Way2Work
An interactive meetup that provides you with everything you need to know to get on your way to work in Belgium with ease and confidence.
Practicalities
Navigating the Belgian job market can be a daunting task. From how to write a great CV to the languages you need to speak, launching your career in a new country can be overwhelming - and almost like a full-time job in itself. But it doesn't have to be this way.
The Way2Work meetups are where you'll get all the answers to your career-related questions and more. This informal get-together will provide a clear path and concrete guidance to (re)launch your career in Belgium with ease and confidence.
Feel free to send us any questions/subjects when subscribing via the form (see dates above).
What you'll get
- Guided dialogues to answer those frequently asked questions about finding a job in Belgium
- Special career-themed presentation to support your career development journey
- Connect with like-minded international talent that shares job-related experiences such as yours
- This combination of information, learning, and networking will empower you with the right tools to enhance your professional development journey and achieve your ultimate career objectives
- Flexibility, as you needn't commit to the entire series. You attend once, twice, ten times or every session, that's completely up to you
- Access to a closed LinkedIn group with additional information, job postings and Q&A opportunities
- A steady pace of meetings: Way2Work takes place every last Thursday of the month (except for February, then it is planned on the Friday)
- As a bonus, the International House staff are usually around too, so it's a nice occasion to get other information about life in Leuven as well.
You are welcome to join this informal event free of charge. Registration is mandatory, as we have limited spots available.
The next step in your career is one click away… register via the dates listed on Eventbrite.
Each session will have a dedicated topic, which you can see below. But you can of course bring up other questions when the time comes during the session.
When
Monthly, typically on Thursdays from 13:00-16:00 (except during school holidays). Register for your date of choice here register now
| Date | Topic | Overview | Coach for the session |
| February 19 (rescheduled from January due to sick speaker) | The Belgian Job Market | We will talk about what you want to know, but also what you have to know when searching for new opportunities, such as: •Which professions are flourishing? •Who will be your competition? •Where to begin when looking for vacancies? •What about internships or temping? •Which strengths can you put to your advantage when applying? | Britt (last session with SBS) |
| February 27 (exceptionally on a Friday) | Beyond the CV: Decoding Personal Branding for the Belgian Job Market | Your degree gets you noticed, but your brand gets you hired. For many international professionals in Belgium, the biggest hurdle isn't a lack of skill—it’s a lack of visibility. Join us for an interactive session where we strip away the corporate jargon and build a personal brand that resonates with Belgian recruiters and hiring managers. Why Attend? * Bridge the Gap: Learn how to package your international background as a unique asset for Belgian employers. * Master the Hidden Market: 70% of Belgian jobs are filled through networking; learn the branding secrets to access them. * Actionable Results: This is a "strategy lab," not a lecture. You will leave with a ready-to-use pitch and a LinkedIn roadmap. Workshop Highlights: 1, Brand Creation: Distilling your complex career history into a clear, compelling brand identity. 2, The Perfect Elevator Pitch: Creating a verbal "handshake" that leaves a lasting impression. 3, Communication Strategy: Mastering the art of visibility in the Belgian professional ecosystem. What to Bring | Martine |
| March 26 | Job Interview | More info to come | |
| April 30 | Working via "Temp Work" | More info to come | |
| May 28 | Assessments and test for applying to a job | More info to come | |
| June 25 | TBD | More info to come | |
| July 16 | TBD | More info to come | |
| August 27 | TBD | More info to come | |
| September 24 | TBD | More info to come | |
| October 29 | TBD | More info to come | |
| November 26 | TBD | More info to come | |
| December 17 | TBD | More info to come |
Where
International House Leuven (Tiensevest 60)
Price
Free. With thanks to the City of Leuven for funding these events.
Registration
Click the button below to register for your date of choice
Meet the Employability coaches of Randstad RiseSmart
At Randstad RiseSmart, we specialise in helping jobseekers find more than just a pay cheque - our Employability coaches help you find sustainable employment that aligns with your future.
Through personalised coaching, we transform your approach to the job search:
- master the market: decode the unique nuances of the Belgian professional landscape,
- pitch with power: learn to promote your unique value and stand out from the crowd,
- network with purpose: gain the confidence to build meaningful professional connections,
- interview with ease: master the art of the interview with proven strategies for those "tough" questions.
Don't just apply for jobs, start building your career!
