In celebration of International Women’s Day and ahead of the upcoming Women in Business event, we are excited to highlight the journey of IBA alumna Tessa de Jongh. In 2013, after an inspiring dance career in Italy, Tessa began her IBA studies, followed by a master’s in Strategic Management. After graduating, she launched her own business and later worked as an innovation consultant for companies such as ING and Signify. Today, she works as Commercial Innovation Manager at Heijmans, where she navigates a traditionally male-dominated field. Join us as we explore Tessa’s journey, her insights on innovation, and her experiences as a woman in business.
Let’s go back to 18-year-old Tessa. What excited you about studying IBA? What were your expectations for the program?
Actually, it’s a broader story. Because at 18, I didn’t start with International Business Administration at all—I started with Business Studies. I studied for a while, until I decided to move to Italy to pursue my biggest passion: competitive dancing. I did that for five years. We became Dutch champions three times and competed in European and World Championships.
At some point, after achieving both national and international titles, I started asking myself: “Is this what I want to do for the rest of my life?” I realized I didn’t want to dedicate myself exclusively to dancing—I also wanted to finish my studies and pursue other goals. So I returned to the Netherlands. When I came back, Business Studies no longer existed, so I enrolled in IBA instead.
Do you remember why you initially chose Business Studies, and what later attracted you to IBA?
Definitely. What attracted me to both fields, and even more so to International Business Administration, was the international focus. It’s no coincidence that I moved to Italy, and in my previous job, I worked on global projects. I’ve always been fascinated by different cultures and the various ways people work together.
I also wrote my master’s thesis for Fujifilm, which I found incredibly interesting, exploring how Japanese influences permeate the company. It gave me a broad perspective on the world and the corporate sector.
After graduating, you initially started your own company. How did that come about?
During my master’s, I took a consultancy course where we had to provide strategic advice to both a startup and a corporate. That’s how I came into contact with several startups who needed support, and also some small to medium businesses from my own network. I then started my own business and launched a few projects. The opportunity came up, and I found it really interesting. As for how I did it, I think many students graduate and wonder, "What's next?". Some students already have a job lined up, but I focused more on what came my way, using the foundation I had to work from.
Right now, you work in a traditionally male-dominated field. How do you handle that?
I think two things. First, I don’t really focus on that. I’ve worked on many projects in male-dominated environments. The higher you go, the more men you encounter. Peter is, not without reason, the most mentioned name as CEO. But I try not to focus on that and just be myself. I wear my heels, my purple suit, let my long hair down, and put on some makeup. I’m a woman, and this is me.
Second, here at Heijmans, for example, I actually see it as an advantage: I think differently. I’m not technically trained. I mention that in every conversation, and people really appreciate it.
In the context of the Women in Business event, do you have any advice for our female readers?
One important thing to remember about work: You put a lot of time and energy into it, but it should also give something back to you. It’s important to feel comfortable in the environment you're in, and don’t be afraid to take up space. You are a person too.
Dress the way you want. Even if the standard at banks is blue suits, you can show up in a purple suit—that’s perfectly fine. Be yourself and stay true to who you are. Keep learning, keep developing, and rely on your own strength.