Got your STEM degree and looking for an exciting job?

Jurjen Wilschut, Senior Recruiter at CheckMark Labrecruitment, knows all about this. Each week, he speaks with various candidates who want to stay connected to their field but focus less on the technical aspects and more on working with people. “Over the years, I’ve helped many people find great jobs in the lab sector, in roles like account management, customer service, or product specialist,” he says. “I completely understand this desire, as I made a similar choice in my own career.”

While studying for his Master’s in Biotechnology, Wilschut earned a qualification as a chemistry teacher. After graduation, he was certain he wanted to work with people. However, he wasn’t sure if teaching was the right fit. “I still enjoy education, but I wanted to stay closer to the field I studied. I saw that opportunity in a recruiter role at CheckMark Labrecruitment, a recruitment specialist in chemistry and life sciences.”

His communication skills have proven to be a great asset in his work. “As a recruiter, you’re often in contact with clients. You visit them to discuss the specifics of their vacancies and how to fill them. You get to see many laboratories from the inside and gain a clear understanding of the work being done.”

Recruiters also have a lot of contact with candidates. “Through the conversations you have with candidates, you learn what they are capable of. You build a network and guide them toward exciting new jobs.”

According to Wilschut, no previous recruitment experience is necessary. “Most people who start with us have no experience in recruitment. When you join, you’ll receive training. Every new recruiter is paired with an experienced recruiter as a mentor who provides intensive guidance and teaches you all the ins and outs of recruitment.”

Wilschut notes that the learning process takes time. “Recruitment is challenging. Not only do you expand your technical knowledge within chemistry and life sciences, but you also gain expertise in the recruitment field itself.”

Once you’ve mastered the art of recruitment, there are opportunities for growth. “You can specialize in a commercial role, a specific sector, or focus on a particular job category,” says the senior recruiter.

Wel iets met je opleiding chemie of life sciences doen, maar liever niet in een laboratorium? Dan is een functie in sales misschien iets voor jou. Bekijk alle vacatures voor sales in de labsector.