Julie Brakenhoff is MSP Consultant Sourcing at Staffing MS (part of HR-tech service provider HeadFirst Group). "From the moment I started here in April, I felt welcome," says Julie Brakenhoff. Previously, she worked in the insurance sector at Alicia, a partner of HeadFirst Group, and that is what eventually brought her here. The experience she has in sales, recruitment and HR matched perfectly with her current role. We asked how she experienced the first few months.

Julie can be found at the Staffing MS office in Hoofddorp every day. "Since I've only been employed for just two months, I've mainly been busy onboarding," she explains. "Now, after my onboarding, I am starting to get a good idea of the work. This is a new experience for me, as I previously worked mainly at startups. I notice, for example, that here the onboarding period is better organized. On the first day, we discussed the schedule and which training sessions I would attend and when," she says. "When you start here, you get the opportunity to take the Lean Yellow Belt training. I feel really well supported here."

What is your background?

Although her previous work was similar in some areas, she has no Consultancy experience. "In my previous work, I dealt with acquisition of new partners, who then sell insurance on their platforms, such as HeadFirst, for example. I also have some recruitment and HR experience, so I know how to put out certain requests."

What does an MSP Consultant Sourcing do?

One aspect of her job that Julie really enjoys is the contact with customers. "I regularly go over requests with clients. You get to know the customer better and better, and it's easy to ask each other questions or just send an app. Currently I am in the process of taking over a client and soon another one will be added," she explains. "I have regular meetings with managers about new assignments, I also assess applicants and send their information to the client. Furthermore, I do administrative tasks, such as processing changes in assignments, for example renewals or rate increases. If there are questions about renewals or new assignments, I give advice in that regard. I also regularly participate in consultations with various teams to improve the service where necessary."

What advancement opportunities do you see for yourself?

Asked about her future prospects within the company, Julie explains that she was initially looking for a junior scrum master position. "During the conversation with the recruiter, I indicated that I wanted to work at a tech company that has its own platform, like HeadFirst Group's Select," Julie explains. "That way I can develop myself further, because I find that incredibly interesting. During the job interview I mentioned that there are many aspects I like, and that factored into my choice. So I could grow into account management, business consultancy, or maybe a position within HeadFirst Group." Julie emphasizes that growth doesn't have to be only vertical. "Horizontal growth I also find interesting. I notice that there is definitely room for personal development here."

How is the cooperation within your team?

"Here I feel supported," she explains. "Of course I'm being inducted and I know what's expected of me, but it's also a combination of learning new things. And if a colleague is busy, we definitely jump in and support each other. At the moment I am being trained by Thomas and I can always approach him with questions. The cooperation within the consultant team is going really well, and I really like that."

What makes your work so enjoyable and distinctive?

Julie emphasizes the impact she can make in this tight job market, "It's nice to see that my efforts are ultimately going to help fill vacancies quickly." She describes the culture within Staffing MS as informal, professional and fun. "Of course we have parties and fun team activities that everyone can participate in, and regular events are organized. There is also a celebration every month where cake is treated from HeadFirst Group. Even though my label is in Rotterdam, a cake is also delivered in Rotterdam every month!"