At Successr, working students don’t just get a glimpse behind the scenes; they immediately become part of projects, collaborate with consultants and discover where their interests truly lie. We spoke with Merel Henst and Sam Rutten about their experiences, challenges and how the role has changed the way they look at HR and consultancy.
From Student Association to Successr
Merel (22) is pursuing a master’s degree in Work and Organisational Psychology and has now been working at Successr for a year. She first came into contact with the company through her student association. “My studies are very theoretical. You learn a lot of models and theories, but the practical side is largely missing. I specifically wanted to discover what HR is really like in practice.”
Sam (22), who is in the final year of his bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Studies, found his way to Successr through a board year at Study Association INPUT. “I was responsible for external partnerships and came into contact with Dennis and Dorus that way. During one of our conversations, it came up that there might be an opportunity for a working student position. I was immediately interested.”
Although they already knew each other from university, they both started their roles with their own expectations.
The First Weeks: Settling In and Exploring
For both of them, the first few weeks were mainly about getting to know the organisation and finding their feet. Merel: “Getting to know lots of colleagues, understanding how everything works and getting a feel for the organisation.” Sam recognised this: “For me, the academy and onboarding were an important starting point. But practical things, such as working from home, were new as well. I was used to always working from the office, so that took some getting used to.”
That initial phase was important for building a foundation, but it didn’t take long before they became genuinely involved in the work.
More Responsibility Than Expected
What perhaps surprised them most was how quickly they became part of the team. Merel: “I expected it to take longer before I could really contribute. But I was soon invited to join meetings and given responsibility.” Sam adds: “You’re not here just for ‘supporting tasks’. You really get the opportunity to think along about projects, processes and solutions.”
That responsibility goes hand in hand with trust. “You’re given the freedom to approach things in your own way,” says Merel. “That also motivates you to do your best.”
Working on a Variety of Projects
Although they have the same role, Merel and Sam work on very different projects — something that creates plenty of variety.
Merel started within the Next Gen HR Academy and from there moved on to other initiatives. “I’ve worked on topics such as Tech & Data, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Project Management. You work closely with subject matter experts and conduct research as a basis for training programmes.”
Her role has since broadened: “I’m now also working on projects such as the MySuccessr app and the Successr event. That variety is what makes it so enjoyable.”
For Sam, the focus is more on innovation and technology. “I started on the AI side, together with Anna. We explore tools and applications and look at how we can use them within Successr.” He also supports other areas: “I work with HubSpot, help optimise processes and contribute to marketing — from content to campaigns. That combination is what makes it interesting.”
An important part of their work is collaborating with different disciplines within Successr. Sam: “I actually work with everyone; from marketing and sales to consultants and sourcing. And one thing that stands out is how approachable everyone is. It doesn’t matter who you work with; the atmosphere is the same throughout the organisation.”
Merel experiences this as well: “You work with different people depending on the project. It makes the work dynamic, and you learn from different perspectives.”
An Open and International Culture
The culture at Successr plays a major role in their positive experience. Merel: “It’s an open environment, both when it comes to people and ideas. You genuinely feel heard, even as a working student.”
Sam: “What I find special is how approachable everyone is. You can simply walk up to someone and ask for help. And it’s also quite international for a relatively small company, which makes it interesting.”
And, importantly: “It’s also just a lot of fun,” they add with a laugh.
Challenges: Speaking Up and Staying Focused
As with any first work experience, they encountered challenges along the way. For Merel, the biggest challenge at first was confidence: “I found it difficult to share my opinion. You quickly assume that others know more than you do. But different perspectives are genuinely valued here. That really helped me become more comfortable speaking up.”
Sam faced a different challenge: “Time management, especially when working from home. With a busy student life and housemates, it’s easy to get distracted.”
His solution? “I work at the university more often now. I can focus better there. You really have to discover those things for yourself.”
What It Has Given Them
The impact of this experience goes beyond simply gaining work experience.
Merel: “I now have a much better idea of what I enjoy. I always thought consultancy wasn’t for me, but now I’m seriously reconsidering that — in a positive way.”
For Sam, it’s mainly about the head start it provides: “You don’t start your career from scratch anymore. You already have experience, you know better what suits you and you can make more informed choices.”
Who Is a Working Student Position For?
According to Merel and Sam, a working student position at Successr isn’t for everyone — and that’s exactly what makes it valuable.
Merel: “You need to be curious and eager to learn, and open to discovering new things.”
Sam adds: “And a little ambitious. You have to be willing to step outside your comfort zone. It’s really different from a standard part-time job: you get a lot of responsibility and freedom, but you have to make something of that opportunity.”
A Glimpse Into the Future
So, what’s next?
Merel is at a crossroads: “I’m still deciding between continuing my studies and starting my career, but HR consultancy is definitely a direction I want to explore further.”
Sam knows he will pursue a master’s degree, but is still deciding which direction to take: “I’m considering Data Science or Public Administration, or maybe even both. But this experience will definitely help me make that decision.”
Curious about a working student position at Successr?
We don’t always have positions available, but we’d love to hear from you. Send Dennis Spier an email at dennis.spier@successr.nl or keep an eye on our vacancies!