Career Talks for International Students and Recent Graduates in Belgium

Get inspired by international alumni who studied in Belgium and decided to start their career in the Leuven region! What’s in it for you? During the panel discussion, international alumni with different study backgrounds will share their personal career stories. All panel members studied in Belgium and decided to start their career in the Leuven region afterwards. They will answer questions such as: • How did they approach their job search? • How did they experience the job application process in Belgium? • What is it like to work as an international in Belgium? • What tips & tricks do they have for international students and recent graduates considering a career in Belgium? • You can also submit your question for the panel during the registration process. We will be hosting a small networking reception after the panel discussion so that you can meet and network with other students, recent graduates and the panel members. This year we will also have one panel member that is an active recruiter for a local company. This way you can also hear what their opinion and how they approach hiring new employees. Good to know: The Career Talks are aimed at international students and recent graduates with limited work experience. During the panel discussion, we will not discuss legal information about working in Belgium (single permit, search year, …). Would you like to know more about these topics? Join us for a virtual information session hosted by the student legal advisor (KU Leuven students only) or consult our website. For non-students you can come to one of IHL's immigration consultation hours. - Info session for KU Leuven students: https://www.kuleuven.be/english/stuvo/calendar/jobmarket/workinginbelgium - Immigration consultation at the International House Leuven, can be found on IHL's website: https://www.internationalhouseleuven.be/activities Practical information & registration • Monday November 16 - 19:00-21:30 • Location: International House Leuven, Tiensevest 60, 3000 Leuven (stairs into building without a ramp, unfortunately not accessible for wheelchairs) • Registration: you are welcome to attend this event free of charge, but registration is required: KU Leuven students can register Via KUL Stuvo and non-students can register here via Eventbrite Agenda 19:00-19:30 Casual start. You can arrive from 19:00, grab a drink, find a seat and start networking with fellow participants and IHL volunteers. We will also have some ice breakers. 19:30-20:30 Start of the panel discussion. Please do not arrive later than 19:30! 20:30-21:30 Networking with guided activities and honesty bar (everything is 2€) 21:30 End of event Confirmed panel members for this edition Rebecca Poulsen(link is external): is a recent graduate (2022) of the KU Leuven masters in digital media and society program. She is currently self-employed through a business professional card working as a digital media consultant. She can help with the path to become self-employed (as an international) and share her experience with applying for a professional card. Gonzalo Mallea Cuba is a PhD candidate at the Leuven Mecha(tro)nic System Dynamics (LMSD) research group at KU Leuven. A mechanical engineer originally from Bolivia, Gonzalo came to Belgium to do his master's at KU Leuven; having graduated in 2025. After his Search Year was up, he decided to opt for a doctorate as an alternative career path. He can help you with his experience on what a Search Year entails and the many resources and opportunities available as well as integrating into Belgian society/culture once you leave "the student bubble". HR Recruiter from Verotech. More info about the panel member coming soon.