How to Find Your Dream Job as an International Student

04-11-2024
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Gabriel

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How to Find Your Dream Job as an International Student

You might wonder about working whilst being a student, but trust me I’ve been there, the scheduling, the traveling and what about those Friday night outs just for an extra bit of cash. Anzhelika however is here to share her story on not only the benefits she’s gained working as a student but also to share some tips on how to level up your job seeking and time management.

 

Her Story Begins Here

Anzhelika, a bright-eyed finance student, wandering through a career fair like a kid in a candy store. Amidst the many possibilities , she stumbled upon CEVA Logistics. It was love at first sight! (or at least something like that). CEVA promised real-world experience and a supportive work environment – exactly what she was searching for. However sorting out all that bureaucratic mess (that let’s admit none of us enjoy) would have been a nightmare, however with the help of ISW it was finally possible for her to get started on her career journey.

Jumping into the Real World

Fast forward a bit, and Anzhelika is now an Assistant Controller at CEVA. Sounds fancy, right? Initially, she had to learn everything from scratch, but her manager was a superhero in disguise, guiding her through the intricacies of accounting and financial statements. Along the way, Anzhelika also mastered the art of office small talk and office politics (don’t worry it’s not as bad as it sounds).

 

Why CEVA Chose Anzhelika

Why did CEVA choose Anzhelika? It might have something to do with her 8 GPA and her impressive stint managing finances for a student organization. But it was her proactive approach – think of a friendly yet determined Labrador – that sealed the deal. She reached out to a CEVA employee and showcased her resume like a boss.

This goes to show the power of determination when searching for a job as a student, one has to realise that you definitely don’t have 5+ years of experience (unless you own a time machine) however seeking out employment opportunities and convincing companies why they should take you on is a valuable skill to have.

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Tips that might help you on your job-seeking journey

  • Be Proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Reach out to companies, network, and make your presence known.
  • Stay Organized: A well-thought-out schedule and serious time management skills are your best friends. Use planners, apps, or even sticky notes – just make sure to actually write things down or you’ll forget (Speaking from very personal experience)
  • Network Actively: Join student organizations, attend career fairs, and don’t shy away from contacting companies directly. The more you network, the more opportunities you’ll find.
  • Maintain a Positive Attitude: Challenges will come, but a positive attitude can help you overcome them. Stay optimistic and persistent.
  • Build Good Relationships: Get to know your colleagues and professors. Good relationships can provide support and open doors to new opportunities.
  • Embrace the Learning Curve: Every job will have its learning curve. Embrace it and see each challenge as a chance to grow.

Balancing work and study is like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. Anzhelika managed to make it look easy.

 

Long-Term Prospects and International Teams

CEVA saw a star in Anzhelika and decided to invest in her future. When she needed an internship, CEVA came through despite some initial communication hiccups. After negotiating compensation (always ask for more, folks!), Anzhelika accepted the internship, thrilled about the long-term prospects. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to stick around where they feel valued?

CEVA’s finance team in Nijmegen is a delightful mix of Dutch and international employees. Even though Anzhelika was the lone non-Dutch speaker, the team’s use of English and their friendly attitude made her feel right at home. It’s like being part of an international potluck where everyone brings something unique to the table.

 

Key Takeaways

Anzhelika’s story shows that with a proactive mindset, a bit of networking, and a healthy dose of time management, you can balance work and study while building a career in the Netherlands. So, grab your planner, muster some courage, and dive into the job market – your dream job awaits, and it might just be more fun than you think!

Want to know more about Anzhelika, head on over and check out her Linkdn Profile