How Yasmijn landed her Data Engineer role at Robeco
Meet Yasmijn, Data Engineer at Robeco, where she's already built three data products from start to finish in her first six months. Her path there started at the HerFuture Grand Summit, where a seat at Robeco's table changed how she saw a career in finance. One coffee chat with the recruiter led to a meeting with a manager and, shortly after, a job offer. It's a story about how networking and culture fit can matter just as much as what's on your CV.
How it all started
After returning from my Erasmus in Tokyo and starting my last year of uni, reality hit me: I was like, ok, it's time to make a plan. As I was originally planning to pursue a Master's, I decided to take a gap year after graduating to gain some work experience. I knew it was time to build my network, but I didn't know where to start.
How HerFuture contributed to my path
A friend of mine recommended HerFuture as the go-to community to meet other women in tech and explore exciting career opportunities through events. Shortly after, I attended the Grand Summit, a career fair with dinner and a great chance to meet recruiters face-to-face.
The magic moment
I was seated at a table with Robeco, and I must admit that I was originally hesitant about considering a career in the finance world. But as I met women from Robeco's data department whose character really resonated with me, I realized how collaborative and non-hierarchical their company culture is.
Getting my foot in the door
After the Summit, I reached out to the recruiter from Robeco for a coffee chat. That conversation led to a meeting with a manager and, shortly after, a job offer! At first I was in disbelief, and my imposter syndrome kicked in, but I told myself: if this company hired you, it's because they believe you can do it. I allowed myself to ask questions and found everyone to be so supportive and trusting.
Where I am now & what I do
In these past six months at Robeco, I've already built three new data products from start to finish. It's great to have so much ownership early on! I'm really grateful for my coding background in Java, it's made the transition from uni to first job much easier.
My advice to women who want to land a career in tech
This whole experience made me realize how important networking is. People underestimate it, but if you don't go out and try, you're eliminating a whole lot of possibilities. Reach out to people on LinkedIn, at events, propose coffee chats: the worst they can do is ghost you, and in that case, it wasn't meant to be in the first place.
Secondly, culture fit is so important, especially in a first job where companies hire you for your attitude rather than your experience. That being said, focus on the people and how they make you feel: this is why coffee chats are so great when you're exploring a potential role. You spend eight hours a day with your colleagues. A strong team connection and culture fit are what enable you to do great work!
Ready to start your journey?
Join the community and put yourself out there: your next big opportunity might just start at a HerFuture event. Sign up at app.herfuture.nl.
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