Over a year ago, Yvette Janse knew for sure: after completing her master's degree in Culture, Organization and Management at Vrije Universiteit, she wanted to go into consultancy. ConQuaestor's Young Executive Program (YEP) seemed like the place to take that step. She has since worked full-time as a consultant since September 2024 and looks back on her first few months: "I thought I knew what I was getting into, but I'm really surprised by how quickly you grow here."
Already during her thesis, Yvette was working part-time at ConQuaestor. "That gave me a great opportunity to get a taste of the atmosphere. But starting full-time still felt like a leap of faith. Fortunately, that was exactly what I needed."
No standard pathway
What immediately struck Yvette is how personalized the YEP is. "I knew I would get a lot of training, but not to what extent. Especially the sessions where we did role-plays with an actor, those really confronted me with my own pitfalls. Not only do you learn how to react in difficult conversations, you also experience it immediately in practice."
Through the training sessions combined with doing assignments, Yvette noticed that she quickly took big development steps: "Where I was a bit hesitant in the beginning, I now notice that I show more of myself during meetings. Self-confidence grows naturally, because here you are given responsibility and confidence right away."
Her finest moment so far?
Yvette doesn't have to think long. "My first project, when we finished everything and the piece was with the client. Then of course you hope they are satisfied, and then I got a message that the client was very satisfied. Later we heard that the document went around the whole organization and had really made an impact. I really got a kick out of that."
We are growing fast, and you can tell. Many new people have joined and it feels like you are building something beautiful together. Do you have an idea? Then you actually get the chance to implement it.
Building growth together
In addition to substantive growth, Yvette particularly appreciates the culture within ConQuaestor. "We are growing fast, and you notice that. Many new people have joined us and it feels like you are building something beautiful together. Do you have an idea? Then you actually get the chance to implement it. That makes the work extra interesting."
Different than imagined? Sure. But better.
When Yvette thinks back to her expectations a year ago, she smiles. "I found it exciting, but I see now how much confidence I get from ConQuaestor to take things on. You are challenged to take steps that you yourself might not dare to take right away. And that makes you grow faster than expected."
Her ambitions remain big: lead more projects of her own, make even more impact. "And who knows, maybe one day become a partner," she says with a laugh. "But for now, I'm mostly enjoying what I'm learning and experiencing. This program is really the best start to my career."