From KPN store employee to HR-advisor: the story of Faisal
How it all started
Four years ago I started with an bachelor and started looking for a side job where I could earn some money. After all, studying costs money and not just a little! An important condition for me was that the part-time job was somewhat close to my interests or education. I have always been interested in technology and innovation. When I came across a vacancy from KPN, I didn't hesitate.
The application process
Applying was very different than normal. For example, we did a role play to get to know each other better. I had actually applied for a retail sales position at a KPN retail store, but it turned out that I would fit better in a business store. The fact that they found this alternative for me shows that KPN thinks in terms of possibilities. Partly due to the employability budget of 1500 euros, I was able to finance my studies. By the way, you still get this every year!
I started working as a part-time employee in a KPN XL store in Rotterdam. It was quite exciting to help my first client. Fortunately, I was surrounded by nice colleagues who helped me on my way and gave me the necessary support. Now we are four years later and I am the one who is training new colleagues!
My development
In recent years I have learned a lot at KPN. Through the contact with different clients, I was able to further develop my communication skills and became more and more self-confident. I also learned a lot about the products that KPN offers, which of course always comes in handy. Because ever since I started working here, I have always wanted to grow within KPN. I see KPN as an innovative company that goes along with changes, and this is completely in line with what I stand for.
You get plenty of opportunities if you take them yourself
In my fourth year of study I got the chance to do an internship at the KPN HR team. Fortunately, there was a place for me in the nicest branch of HR: diversity and inclusion. A topical and important theme, which I would like to contribute to. The aim of my internship is to deliver a professional product to KPN Retail with the aim of promoting diversity within Retail.
For the time being I'm fine with KPN. I learn a lot, have great colleagues and do meaningful work. I try to gain as much experience as possible as an HR advisor and to broaden my knowledge within this field in order to continue as an independent HR expert. I would like to apply my expertise to other companies. But for now, my development journey at KPN is far from over!
Do you also want to do an internship at KPN? Check out the vacancies or if you already have a specific place in mind, don't hesitate to contact a recruiter. They are happy to think along with you about the possibilities.
