Launching careers with innovation and purpose: the Proximus Graduate Program
At Proximus, we empower the Tech leaders of tomorrow. Our Graduate Program is a carefully crafted journey aligned with our strategic objectives and values. This is much more than an HR program; it’s a reflection of our commitment to cultivating excellence and securing Proximus’ long-term success.
Morgane de Montlivault, Talent Acquisition Lead and former Proximus Graduate, along with Melissa Nortier, Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist give you more insight in our unique approach.
What can we expect from this year’s Graduate Program in terms of program structure, focus areas or learnings?
This year’s Graduate Program at Proximus offers a dynamic experience with three 8-month assignments. Graduates explore different roles in a fast-changing environment, gaining a well-rounded perspective. We encourage them to step out of their comfort zones and take on challenging assignments to discover new interests and (further) develop their skills. This approach fosters growth and ensures Graduates become top-class professionals. In addition, we unified our learning track to develop their skill set. Throughout the program, Graduates receive digital and classroom training combined with mentoring. This ensures that all Graduates hone their communication and influence skills within the organization, which are essential for any career path.
What soft skills and competencies does the program prioritize?
The program focuses on 6 key skills : communication, leadership, learning agility, drive for results, networking and dealing with change and ambiguity. Communication is about expressing yourself clearly in groups and giving presentations. Leadership is about organizing things in a structured way, motivating the team, and creating a climate of commitment. Learning agility means solving new problems and being able to learn quickly and apply solutions first time right. Drive for results is about consistently achieving objectives and keeping an eye on the target. Networking refers to building long-term relationships and interacting easily with new people. Dealing with change and ambiguity means managing change, dealing with risk and uncertainty, and getting through difficult situations.
How do you ensure that the projects the Graduates undertake directly contribute to Proximus' strategic objectives and have a tangible impact on the business?
Assignments are always directly linked to a business priority, ensuring a direct and impactful contribution to Proximus' strategy. Each assignment is checked, reviewed, prioritized, and quality controlled by our recruiters, assuring that the assignments are of high quality, in line with the focus areas, and provide sufficient challenge for the Graduate.
How does the program prepare Graduates for the evolving challenges and opportunities within the tech-co industry?
We offer a robust curriculum that covers the latest trends in technology, telecommunications, and digital transformation. Graduates receive in-depth training on cutting-edge technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity. This foundation helps them understand the tech-co landscape and anticipate future developments. From day one, Graduates work on real projects, gaining hands-on experience that bridges theory and practice. The program includes rotations across departments such as IT, network operations, customer experience, and digital services, ensuring a holistic view of the business. Each Graduate is paired with a senior leader mentor who provides guidance, industry insights, and career navigation. Through workshops, hackathons, and innovation challenges, we foster creativity and encourage Graduates to come up with ideas that drive the business forward.
How does Proximus foster a culture of innovation within the Graduate program?
At Proximus, our Graduate Program is closely aligned with our "Think Possible" culture, which is all about fostering innovation and challenging the status quo. We encourage Graduates to push boundaries, explore new ideas, embrace change, and find creative solutions that drive our business - and the industry - forward. We hold an annual Customer Experience Challenge, where employees from across the company come together to brainstorm and tackle key challenges within our Customer division. We actively encourage our Graduates to take part in this initiative, as it offers a valuable opportunity to collaborate, contribute fresh ideas, and have a direct impact on the customer experience. We also have a dedicated Think Young Community for the younger generation at Proximus. This group meets quarterly in after-work sessions where we engage in innovative exercises, share ideas, and occasionally collaborate with peers from other companies.
What are the career development opportunities for Graduates within Proximus after the program?
Upon completion of the Graduate Program, Graduates undergo a thorough evaluation. If this evaluation is positive, they will be promoted and move into a permanent position within the company. We provide a curated list of specific roles that align with our strategic objectives and are tailored to the Graduate’s developed skills and interests. However, we also recognize that each Graduate’s journey is unique. The aim is to ensure that, after two years of practical experience and self-discovery, our Graduates are well equipped to step into a role that not only matches their competencies but also makes a meaningful contribution to Proximus' success. This personalized career mapping allows our Graduates to continue to grow within the company and make a significant impact as they progress in their careers.
How does the program equip Graduates with a global mindset and prepare them for international roles?
As Proximus increasingly focuses on building an international ecosystem, we recognize the importance of providing our Graduates with global exposure. The assignments are chosen in line with our strategic priorities, giving Graduates the opportunity to work on international, multi-company projects. In response to growing demand from our Graduates and in line with our evolving strategic priorities, we are pleased to be piloting an opportunity for Graduates to complete an international assignment within one of our subsidiaries at the end of their internship. This international experience will allow Graduates to broaden their horizons, gain valuable insights into global markets, and develop skills that are essential to thrive in a networked, international environment. By working within our subsidiaries, they not only contribute to our global operations but also bring back diverse experiences that enrich Proximus.