IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A look back at Anne Van den Bossche’s 18-month graduate experience at Ontex

Anne was very excited when she started Your Story of Growth, the Global Graduate Program of Ontex, and is even more excited now she has landed in the department that suits her best. In this interview, Anne shares her Ontex Global Graduate program experiences, what challenges she faced, and what she takes with her from this particular adventure. Enjoy the read!

Given your academic background in law, what appealed the most to you about Ontex’s Global Graduate Program?

During my law studies I did some internships, but quite quickly realized that becoming a lawyer was not my preferred career path. I wanted to get some hands-on knowledge about business, so I chose the general management track at Vlerick Business School. Later, while job hunting, I mostly focused on finding a company where I felt the right fit, both personally and professionally: having a graduate program was a bonus. Suddenly, Ontex caught my attention for a variety of reasons. I liked that it was a smaller company that was growing as I believe this automatically brings opportunities to build the business. Another asset was its international character; Ontex has 19 production facilities all over the world, with recent acquisitions in Mexico and Brazil. Furthermore, Ontex’s business is linked to the healthcare sector, which I have a natural interest in.

“This program is not preplanned, but tailored to the desires

and needs of young graduates.”

What was the best part of the program?

During Your Story of Growth you spend six months in three different departments, which is the perfect way for me to get introduced to different aspects of the healthcare business and to learn a job by doing it. This program is not preplanned, but tailored to the desires and needs of young graduates. Also, being a newcomer with few biases toward the organization, I constantly had the opportunity to challenge normal processes and to add value.

What pleasantly surprised you during this graduate adventure?

I’m probably most surprised by the atmosphere and the way of working at Ontex. We are always busy, but not afraid to get our hands dirty. We like to take initiative and try to seize the opportunities that could help both the company and us as individuals grow. Being a law student, working in the supply chain department, at a plant in a foreign country with a different culture, was out of my comfort zone, but at the same time very valuable to me.

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“Embrace the moments that you’re new to something.”

Now that you’re in the final phase of Your Story of Growth, what is your key takeaway for your future growth?

The realization that there are many opportunities out there, waiting for someone to take them, and turn them into something good. If you just sit around waiting, nothing will happen, professionally or personally. Choose your next goal or project and go for it.

Thank you, Anne! Do you have a last tip for the next generation of graduates?

Embrace the moments when you’re new to something. It is the time when you can look at situations more objectively and challenge them more easily.

If this article has sparked your interest, why wait? Click on the job below to learn more about the

Ontex Global Graduate Program. Applications are open!

We look forward to welcoming you to our team soon!