something about the energy and tradition that resonates with me. And whether I am restoring something vintage or exploring new roads on a trip, I am always drawn to the stories behind the journey.

What's a fun fact about you?
I always wear happy socks. Always. It is not a gimmick, it is just a small way to add colour and personality to every day.

Favourite quote?
“Knowledge is knowing that tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.” - Brian O'Driscoll

Let's meet: Gianluca Martinelli
Ciao! I’m Gianluca, the Recruitment and Admissions Officer at MSM. Along with Stef and Carlo, I am part of the Admission Team, and together with Inka and Alina, I am also part of the Recruitment Team (I mainly focus on the Master in Management). Besides that, I am also supporting Nicky and Denise in  the Students and Career Services Team. Yeah, I am a bit everywhere!
I was born and raised in Italy until I was 19, then moved to the Netherlands to experience a new adventure. I started working in a pizzeria and, after 2 years of working full-time, I started studying International Business. I graduated in 2022 and immediately started my career as an Online Marketeer. Now I’ve been working at MSM for almost a year.

How do you like to spend your free time?
I love playing or watching football. Sport-related activities attract me a lot. If I don’t have football training, or if the season is over, I like to go for a run, or to the gym. Besides that, I love cooking. When I am home I enjoy trying out new recipes and sharing them with my girlfriend; we’re both food lovers. As already mentioned, I am a big football fan and a passionat AC Milan supporter. When I say big, I mean I often fly to Milan to watch matches if they play on a Saturday, just so can be back in time for my own match on Sunday. It’s usually less than 24h, but always worth it! I also love to travel, especially to sunny destinations. Being used to the Italian weather, living in the Netherlands can be quite challenging. So, whenever we can, we book a flight somewhere warm to relax and recharge.

What's a fun fact about you?
I hate doing nothing or lying on the couch. I prefer keeping myself busy so that by the end of the day, I can feel proud of having had a productive day.

Favourite quote?
“Only those who dare may fly.” - L. Sepulveda

Making Admissions Smooth and Supportive 
So what exactly do Stef, Carlo and Gianluca do? In short, they guide your application from submission to decision, making sure everything is in order along the way.
Their responsibilities include:

• Carefully reviewing each application
• Verifying academic and personal documents
• Coordinating with MSM’s academic team
• Notifying applicants of their admissions status
• Providing support with practical matters like visa documentation

But their work goes beyond admin. Stef, Carlo and Gianluca understand that applying to a programme abroad can be stressful, and they’re here to make the experience more reassuring. If anything is unclear or missing, they’ll personally reach out to help you stay on track.

What to Expect Once You Hit Submit 
Once your application is submitted, Stef, Carlo and Gianluca become your main points of contact at MSM. Here’s what to expect:

• Prompt Updates: They’ll keep you informed about your application status by email.
• Personal Guidance: Need to provide an extra document or clarification? They’ll explain exactly what’s needed and how to submit it.
• Support for What Comes Next: Whether it’s preparing for your arrival, organising your visa documents, or understanding your admission letter, Stef, Carlo and Gianluca will guide you through each step.

Even though they work behind the scenes, Stef, Carlo and Gianluca ensure you’re never left in the dark during the admissions process.

They Are Here to Help
The admissions process doesn’t have to be complicated—especially when you have the right support. Stef, Carlo  and Gianluca are always happy to answer your questions and help you feel confident about your application.
If you’ve submitted your application or are close to doing so and want to double-check your documents or timeline, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Reach out at: msm-admissions@maastrichtuniversity.nl. 

At MSM, we believe that every student deserves a smooth, transparent, and friendly admissions journey - and Stef, Carlo and Gianluca are here to make that happen.