Meet Laura, graduate of International Business Management

Read about Laura’s:

  • Journey so far since graduation
  • Personal development – the skills and experience she has acquired
  • Career advice “a marathon, not a sprint”

Alongside her day job, Laura is a trained coach and is supported by her employer to offer coaching to colleagues. In addition, she has invested in external training and has even offered to coach and mentor up-and-coming KdG students.

As you would expect, she has some excellent advice…

Tell us briefly about your current role. What do you do? Where do you work?

I work for Google’s EMEA Head office in Dublin. I’m a Senior Account Manager responsible for a number of Google’s large clients. I consult with them on how Google can support them with a digital transformation strategy: essentially this is how AI can help improve their efficiency. The role incorporates elements of project management and consultancy.

How did you find this job?

Five years ago I was ready for a career change. I was working in Madrid but didn’t feel the company culture completely aligned with what I wanted. I actually got a career coach who really helped me to focus on what was important.

With this help I didn’t concentrate so much on the job description but on the environment. I wanted a company with values that I could identify with and at that time I read about Google running numerous projects whereby they were supporting the community. This and the fact that Google are such an international and dynamic organization. So, I looked at vacancies, applied. And was hired!

What do you enjoy most about your working at Google?

The people! I’ve met some amazing, inspirational people from all over the world. It’s a really stimulating environment where you work alongside really smart colleagues and also learn from so many different perspectives. I found the work culture I was seeking.

Your career path has already taken twists and turns. Can you briefly explain?

Yes, after graduating I really wanted to head home and be close to my family again. And enjoy the warmer weather! Of course where you live and work is always a major influence on your decision-making. And so I went to Madrid and worked for two different companies; the first of them a small start-up, and the second being a larger organization. But as I already mentioned, the culture there did not really inspire me, hence the career coach and the big decision to once again leave my family (and the sunshine) for a new adventure, in Ireland. On the one hand it was a tough decision, but on the other I wanted this experience. I wanted to get what I could from it. It’s not forever. You have to make certain sacrifices in life but I’d done it before of course, moving abroad to study. I had the mindset for it and you have to not be afraid and dream big to go forwards.

In what ways did KdG prepare you for pursuing a career?

The international student group I was in was really the aspect I reflect on as having the strongest impact. I think there were about 20 different nationalities in our class and a real varied mix too: different ages and experience. Some people had already started their own business, others were fresh out of school. Working alongside a varied group prepares you for the international workplace and I realised I could (and had to) empathise with others.

Were there any key moments in your studies where you realized a sense of personal development? 

Yes! First of all my internship was really beneficial in getting on-the-job experience, and secondly I opted for an exchange in Chile. As you can imagine, that was a fantastic experience. Three of us from KdG went there together for 6 months. We were fortunate enough to get some funding to help us so it was a really unique opportunity to go and see this amazing country. Even more of an international experience.

What key skills do you use now in your work?

My work is built around relationship building. I consult with customers, listen to their needs and translate their needs into actions. I would say that empathy is my greatest skill because I need to really understand the core of what matters to people. At KdG the 'Personal development' course was one of my favourites and that really set me up for the coaching that I’ve started doing.

What advice/tips would you give to new IBM students just starting?

  • Use your 3 years at KdG to understand what you enjoy most and what you are good at. This will give you ideas of what you want to do next.
  • Make friends and have fun! Studying in an international classroom will broaden your perspective and open up your opportunities.
  • Trust your instinct. Be yourself.

And your career advice for students beginning their search?

I can split this into 2 parts. Firstly, here are some questions to ask yourself when thinking about your career search. These will all help you to focus your mind.

  • What brings you the most joy? For example: designing, working with people in an office, or more manual work?
  • What are your strengths, for example: your communication, your attention to detail, teamwork, creativity?
  • What comes naturally to you? Think about the subjects you are best at.
  • What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
  • What are you most proud of? Your biggest achievements?
  • What gives you the most stress? It's also important to know what to avoid!
  • Who inspires you? Who do you admire? And what exactly makes them interesting for you?

And secondly, here are my top tips:

  • Try not to worry. Just go and try as much as you can. You have time.
  • Self-reflect on your talents, interests, opportunities.
  • Make contact with people and ask as many questions as you can.
  • Prepare well for applications and don't be put off when you get a NO.
  • Find a mentor/coach who can support you. I’m available for new KdG students!
  • Your attitude is KEY - the most important ingredient in my opinion.

Laura, do you know what’s next for you? Plans? Goals?

As it happens I am now thinking about my next plans. I’m dreaming big again!

I do feel like it’s time for a move, possibly back to Spain. I’ve learnt so much here but family and friends are important and I try not to get too attached to one role or one place. I like to keep discovering.

As yet nothing is fixed. It’s definitely to be continued…but I’m researching based on all the necessary ingredients. I’ll let you know!

 

Laura Crespi Van Assche
  • Name: Laura Crespi Van Assche
  • From: Mallorca
  • Graduated: June 2017
  • Current role: Senior Account Manager & Coach
  • Company: Google EMEA
  • Started: April 2020
  • Follow me on LinkedIn

"Working alongside a varied group prepares you for the international workplace."

"I found the work culture I was seeking."

 

Read more success stories!

Enjoyed reading this interview? Then why not read another!

Even if the graduate did not study a programme that you're interested in, we're sure they still have experience and advice that will strike a chord with you.

There are common threads that can be applied to all our international programmes.

Think about:

  • Your personal development
  • Building a network
  • And more tips you can pick up to make those future decisions

The international alumni ecosystem at KdG is growing. We'll continue to celebrate the success stories.

Maybe we'll feature yours one day?

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Find out more

Discover more about the International Business Management programme, your prospects as a graduate, and what it takes to get you there.

 

Chat with a student

Get an insider’s take on student life. Chat with Siel, (Global Business student) about the reality of being a student in Antwerp.

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