THE POSITION

As the labour market evolves, a new generation of talent is preparing to enter the workforce over the next five years. To attract and retain this talent, companies must understand what these future employees value in an employer. Your research will support our campus recruitment strategy and contribute to more effective employer branding and talent acquisition.  

To explore the expectations, values, motivations, and decision-making factors of the new generation (e.g., Gen Z and early Gen Alpha) when choosing an employer. The goal is to provide actionable insights that helps us align our offerings with the needs of this upcoming talent pool. 

This research is important for the strategic positioning of Van Oord in the labour market. The findings will be directly translated into actionable recommendations aimed at strengthening our Early Career Team, ensuring we effectively communicate our Value Proposition to the target demographic. 

Furthermore, this thesis will serve as the foundation for optimizing the Van Oord Traineeship 2027 and all subsequent editions. By thoroughly mapping the specific needs, career goals, and learning preferences of Gen Z and Early Gen Alpha. This thesis is a direct investment in the sustainable intake and development of future key talent for Van Oord. 

YOUR IMPACT

As a graduation thesis student, you will conduct applied research that supports our strategic goals. Your responsibilities include: 

• Designing and executing a research plan focused on the expectations and values of future talent entering the labor market between now and 2030.
• Conducting a literature review on generational trends and workplace motivations.
• Creating and distributing surveys or conducting interviews with students and recent graduates to gather primary data.
• Analyzing collected data to identify key trends, drivers, and decision-making factors that influence employer choice.
• Translating your findings into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for our Campus Recruitment and Employer Branding strategies.
• Writing a full graduation thesis/report, including an executive summary and practical takeaways.
• Optionally, presenting your findings to stakeholders within the Talent Acquisition and Early Career Team

We will provide guidance and mentorship throughout the process, and you'll have access to internal data, tools, and contacts to support your research. 

ABOUT YOU

• You are pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in Human Resources, Work and Organizational Psychology, Business Administration or in a similar field;
• You are proactive, independent, and research-minded;
• You have an interest human behaviour and generational dynamics; 
• You live in The Netherlands;
• You have strong communication skills and are fluent in Dutch and English

WE OFFER

You will work partly from our headquarters in Rotterdam. You can start or end your workday in our in-house gym. While remote work is possible, we encourage you to be at the office as much as possible! 

At Van Oord, we have a vibrant community, Young Van Oord, focused on building social connections and personal growth. We regularly organize events to help you connect with fellow students and professionals, creating valuable relationships and lasting memories. 

Join Van Oord and experience the working world in an environment that fosters both personal and professional growth. We provide a supportive atmosphere where you can learn and contribute to groundbreaking projects. 

Interested?  

Apply via the application form below. For any questions, feel free to contact Janine Stekelenburg (+31 88 826 1509)