DREAM JOB TIPS | SENNA HEIJNEN
Applying for a job can be hard as a creative individual. A work field without clear boundaries, wherein you have to claim your spot instead of waiting can be a challenge. Especially because of the innovative and interesting companies that keep popping up like mushrooms. Where do you begin in this jungle of interesting things? Look for an innovative company that is exactly on your creative level, or choosing a company where a lot needs to be done? I asked Future Union alumni who have found their place for tips to get you started. This time we kick off with unicorn Senna Heijnen and talk about her tips and tricks. She graduated last July and immediately found a job at Kragten. This consulting firm finds a meaning for public spaces, from underground infrastructure to health concepts.
Senna ended up here after her thesis. In a few meetings during her internship, she got in contact with Kragten. During the co-creation of her project, an employee of Kragten joined the creative session. After this, Senna was advised to apply at the company, to see what they can do for each other.
She applied and after a nice trip to Indonesia, she was officially a trend researcher and concept developer. She still has to create her job by herself though. But Senna thinks it is a challenging and interesting part of her job to find out what is good for her and the company and what is not. Her job changes a lot, from design to trends. For the projects she participates in, she mainly works on identifying relevant trends and developments for clients. Besides that, she analyses important data for these projects. From population figures to lifestyles; whatever is relevant is analysed. And now she also works on the concepts of the projects. The best thing about the job is that it is challenging her and she gets a lot of freedom.
This unicorn is precisely on the right spot. Which tips does she have for you to also find your dream job? The most important tip she gives is to use your network! Dare to ask around and look very broadly. With this she means that you do not need to focus too much on one single company. Be surprised by approaching different kinds of businesses that you did not think of at first. The last tip she mentioned is that it also works to make clear which opportunities you can create for a company. What they can achieve by responding to trends for example.
If despite these tips it is still hard to find something, she advises to look further to other initiatives where you can gain experience and build a good network at the same time. Then, use this network to find your dream job. But, always stick to your gut feeling!
