Sometimes, a single conversation is all it takes to change the course of a career. Gaëtan, a former candidate at the Unicareers Luxembourg fair, returned a year later, but this time on the other side of the stand. Here’s his story.
Since 2014, the Unicareers fair, organised through a partnership between the University of Luxembourg and the job board Moovijob.com, has enabled thousands of young talents to secure an internship or job in Luxembourg. The years go by, and while no two editions are exactly the same, one thing never changes: the largest Job fair for Interns & Young professionals in the Greater Region continues to create valuable professional opportunities.
It was behind the scenes of the 2024 edition that we met Gaëtan, now a Securities Transaction Officer at Edmond de Rothschild, one year after being recruited at Unicareers 2023. Here’s a look back at a unique and inspiring success story.
A day at the fair… that changed everything
In 2023, Gaëtan was completing his Master’s in Banking & Asset Management at HEC Liège, Belgium. His university sent out an email announcing the Unicareers fair and even gave students the day off to attend. At the time, he was looking for a minimum three-month internship starting in February 2024.
"I went to the fair with my friends, it was a great opportunity to find an internship quickly."
With his group of friends, he spotted several major banks present at the fair: Bank Pictet & Cie (Europe) AG, BNP Paribas, Edmond de Rothschild, ING Luxembourg… And Luxembourg, located just next to Arlon, was far more convenient for them than Brussels or Liège. In short, the timing was perfect.
Gaëtan had also made sure to prepare thoroughly beforehand: checking vacancies on Moovijob.com, targeting the companies he wanted to meet, and listing questions to ask.
"The great thing about the event website is that you can find company descriptions. It really helps you prepare properly."
A game-changing encounter
When Gaëtan arrived at the Edmond de Rothschild stand, he struck up a conversation with a recruiter about an internship he had seen on Moovijob.com. What he didn’t know yet was that he was talking to his future manager, and the chemistry was immediate.
By the Monday following the fair, Gaëtan received his first email from that very recruiter. He didn’t even need to follow up. By October, his internship contract was signed, and he started in February 2024. The experience went so well that by the end of his internship, the company offered him a permanent contract, which he accepted without hesitation. He officially began his new role as securities transaction officer in mid-September 2024, and just a few days later, he was back at the fair, but this time behind the stand.
"To close the loop, they asked me to represent Edmond de Rothschild at the fair. I immediately said yes because I thought it was an amazing opportunity to share my experience with the candidates."
The fair, from the other side of the stand
One year later, Gaëtan returned to Unicareers as a recruiter, ready to give candidates the advice he would have loved to receive himself. He met many profiles, and some reminded him of his own journey.
"I see myself in some candidates. I know what they’re aiming for, but I push them to go further, to not stop at what they learn in school. You have to ask the right questions."
With his new perspective, he doesn’t hesitate to guide candidates towards opportunities they might not have dared to consider.
Edmond de Rothschild team at Unicareers 2024 (with Gaëtan, top right)
Gaëtan’s 3 tips for future fair candidates:
- Prepare in advance: Check the vacancies and company descriptions on Moovijob.com;
- Research the companies you want to meet;
- Be confident.
"It’s true that seeing the names of big companies is intimidating, but you shouldn’t assume that there are always better candidates than you. Maybe there are, but if you don’t try, you’ll never know. You have nothing to lose, so go for it!"
Gaëtan’s story is a reminder that sometimes, one day is enough to launch a career. Once again this year, the Unicareers fair is getting ready to welcome the talents of tomorrow. And who knows? You might just meet your future employer on 26 September at Luxexpo The Box…
Enjoyed this portrait? Share your experience with the Moovijob.com community! Contact us at communication@moovijob.com.
Don’t miss the Unicareers Luxembourg fair, on Friday 26 September at Luxexpo The Box.