"At Sterksen, it's about much more than work - the most important thing is fun."
"At Sterksen, it's about much more than work - the most important thing is fun."
As a recent graduate, it's always a bit of a search for the next step. What are you going to do when all options are open? For Amber Lambregts, a great opportunity came her way: to continue working at the same organization where she did her graduation project. Below you can read how she came to this choice and what she thinks of it so far.
How did you end up at Sterksen?
"I was approached by a fellow student of mine. He told me about the nice atmosphere and the possibilities available. Soon I was at the front door of the monumental building in Breda. During my intake interview and application process, I became very excited to complete my graduation project at Sterksen. Now since last summer I have graduated and am in permanent employment at Sterksen."
What made you stay?
"I got a good picture of the organization during my internship. My graduation project consisted of researching how the different business units within Sterksen could work better together. My colleagues were very helpful and involved, allowing me to apply research methods such as focus groups and a Sterksen (world) café.
The nice thing about this was that as a result, many steps had already been taken by the colleagues themselves to strengthen cooperation. For example, different business units sought each other out more often and involved each other more in ongoing projects. The fact that everyone is listened to, there is a lot of room for personal input, and of course the great colleagues have ensured that I stayed on after my studies. The many fun outings organized to enjoy together besides work also contribute to this. "
What does your role now look like within Sterksen?
"I stepped into the role of corporate recruiter. My colleagues within Sterksen are an expert in the recruitment field, so I find it very instructive to get started here and gain experience. However, I did want to find colleagues for our own organization so that I stay in touch with HR. I really like it so far and am very much in place within Sterksen. Everyone is extremely helpful and there is room to make mistakes. That is especially nice for me - as a newcomer to the job market. After all, I expect to learn a lot here and develop myself as a professional."
Would you like to join the Sterksen team? Then take a look among our vacancies.
Have you spotted our new employer branding video yet?
Have you spotted our new employer branding video yet?
When you think of recruitment, you can't ignore marketing anymore. That's why we offer the service Recruitment Marketing, to help organizations create or expand the employer brand and translate this into targeted campaigns, work-at-home websites and content. And how can it be otherwise than that we also use this for ourselves! For example through our cool new employer brand video.
Our corporate culture revolves around personal attention and commitment, both to our clients and our colleagues. Our team is young, innovative, informal and professional. At the end of 2022, we were even officially certified as a Great Place To Work (GPTW). This was a great recognition of who we want to be as an employer. In the GPTW survey, our employees rated us highly on the themes of fair treatment, diversity & inclusion, responsibility and independence within the job. An example of one of the many great metrics: over 86% of colleagues look forward to coming to work and would recommend Sterksen to friends and family.
This is just a sampling of the Sterksen story we have to tell. For more, check out our employer branding video. And after watching, do you think, "gosh, I want to work in this cozy environment where I can learn and grow a lot?". Then take a quick look at our job openings.
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit!
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit!
It's October again and that means Oktoberfest! Also at Sterksen we celebrate Oktoberfest every year. From the beginning of the month we were already talking about it in the corridors of Sterksen: "Are we really going to wear Oktoberfest outfits?", "Are you looking forward to it too?" and "Have you arranged your dirndl or lederhosen?".
Thursday, October 26 was the day! The Breda office was transformed into a real Oktoberfest with a complete beer cantus: long beer tables, Tiroler hats, beer mugs, Apfelkorn and bratwurst for dinner. Everyone sang along to the German songs in their lederhosen, dirndl and ski suits. After the beer cantus we played games together like table soccer, beer pong and sang some great songs at the karaoke.
What also made this evening so successful? Everyone was present; new colleagues (who had yet to start) as well as colleagues who have been working at Sterksen for some time and even former colleagues. But you didn't notice that because everyone clicked well together. One thing is for sure: gemütlichkeit, that's what you can expect at Sterksen parties!
Cruising the canals of Breda
Cruising the canals of Breda
On September 8, 2023, in the sun-drenched city center of Breda, it was time for the annual Sterksen boat outing. A tradition we maintain to enjoy each other besides working hard. For us a good and pleasant team feeling is the basis of good results on the work floor.
A large club of Sterksen colleagues gathered in the afternoon to sail the canals of Breda for 2.5 hours. With refreshing drinks and a gentle breeze, it was a great time. The BBQ was then turned on to provide everyone with delicious snacks. When the sun with its last rays colored the sky orange, the outing ended with one last drink on the terrace.
It was an enjoyable evening where the focus was on getting to know new colleagues further and above all having fun - and we certainly succeeded. We are already looking forward to the next outing!
Sterksen celebrates 20 years
Sterksen celebrates 20 years
We did not let Sterksen's 20th anniversary go by unnoticed. In 2022, an activity was organized each month to work toward December 2, the day Sterksen was allowed to blow out 20 candles.
The past years were full of adventures, successes, new talents and challenges. Without a team full of motivated and specialized colleagues, we could never achieve this milestone. Therefore, we felt it was important to work towards Sterksen's "birthday" throughout the year. Think of nice surprises at the office, such as massage chairs, scoop ice cream, chocolate milk with whipped cream during working hours. But certainly also the necessary parties. Like a barbecue with live music for all colleagues, their partners and children. We also organized a cocktail party on a hot summer day, where Lead RPO Consultant Naveen delighted us with delicious drinks as an accomplished cocktail shaker. And in October, of course, only one kind of party could take place: an Oktoberfest including German Schlager music.
So under the guise of "birthday treats," founder Donald Derksen dealt out big time. Since Sterksen would not be the same without him, he also deserved to be put in the limelight. That is why a group of colleagues behind the scenes was busy working on a very special gift. A unique painting by and for Donald, which of course got a prominent place in our Breda office.
Just a few days later, we celebrated - to top it off - our anniversary with a smashing party in Roaring 20's theme. A great time to celebrate together, reflect on the past years and certainly also look ahead. Because we are ready for the next 20 years!