Written by Lars Maebe, Nicolas Op de Beeck, Bjarne Keytsman
Jumping into the working world is an exciting time. It is a chance for you to put the things you have learned at university into practice and show the world what you are made of. However, this massive shift does not go without challenges.
The transition from the school desks to the workplace can be a journey of uncertainty, adjustment, and exploration. As a young professional, you are trading in the days of academic papers, long study sessions and campus parties with your friends for less free time, a total new routine, and this with more responsibility and independence.
At BrightWolves, we strive to create a fun and supportive work environment where everyone can innovate, create value, be SUPERHAPPY.
Last month, we onboarded eight new Wolves, all recent graduates that have found themselves navigating the road between student and work life with success. Want to know how they experienced their first month at BrightWolves? Read further!
Lars, Business Analyst
“When you enjoy what you do, work becomes play.” This quote is exactly how I would describe my first month at BrightWolves.
The extensive, yet insightful onboarding program spread over the two weeks got me acquainted with the essentials of the consulting toolbox: Excel, PowerPoint, and problem-solving, to name a few. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised to gear up the less ‘obvious’ skills such as client interaction, commercial awareness and giving an elevator pitch. These proved to be at least equally valuable when conducting my first internal project, as I had to shape the future of mobility of our company and sell my ideas to management. I was happily surprised to deliver real impact right from the start, proving that BrightWolves truly adheres to its values.
However, the most valuable and enjoyable aspect of my onboarding experience was the people I shared it with. It did not take long for the ice to break and get that feeling of having known each other for much longer than is actually the case. Although it has only been a month, I consider the Wolfpack a group of partners and friends that face a wonderful adventure together.
It has been a pleasure so far, and this jump start of my career at BrightWolves is only the beginning of the ride. A bright future with challenges lies ahead!
Nicolas, Business Analyst
There are worse ways to start your first job than having a lovely breakfast and receiving gift baskets! However, to me, the real delight was being immersed in the amazing group of people that call themselves the Wolfpack. Authenticity radiated from every individual Wolf, and I immediately felt at home.
In the weeks after, I got a good sense of what “work hard, play hard” really entails…
The short and intensive onboarding program at BrightWolves covered a variety of trainings with the ultimate aim of gearing up my consulting skills and getting client-ready. No rest for the wicked as immediately after, I got staffed at my first client project: a strategic review for a major services company in Belgium.
Although I admit to feeling overwhelmed at first, I was lucky enough to count on the help and support of my fellow Wolves – proving that BrightWolves truly adheres to its Iceberg principle. The camaraderie and team spirit I felt on my first day suddenly became tangible, and I started to understand the added value it brings in challenging project contexts.
Referring more to the play side of things: I felt the seriousness of work was well balanced with fun team building activities, serving as decompression but also fostering this unique atmosphere and culture of ‘togetherness’.
I felt the empowerment and impact from day one - and I cannot wait for the weeks and months to come.
Bjarne, Business Analyst
My first day at BrightWolves feels like yesterday and ages ago at the same time.
Every new start is exciting, and that was certainly the case here. What I expected from working in the consulting world quickly materialized: an intense and high-paced working environment combined with a steep learning curve. The fierce training program, immediately followed by challenging client engagement, has made the days and weeks fly by.
What has made it feel like being here for a much longer time is the strong culture and the surprisingly upbeat atmosphere in which the Wolfpack operates. All Wolves, from my fellow new joiners at graduate level to upper management, are very approachable. And most importantly, there is a strong feeling of mutual trust and cooperation. It is a unique habitat to work in and it makes the work we do all that more rewarding and energizing.
Did their onboarding experience inspire you to join the pack? Don’t hesitate to grab a coffee with one our Wolves to get to know the ins and outs of our company!
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