Interview
‘Look for something that’s right for you!’ Monique Steegmans Recruiter at Randstad
Monique Steegmans, employment expert and account manager at Randstad, gives advice on what you need to know when you graduate. ‘You may have chosen a programme that you’re still keen on, or you may be following a programme but don’t know where to look next. ‘Find something that’s right for you, whether in employment or further study.’
Keep improving yourself. ‘Being a graduate from a university of applied sciences will always help you in your career,’ says Steegmans. Her advice is to continue studying after obtaining your diploma. ‘Keep improving yourself. That doesn’t necessarily mean studying at university: you can gain knowledge at the company you’re working at or by attending workshops. That’s something that’s really big right now. And "life-long learning" is the motto here. If you keep developing/improving throughout your life, you make sure you are and stay interesting on the labour market.’ Students who are thinking about a gap year and then resuming their studies are advised NOT to do so. ‘If your study programme didn’t quite offer what you were looking for, pick another one, at a higher level, in an area that interests you. Don’t run away from it all by going on a gap year or travelling. The danger is in the distraction: you’re likely to get used to having money, enjoy having new experiences, and never return to studying. Only go travelling once you’ve finished studying.’ Staying on at your internship company Steegmans says that many graduates stay on at their
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internship company. ‘If you’re offered that job after finishing your internship, take it! However, I know that not everyone is given this opportunity.’ She advises them to avoid looking for job openings and instead to find a job via contacts in their network. ‘Your network might not be so large when you’re in your early twenties, so ask your parents, neighbours, relatives, friends, and acquaintances.’ You’ll get there! ‘If that doesn’t work out, find five companies in the region that you’d like to work at. Try to get in contact with someone from HR and arrange an introductory meeting to get more information about the company and whether you’d enjoy working there. Of course, you still have to be well prepared and able to answer questions like: “Why you would you like to work for our company?”. Take a look at the annual report, the website, and research what the company is good at and less good at. In conclusion, these are my tips: Gather information, look for the study programme or work that suits you, apply, network, and get in contact with people! Good luck to all graduates! Don’t give up – you’ll get there!’
