In celebration of International Women’s Day and in anticipation of the upcoming Women in Business event, we are excited to highlight the journey of IBA alumna Rebecca Aalbers. Rebecca began her IBA studies in 2009 and later earned a master’s degree in Marketing Management. After a dynamic career path – including a traineeship at Mondelez and four years abroad in Singapore – she now works as a Senior Brand Manager at Bonduelle, where she is responsible for the company’s canned goods and ready-to-eat product offerings in the Benelux: “How wonderful it is to motivate consumers to eat more vegetables and pulses.” Join us as we dive into Rebecca’s insights and experiences.
Let’s go back to 18-year-old Rebecca. What excited you about studying IBA? What were your expectations for the program?
I knew I wanted to do something in the business field – that was also the profile I had chosen in high school. What I really liked about IBA was that it covered a broad spectrum, giving me the flexibility to explore what I truly wanted to do later. The international aspect was also a huge draw for me. And in reality, that aspect really lived up to my expectations; my cohort had many international students who all blended in very well, making it an enjoyable experience.
Were there any professors or courses that particularly stood out to you?
One person I clearly remember is Vincent Wiegerinck. He taught the Marketing Management course, which really left an impression on me. In the bachelor’s program, you get a broad introduction to business, of course, but I already had a feeling I would focus on management or marketing for my master’s. His course confirmed that for me – during his lectures, I was always much more engaged compared to other courses.
I also found the English aspect very valuable. Of course, nowadays, over ten years later, things are a bit different. Thanks to social media, we’re all more exposed to the English language. But I’m certain that it really helped me. Sometimes at work, people compliment my English, and I truly believe that’s partly thanks to my studies.
Did you experience any specific challenges during your studies?
I was always a very diligent student, but one thing that challenged me was the broad curriculum. You study everything from finance to mathematics and statistics, all the way to marketing. While this diversity is definitely a strength, I also found it tough at times. I quickly realized that finance wasn’t my passion, which meant I had to put in extra effort to stay motivated for those subjects.
When exam season came around, I often thought, ‘Oh, this is tough!’ Sometimes, I still have ‘nightmares’ about having to take the finance exam. Funny enough, I ended up marrying a ‘finance guy,’ so I guess the circle is complete!
Many students experience a sense of uncertainty after graduating. What advice would you give these students?
When you graduate, it's normal to wonder, "What now?" My advice is to try things out and not put too much pressure on yourself. It's a great opportunity at the start of your career to explore and discover what you enjoy. My recommendation is to develop a broad skill set in the beginning. You're still young, and expectations aren't as high—it's okay to make mistakes and figure things out. The first few years are valuable for learning what you like and don't like.
So, don't feel pressured to have everything figured out. There are many paths to success, and by exploring different areas early on, you'll be in a better position to make clear decisions about your future career.
Finally, in the context of the Women in Business event, do you have any advice for our female readers?
Towards the end of my studies, I knew I wanted to become a brand manager or marketing director one day, but I also knew that having a family was equally important to me. What I can say now is that balancing career and family is challenging, but it’s definitely possible. Companies are evolving, and flexible working arrangements, like hybrid models, make a big difference.
I’m fortunate to have a supportive husband, and we share responsibilities equally. Instead of feeling guilty, I’ve come to see the value in showing my children the importance and joy of work.