PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Each of my professional experiences has been a chance for me to learn and consolidate my knowledge and skills. This has made me the person I am today. Check out my entire career path below to learn more or go to the Patisserie page to see where and when I improved my baking skills.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MANAGER
January 2022 -
One year ago I went from selling textiles into selling plant based pastries. A completely different market but that was making it very challenging. It is a perfect combination of my passion for sweets and sales & marketing skills. On a daily basis I work with our team of operators to ensure the quality of the products, while at the same time I am in contact with customers all over the world. Preparing samples, meetings & tastings and contribute to the development of new products. I learn a lot every single day and I am very happy that I jumped on this opportunity.
ACCOUNT MANAGER > INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPER
December 2009 - December 2021
So yes, I sold a lot of T-shirts (and much more...) on a daily basis to companies who transform them in unique personalised items. I've worked for one of the leading promotional textile distributors in Europe: TopTex Group. I started of as an Account Manager but evolved more and more to an hybrid function. While I supported different departments within the company I did my utmost best to advise my international customers in regards to current trends and needs of this continious evolving market. It was my first real job after graduating and I've learned new things every day. I am very gratefull for this opportunity but after 12 years it was time for me to say goodbye.
EXPORT ASSISTANT
February 2009 - August 2009
I was over the moon when I heard that I got this internship/job at this international renowed language school based in PARIS. Being a Dutchie comes in quite handy if a foreign company wants to expand their business to your home country. So I analyzed the Dutch market into detail for them which was formed the foundation of my graduation thesis.
SALES & MARKETING ASSISTANT
My student job that gave me the opportunity to experience cold calling and writing direct mailings. A first and for now last experience in a tech company.
June 2008 - December 2008
TRAINEE
April 2007 - June 2007
My first traineeship at a company specialised in scientific volume imaging. I was responsible to put our customers in the spotlight by writing stories about them. I do not have a particulary fond memory of this experience because writing english scientific texts was definitely not my strong suit. It still gets to me sometimes...
NURSING ASSISTANT
November 2003 - November 2006
My first real job in a nursing home for the eldery. I helped them with lunch, went arround with coffee & tea during the day and kept them company. One of the jobs where I got the most appreciation and fulfillment.