Read the story of
Sandra - Project Manager Talent Acquisition
Read the story of
Sandra - Project Manager Talent Acquisition
Sandra's journey with Van Oord began as a graduation intern. Today, she serves as a Project Manager in Talent Acquisition. “If you're eager to seize opportunities, they're here for the taking—but you have to be proactive,” she says
Sandra's journey with Van Oord began as a graduation intern. Today, she serves as a Project Manager in Talent Acquisition. “If you're eager to seize opportunities, they're here for the taking—but you have to be proactive,” she says
“I come from Bruinisse, a traditional fishing village. During my HR studies, I interned in the offshore sector, working on drilling platforms. The male-dominated environment intrigued me. When I discovered Van Oord through a maritime job guide—and learned that some people from my hometown worked there—I was immediately curious. I started with a graduation project on sustainable employability, then took on a summer job at the Academy, and eventually secured a position in Talent Acquisition.”
From Recruitment to Employer Branding
“I began as a recruitment assistant but quickly transitioned to a recruiter role. When a colleague left, I took over campus recruitment—it became my own little enterprise. I developed strategies, attended career fairs, organized in-house events—even in Bilbao and Dubai—and managed all internships, traineeships, and summer jobs. It was demanding, but I loved it.
For campus recruitment, I also handled communications for the website and social media. I created promotional videos and online campaigns, gradually moving into employer branding. It wasn't officially part of my job description, but I took the initiative. Eventually, I shifted to recruiting experienced professionals, combining recruitment with employer branding. Later, I focused entirely on employer branding, leading major projects like developing our Employer Value Proposition (EVP) and translating it into our new employer brand.”
For campus recruitment, I also handled communications for the website and social media. I created promotional videos and online campaigns, gradually moving into employer branding. It wasn't officially part of my job description, but I took the initiative. Eventually, I shifted to recruiting experienced professionals, combining recruitment with employer branding. Later, I focused entirely on employer branding, leading major projects like developing our Employer Value Proposition (EVP) and translating it into our new employer brand.”
“I come from Bruinisse, a traditional fishing village. During my HR studies, I interned in the offshore sector, working on drilling platforms. The male-dominated environment intrigued me. When I discovered Van Oord through a maritime job guide—and learned that some people from my hometown worked there—I was immediately curious. I started with a graduation project on sustainable employability, then took on a summer job at the Academy, and eventually secured a position in Talent Acquisition.”
From Recruitment to Employer Branding
“I began as a recruitment assistant but quickly transitioned to a recruiter role. When a colleague left, I took over campus recruitment—it became my own little enterprise. I developed strategies, attended career fairs, organized in-house events—even in Bilbao and Dubai—and managed all internships, traineeships, and summer jobs. It was demanding, but I loved it.
For campus recruitment, I also handled communications for the website and social media. I created promotional videos and online campaigns, gradually moving into employer branding. It wasn't officially part of my job description, but I took the initiative. Eventually, I shifted to recruiting experienced professionals, combining recruitment with employer branding. Later, I focused entirely on employer branding, leading major projects like developing our Employer Value Proposition (EVP) and translating it into our new employer brand.”
For campus recruitment, I also handled communications for the website and social media. I created promotional videos and online campaigns, gradually moving into employer branding. It wasn't officially part of my job description, but I took the initiative. Eventually, I shifted to recruiting experienced professionals, combining recruitment with employer branding. Later, I focused entirely on employer branding, leading major projects like developing our Employer Value Proposition (EVP) and translating it into our new employer brand.”
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Creating opportunities and exemplary employment
“At Van Oord, opportunities aren't handed to you on a silver platter. You have to seek them out and seize them—and that's exactly what I did. Recently, I became a Project Manager within Talent Acquisition. I lead major projects within our team, from implementing an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to rolling out our recruitment process internationally. Of course, I remain involved in employer branding—it's still my passion.
What stands out to me about Van Oord? They genuinely take care of you. Whether you're working in the office, on board, or at a project site halfway around the world, if something comes up, they always consider your well-being. That sense of family runs deep here. And perhaps what I find most remarkable is the diverse group of people working together, all equally proud of what we're building together.”
What stands out to me about Van Oord? They genuinely take care of you. Whether you're working in the office, on board, or at a project site halfway around the world, if something comes up, they always consider your well-being. That sense of family runs deep here. And perhaps what I find most remarkable is the diverse group of people working together, all equally proud of what we're building together.”
Creating opportunities and exemplary employment
“At Van Oord, opportunities aren't handed to you on a silver platter. You have to seek them out and seize them—and that's exactly what I did. Recently, I became a Project Manager within Talent Acquisition. I lead major projects within our team, from implementing an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to rolling out our recruitment process internationally. Of course, I remain involved in employer branding—it's still my passion.
What stands out to me about Van Oord? They genuinely take care of you. Whether you're working in the office, on board, or at a project site halfway around the world, if something comes up, they always consider your well-being. That sense of family runs deep here. And perhaps what I find most remarkable is the diverse group of people working together, all equally proud of what we're building together.”
What stands out to me about Van Oord? They genuinely take care of you. Whether you're working in the office, on board, or at a project site halfway around the world, if something comes up, they always consider your well-being. That sense of family runs deep here. And perhaps what I find most remarkable is the diverse group of people working together, all equally proud of what we're building together.”
Persoonlijke en professionele groei
We zorgen voor elkaar
Goede arbeidsvoorwaarden
Persoonlijke en professionele groei
We zorgen voor elkaar
Goede arbeidsvoorwaarden
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'Ik heb hier mooie kansen gekregen. Om te groeien, maar ik heb ook de hele wereld gezien. Thuis kan ik op Google Maps laten zien wat ik gemaakt heb!'
André
Hoofd Stuurman
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