Strong together: Robin finds his place at Mourik through Onbeperkt Jobstudent
An accessible workplace where everyone feels welcome: that's what Mourik is committed to. Thanks to Onbeperkt Jobstudent, students with a disability or chronic illness can do a student job. Robin is doing holiday work at Mourik through this programme this summer. Fabienne, management assistant and contact person for Onbeperkt Jobstudent, accompanies him on the shop floor. Together they talk about their experiences.
The right match thanks to Onbeperkt Jobstudent
Robin is a final-year student in the graduate programme in programming. He has known since he was six that he has ADHD and in January 2024 he was also diagnosed with autism. "I first started on an undergraduate course in the middle of the corona period. I found the switch to online classes difficult. The practice went well, but I struggled to concentrate on the theory." Robin decided to switch to a graduate course that focuses much more on practice. This proved to be a good move, as Robin feels like a fish out of water here.
Through a conversation with the school psychologist, he got in touch with Onbeperkt Jobstudent. "They know what my strengths and weaknesses are and know the companies they work with. They know perfectly where you will come into your own. Previously, I once did holiday work in a supermarket at the checkout. Very busy and a lot of social contact, that turned out to be nothing for me."
His first holiday job via Onbeperkt Jobstudent brought him to Mourik. "Everyone knows each other, you know immediately who you can turn to. I feel welcome and if I have a question, I can go to anyone." Robin works in different departments. "I get to organise my own tasks here. That gives freedom and at the same time it is also a challenge."
From archiving and filing work to jack-of-all-trades
Fabienne has been working at Mourik since 2000 and, in addition to being a management assistant, is also involved in PR and communications. From her role, she became the point of contact for Onbeperkt Jobstudent within the company. "Through a relation of our director, I came into contact with them and that's how the ball started rolling. Getting to know Veerle and Ann, the driving forces behind the initiative, felt right away."
She enjoys mentoring students like Robin. "What strikes me: they are always very intelligent, motivated people who really deserve a chance on the job market. Robin initially came for archiving and filing work, but has since become our jack-of-all-trades. He supports several departments, does computer work, classifies documents, applies stickers to safety helmets... Really all sorts of things!"
Everyone knows each other, you know immediately who you can turn to. I feel welcome and if I have a question, I can ask anyone.
The cooperation with Onbeperkt Jobstudent goes very smoothly. "Veerle and Ann do it with passion and that draws you in as a supervisor. Their enthusiasm is contagious. They guide the students closely and stay involved, which makes a big difference."
Robin is still finding his way, but feels comfortable within Mourik. "Because I work in different teams, I learn a lot. And I feel at home here" Fabienne concludes: "For me, the most important thing is that students like Robin can experience what it's really like within a company. And if this can be done in a warm environment, with respect and openness, then we are on the right track."
