I wanted to work in the renewable energy sector

Making the leap from student life to the working world can be a whirlwind. In this story, Alexandra, a recent Global Project and Change Management graduate, shares how she's finding her way in the competitive sustainability job market. Now a Project Manager at Vestas, a leader in wind turbines, she offers her experiences, insights, and advice.

"In November last year, I started working at Vestas," she begins. Vestas, a Danish company, is a global leader in wind turbine production and construction. It has a significant presence across multiple countries, including Germany, where she is currently based.

Job search challenges

"The job search after graduation was a bit of a struggle. I sent out many applications." Her drive to secure a role in the sustainability sector never wavered. "I wanted to work in a company in the renewable energy sector," she states. This persistence eventually paid off, but the journey was not without its hurdles. "I think everyone sometimes struggles with the qualifications that are asked for in a job offer. But even if you don’t meet all the criteria, just go for it. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out."

Alignment with education

When asked if her current role aligns with the education she received at Windesheim, she responds, "Partially yes, partially no." Global Project and Change Management (GPCM) prepared her well in terms of professionalism and independent working. "You learn how to communicate effectively with clients, how to write reports, how to write professional emails, and set up meeting agendas. These are basic things, but it's what you do on a day-to-day basis later in your job."

Teamwork, a key element of the programme, also proved invaluable. "Since I've always worked in teams during my studies, I was very proactive and not afraid to engage with other people or to ask for specific information when I was new."

She does point out some gaps, particularly in financial management. "We had some economic classes, such as accounting and international business. However, when it came to creating specific and detailed budgets, I wasn’t super prepared for that." Still, she sees this as an opportunity to learn on the job, understanding that no graduate starts at a company knowing everything or being prepared for every task.

Why Global Project and Change Management?

Given the chance to start over, would she choose the same educational path? "Yes, 100%," she affirms. Before enrolling in GPCM, she studied law in Germany but found it lacking in fulfilment. "I always wanted to do something justice-driven or something good for the environment. I had to learn that law wasn't for me."

GPCM offered a stark contrast to her law studies, with its emphasis on teamwork and a close-knit learning environment. "What I really liked about GPCM, and generally studying in the Netherlands, was that you have such a close relationship with the lecturers and your peers. It was always very welcoming to be interactive, to express your thoughts and work as part of a team."

Working in Germany

Her decision to work in Germany, despite being open to opportunities elsewhere, was influenced by several factors. "I was interested in coming back to Berlin as I did my internship there, but I also applied for jobs in England and Vienna." In the end, the opportunity at Vestas, along with her connection to Berlin, made the decision clear.

Advice for future graduates

Her advice for those currently considering GPCM: "It's a good programme if you like teamwork and are interested in sustainability and inequality topics, as well as engaging with different cultures and characters." She emphasizes the importance of not feeling pressured to have everything figured out. "It's okay to not know what you want to do. Sometimes people put pressure on you that you need to know and have your future figured out. Trust me, you don’t. It’s okay to take a step in the right direction, rather than landing your dream job right after graduation."