Beyond the unexpected; at ZUID, we set the bar high. This also applies to the talent of tomorrow that we retain. With our student agency ZUID Talent, we give them the opportunity to do it themselves during their internship. During job interviews, these students know how to convince us that they understand that the expected solution is not enough to really make a difference.
One of those students is Finn Walrecht. Finn did an internship at ZUID during the last year of his SPECO Sports Communication studies at the Fontys. He is now a student and works as a Digital Marketer at Techonomy. He takes some time to look back on his internship. What's it like when you get to run your own student office? And more importantly: what does it bring you? Oh, and is it a bit 'fun' at ZUID?
About the atmosphere in the South
Finn, first tell us a little bit more about the atmosphere in the South. How would you describe the culture of ZUID?
“ZUID doesn't feel like a standard desk. Rather like a close-knit family. You can always go to someone; the whole of ZUID is there for you and helps you. I also immediately associate ZUID with pleasure. Both during and after work, space is made to have fun with each other.”
And if, in addition to fun, we're talking about pride, what project or result from your internship period should you think about?
“Surely that's the assignment we won with the ZUID Talent team to come up with a campaign concept for SKIP. SKIP is a regional project aimed at preventing and reducing drug use among young people. My fellow interns came up with the “Nothing is too crazy” campaign concept, which we then realized with the team. The tiktoks, on ZUID Talent's old TikTok account, that went viral were also a highlight!”
About llearning moments
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your internship? How did that shape you?
“Well, I remember being called by CEO Mathieu and Sales Director Timo one morning. They told me: “Finn, we have a meeting scheduled with an organization in fifteen minutes. We want to take you along because we think you're a good fit for the organization and their issue. ' I started reading up quickly in that quarter. So after that, I went into the meeting almost unprepared. That was a very educational experience. And we ended up bringing in that customer too!”
ZUID's pay-off and mantra is “Beyond the Unexpected”. When did you really go beyond the unexpected to take a project to the next level?
“I went the extra mile for my own thesis, for example. I then visited each client personally to conduct an interview. That was definitely worth it, because it ultimately allowed me to get the right information to succeed.”
Is there a lesson learned, a specific tool or a certain mindset from your internship period that is still useful in your working life today?
“Haha well, at three student festivals, I did street interviews for SKIP as a presenter. I had to go to students and ask them questions about their drug use. I had never done this before, I really had to go completely out of my comfort zone. But after the first time, I was over the threshold. I've learned a lot from this and I'm still benefiting from this experience in my current job.”
Tips for future ZUID Talents
Finally: do you have any advice for interns who will work at ZUID Talent?
“I would emphasize that it is really a great opportunity to do an internship at ZUID Talent. Make the most of it! Pack everything you can grab and ask questions to the experienced specialists at ZUID.”
Like Finn, did an internship at ZUID Talent? Fontys Communication students are eligible, ask your internship supervisor for details. Or get in touch and tell us why you deserve a spot as a non-Fontys communication student!
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