Join the Journey
Job Openings
Learn more
The Journey of Young Professional Terry
After graduating, Terry Verhoef faced a familiar challenge: she found many things interesting, but what did she really want to do? Through a masterclass at HSO, she not only discovered a new direction but also a work environment where she is developing quickly.
Meet
Terry Verhoef
Associate
“Here, you really get the freedom to discover what suits you best”
From Broad Interests to a Clear Direction
“During my Business Management studies, I actually enjoyed everything,” Terry says. “But that’s exactly why it’s so hard to choose. You’ve seen so much, and then suddenly you have to pick just one path.”
After graduation, she started working at a small IT company. There, she had the opportunity to combine various roles: from sales to marketing and after-sales. She particularly enjoyed working with clients.
Still, she felt she was missing a challenge and opportunities for growth. “The company was small, and there wasn’t much room to really delve deeper into things. I wanted more: multiple projects, flexibility, and a more modern work environment.”
The Move to HSO
During her search, Terry came across a job posting from HSO on Indeed. It wasn’t exactly a standard position, but rather a masterclass program. “What appealed to me was that you’re guided through the process for a few weeks first. You get a sort of kickstart, instead of being thrown right into things.”
The way they communicated was also different from what she was used to. “Within two hours, a recruiter had already called me. It immediately made me feel they took me seriously. And they were flexible throughout the process, which inspired confidence.”
The deciding factor? “The combination of a larger company with a personal approach. You have plenty of opportunities, but they really look at you as a person.”
A Flying Start in the Young Professional Program
Terry started with the masterclass, along with a small group of newcomers. “The pace was just right. You get a lot of information, but there’s also room to ask questions. And because you start out with other newcomers, you build a network right away.”
That connection has lasted ever since. “We still see each other regularly at the office. We’re all working on different projects, but we can easily stay in touch. That keeps things approachable."
Working on Real Projects
After the masterclass, Terry got to work on her first project in Customer Engagement. “I was immediately thrown into a large project with a team of about seventeen people. It took some getting used to, but it was also very educational.”
She’s working on an implementation related to Project Operations and Field Service. “What I find particularly interesting is that you really get to see how an organization works. Everything is interconnected.”
Although she still regularly asks her colleagues questions, she’s fully involved in the work. “I write test cases, work with the client, and am learning how the entire system works along the way. And what’s great is that you’re really given the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them.”
Learning by Doing—and by Asking Questions
What surprised Terry is how much she’s learning beyond the subject matter itself. “You’d expect to mainly learn about the system. But I’m actually learning just as much about collaboration, project management, and communication.”
Mentoring also plays a major role in this. “You always have someone you can turn to. On my project, I have a buddy who’s already completed the program. But you also have someone outside the project to ask for help with practical questions.”
And perhaps even more importantly: people listen. “If you say you need something, they actually do something about it.”
Room for Initiative
At HSO, you get opportunities—but you have to seize them. “If you want something, you have to speak up. Then they’ll really take you seriously and try to make it happen.”
Terry has experienced this firsthand. “During my job interview, I mentioned that I’d like to work internationally. And now there’s a chance I might go abroad for a project. I think it’s really great that they remember that and actually reach out to you about it.”
Proud of Her Growth
Although she’s only been on this journey for a few months, Terry notices that she’s growing quickly. “I’m just working as part of a large project, and I’m getting positive feedback from the client that I’m doing a good job. That gives me confidence.”
She’s therefore optimistic about the future. “I can see that I’m laying a solid foundation now. I may be doing a lot of technical work right now, but that will help me become a better consultant down the road.”
Who is this program for?
According to Terry, the Young Professional Program is especially suited for people who want to learn and grow. “You don’t have to know everything yet, but you do need to have the drive to grow.”
She mentions one more important quality: “You have to be entrepreneurial. Things don’t always come to you on their own. But if you show initiative, you really do get a lot in return.”
Working at HSO
Working at HSO is more than just a step in your career; it’s about finding your purpose and embarking on a meaningful journey on a global scale. As a proud Microsoft partner, we’re passionate about innovation and empowering our people to contribute to a better world. At HSO, you’re part of a forward-thinking organization where your career is shaped by growth, community, flexibility, and purpose. Want to learn more? Join the journey!
