''Working at HeadFirst Group helps me tremendously. I immediately recognize theory in practice, which makes studying easier.''
Eva Voskuil & Danieck van Geijlswijk | Working students
Working as a working student at HeadFirst Group
Are you a student and looking for a challenging side job that perfectly matches your studies and boosts your resume? At HeadFirst Group as a working student you get the chance to gain practical experience in a professional working environment. Eva Voskuil (19, Marketing & Communications) and Danieck van Geijlswijk (22, HR) both work at HeadFirst Group for one and a half years and tell us what it's like.
For both students it is clear: practical experience is super valuable. Danieck, who is in the final year of her HR studies, says: "Working at HeadFirst Group helps me tremendously. I recognize theory directly in practice, which makes studying easier." Eva, first-year Business Studies, adds: "My studies are broad and through this work experience I now know better which side of Marketing & Communications I like best." The flexibility in working hours makes it easier to combine work and study. Eva: "Sometimes I work two half days and one full day, and another week differently. That makes it easy for me to combine my work at HeadFirst Group with my studies." Danieck adds, "I can determine my days myself, which allows me to coordinate work, study and private life well."
The ideal mix of flexibility
HeadFirst Group offers the opportunity for working students to work hybrid. This is convenient if you have just had college, for example. Eva: "Sometimes I work at home for a few hours after a morning lecture, which saves travel time and is efficient." Still, both prefer working in the office. Danieck: "You learn the most by being physically present. At the office you also develop socially and build a bond with your colleagues faster." Eva adds: "The social contact and sociability in the office make the work extra fun."
Not a working student, but full-fledged colleague
What sets HeadFirst Group apart is the way work students are treated as full-fledged colleagues. Eva and Danieck, for example, have official job titles: Eva as Marketing & Communications Officer and Danieck as HR Assistant. What do you do on a workday in this role?
Eva: "I work on internal and external communications, from social media to newsletters and website management. That gives a lot of responsibility and ensures that I learn quickly." Danieck plays an important role within HR, supporting various operational tasks: "For example, I deal with contract renewals, salary changes, absence registration and the Onboarding for new employees. "
''I really like that I can arrange my hours flexibly - that way it's always easy to combine with school.''
Lots of learning, lots of variety
Both Eva and Danieck work closely with different departments within HeadFirst Group. Eva: "Our Marketing and Communications team works a lot with HR, Facility & Events and team Engineering, especially for managing the website and internal communications. We also support Public Affairs in disseminating updates on legislation and regulations."
Danieck works with almost all teams within the organization: "HR deals with everyone. For example, I have a lot of contact with Marketing & Communications and with Corporate Recruitment for offers to possible new starters. This makes the work very dynamic." These collaborations provide broad development, according to both ladies. In addition, their work experience at HeadFirst Group gives them a new perspective on their field. Eva: "At school I mainly learn about marketing models, but here I notice how creativity and strategy come together in practice. That is a valuable addition to my studies." Danieck: "I learned how HR policy really works. What sometimes remains abstract in college, I can directly apply here."
"I thought I would mainly put school knowledge into practice, but through this work I actually understand my studies better - and that's a nice bonus.
projects to be proud of
Both students have already completed impactful projects. Eva: "I spent months working on the launch of the new Striive website and I'm getting to work on revamping HeadFirst Group's social media channels." Danieck: "I have a role in the onboarding of new employees and it's nice to see that colleagues appreciate it." Onboarding is the process in which new employees are introduced to the organization. This begins on the first day of work and continues for five weeks until they are fully settled in.
A work atmosphere where you can be yourself
What makes HeadFirst Group such a great place to work? Eva and Danieck quickly agree: the open and warm working atmosphere. Danieck: "You can be 100% yourself here. Everyone is accepted as they are." Eva adds, "It's a place where you are challenged to grow, but where you also really feel at home."
Eva also emphasizes how important her supervisor Natasja Spooren-Wassenaar (Manager of Marketing & Communications) is to her: "Natasja gave me a lot of trust and space to develop myself from the beginning. Her guidance ensured that I quickly felt at home within the team and that I could really contribute something."
Finally, tips for prospective work-study students.
For students looking for a side job alongside their studies, they have a clear message: just do it! Danieck: "My studies are easier thanks to this place. You have your evenings and weekends free, it's well paid and you get a warm team in return." Eva also emphasizes the benefits for your career: "Many students get stuck after their studies because they have no experience. This is the perfect way to get a head start already and build your network."