Danny works as an IT Consultant at SPAR Holding

 

How did you find your first job after graduation? Was it a difficult procedure?

''This is not my first full-time job. My first job wasn’t related to my studies. It was more of a part-time student job that grew into a full-time job because of Covid. I found my current job through the network I built during my first job. I saw an interesting vacancy online and applied for it through my contacts. Knowing people from the company made the whole application procedure a lot easier and less stressful. I’d already worked with my current manager before applying for this job.''
 

What do you do as an IT Consultant?

''In general, my work consists of two different parts - project-based tasks and day-to-day troubleshooting. My team members and I are responsible for all the applications touching the online and store environment – which are quite a lot in a supermarket like SPAR! Additionally, SPAR is making huge steps in its IT environment at the moment. A lot of things are changing on a daily basis, which makes it a very challenging but also very exciting role.''
 

How did IB studies help you prepare for the professional work field?

''I’d say it’s the combination of theoretical and practical knowledge that made me feel prepared. First of all, I already knew the ins and outs of making resumes, as I made them several times during my studies. I had to apply for multiple internships and a minor, so I could immediately use that knowledge in the professional field. That helped me prepare a lot. Besides that, we had multiple occasions where we had to work in teams and had to present ourselves in a professional manner. Combined with the theoretical knowledge gained during my studies, I felt very prepared to start my professional career.''

Do you have any tips for upcoming students?

''Don’t be afraid to apply for a job! A lot of vacancies require experience or have a long list of requirements. Most of the time companies are just listing their perfect candidate. But they are willing to look behind that description. They’re not fixated on finding that candidate that ticks all the boxes. I think it is way more important to be well-prepared and motivated for a job interview than to be the perfect candidate. So if you think that you have found the perfect job, don’t be afraid and go for it! Make sure to make a good first impression with a professional resume and write a good cover letter.''

 

Read more about the bachelor program International Business.