Before I started studying Econometrics, I imagined what my dream job would look like. What did it look like? I knew the answer quickly; I had to and would end up at KLM (my friends can confirm that I have been saying this since year one), and I wanted to be able to put my quantitative skills to use. Halfway through my studies, one more wish was added; I wanted a job that would occasionally take me to France.

I closed my eyes and imagined a working day in Paris. I would start my morning with a walk past café terraces that smelled of croissants and espresso. With an extensive lunch (the French way) in the afternoon, I would improve my French in the evening by chatting with people in the neighbourhood. This morning I opened my eyes and this dream had become a reality. I’m not just in Paris every now and then; I get to live there for my work.

Ready for departure

While I was working on my Master's thesis, a vacancy caught my eye: 'Expat Vacancy: Revenue Management Analyst' at Air France-KLM based in Paris. I was already interviewing for another role at KLM, but I couldn't let this opportunity pass me by and decided to apply. In mid-June, I was over the moon when I received the offer and by the end of August, my entire life was packed into six suitcases as I moved to my apartment in Le Marais.

VU as my runway

My Econometrics degree at VU Amsterdam prepared me very well for a role in aviation. Especially in a role where every choice must be justified with data and numbers, a strong mathematical foundation is essential and I certainly got that from the VU. During the programme, there was plenty of flexibility to already dive into aviation (I told you that I had wanted that for some time ;) ). Because the programme was entirely English-taught and internationally oriented, I am now able to work well in a team full of international colleagues. VU Amsterdam was a springboard for my career, but the aspect about the VU that helped me the most with my next step in life was the study association Kraket.

At a Kraket event, I connected with someone from KLM, and thanks to that person, I got my initial introduction to the company. Also, during the application process for my current role, my board year at Kraket immediately stood out. I served as president of the association for a year and gained all the soft skills I needed to start my career. During the interview, I had to demonstrate that I could collaborate effectively, present confidently and manage stakeholders. On my CV, I referred to my board year and my time at the VU as the places where I developed those skills.

World, here I come!

At the VU, I didn’t just get the degree that brought me to Paris and my dream job, but I also developed into a confident young adult who knows what she is talking about. I met my best friends there and had five beautiful years during which we saw each other every day at university. Unfortunately, that time is now over, but luckily they all come to visit me in Paris. :)

Are you a former Kraket member, who'd like to stay in touch with colleagues? Keep an eye out for alumni association Extrie on LinkedIn, sign up for one of their events, or simply shoot them an email through extrievu@gmail.com