They made it - testimonials

Virginie Schmetz

A few years ago, just graduated in management sciences, I was looking for my first job. I didn’t think directly to enter in a great bank because I was a bit afraid of being treated like a number. So I started my carrier working in accountancy within a small company during one year. But I realized quite quickly that I didn’t enjoy it and that I didn’t want to build my career in that field. I had to find my own way. That’s how I thought to enter in the Fortis International Associate Program.

I discovered I was not a number at all. Indeed, I had several coaches and a mentor to advice me throughout this program. I worked within several businesses (namely Retail Banking, Fortis Lease, Strategy and Commercial Banking) and discovered all the different activities I couldn’t imagine a great bank does.

When we say Fortis International Associate Program, it’s not a lure. It’s really an international program within an international company. Indeed, I spent 3 months in London, working for Fortis Lease. Discovering another culture in a foreign country was a very rich experiment. I would always be thankful to Fortis to have proposed me this opportunity.

During these 18 months, through plenty of trainings, different internships and abroad, I met a lot of interesting people. I have built a network made of other trainees, new colleagues and senior managers as well. I think that such network is very important and has a great value. 

When I look backwards, my traineeship was really an attractive and exciting opportunity. It taught me a lot about the bank businesses and improved my knowledge in finance, marketing, project management and myself!

Today I can now say I discovered the area in which I want to build my career: marketing and communication in a financial environment. Now I am working as a Project Officer in the Business Operation Office of Global Branding & Communication. I am very happy to tackle this new challenge and I am sure this is just the beginning of a bigger adventure within Fortis.