About the Coaches
Meet Martine, your partner in sustainable career growth
International experience
Martine brings over 20 years of global corporate expertise to her role as a Job Coach. Originally a Supply Chain Consultant at PwC and Monsanto, her passion for people led her into international Recruitment, where she became a trusted talent advisor for industry leaders including a.o. Deloitte, Tenneco, Donaldson, Cargill, Capgemini and Becton Dickinson.
Having navigated complex reorganisations and international projects, Martine knows exactly what makes a candidate stand out. She joined Randstad in 2024 to give jobseekers this "insider’s edge" bridging the gap between having talent and knowing how to sell it.
A deeply rooted local expert
A resident of Leuven since 1981, Martine offers a profound understanding of the city’s professional ecosystem. Through her long-standing membership in LeuvenInc and her close ties with the International House, VDAB, and the Leuven Language Institute, she serves as a vital bridge for international talent navigating the regional market.
Your path to success
Martine’s coaching is defined by a result-oriented mindset and a commitment to sustainable success. She empowers jobseekers to:
- master networking: build meaningful professional connections.
- sell achievements: translate daily tasks into high-impact results.
- navigate the market: leverage local "insider" knowledge to find the right fit.
Martine doesn’t just help you find a job; she coaches you to become a stronger professional, equipped to thrive in the modern Belgian market.
Meet Véronique, your strategic guide to the Belgian labor market
With over 25 years of experience within the Randstad Group, including 14 years as a Senior Coach at Randstad RiseSmart, Véronique offers a unique and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the Belgian labor market. She specialises in guiding highly qualified, international professionals, such as expats, PhDs, and post-docs, helping them navigate their career paths with confidence.
Bridging the gap for international talent
Véronique’s expertise lies in translating international experience into local success. Having led numerous high-level projects for VDAB, she has a proven track record of helping master’s and doctoral-level candidates find their footing in the Belgian corporate and academic landscape. Whether you are looking to pivot your career, understand local networking dynamics, or translate complex skills into "market-ready" language, Véronique provides the strategic insights needed to succeed.
A local expert with a global mindset
Based in the heart of the Leuven-Vlaams-Brabant ecosystem, Véronique has an extensive professional network and an operational "insider" view of the region. Her coaching is characterised by:
- multilingual support: sessions can be conducted in English or French, ensuring clear communication while maintaining a focus on Dutch language integration where beneficial.
- in-depth market knowledge: from navigating the social profit sector to understanding high-level corporate recruitment, she knows the local players and decision-makers.
- inclusive & results-driven approach: using appreciative listening and visual tools, she creates an inclusive environment where every qualification is validated and every career goal is made actionable.
Empowering your career journey
Véronique’s mission is to provide more than just job search advice; she offers a comprehensive partnership. From self-analysis and Personal Development Plans (PDP) to mastering assessments and connecting with local partners, she ensures you are fully equipped to land a role that matches your high level of expertise.
With her combination of intercultural sensitivity and strategic labor market knowledge, Véronique is the ideal partner for international professionals looking to build a sustainable and meaningful career in Belgium.
Meet Shauni, a Leuven native with deep local roots
Connect with her on LinkedIn
Born and raised in Leuven, Shauni has a lifelong connection to the city. Having completed her education there and continuing to work in the heart of the region daily, she possesses an intimate knowledge of the local community and its professional landscape. As a mother of two, she understands the importance of finding a career that balances professional ambition with personal life.
From recruitment to coaching
With a degree in Social Work and extensive experience as a recruiter in the temporary staffing sector, Shauni understands the Belgian labor market from the inside out. Since joining Randstad RiseSmart in August 2024, she has specialised in guiding highly skilled (non-native) job seekers toward their next meaningful career step. Her background in HR allows her to view candidates through the lens of an employer, helping them translate their unique skills into what the market demands.
A strategic partner in career growth
Her mission goes beyond simply finding a job; she empowers professionals to develop their careers for the long term. Shauni provides comprehensive, end-to-end guidance: from identifying core talents to mastering the nuances of the application process. By leveraging her extensive network and sector-specific expertise in the Leuven-Tienen region, she makes connections quickly and effectively.
- tailored coaching: providing individual and group sessions that sharpen professional profiles for the Belgian market.
- A to Z guidance: equipping job seekers with the practical tools needed to contact employers and excel in interviews.
- market insight: leveraging her years of HR experience to offer "insider" advice to international talent.
Shauni is dedicated to providing the tools, confidence, and connections necessary for international professionals to thrive in their next professional chapter.
