This week in our Amsterdam International Community School Alumni Sharing Stories episode, we hear from Alyona P., the Lead Recruiter for Go Spooky.

I joined the AICS in 2007 for MYP1 and was there until DP2 graduating in 2014.  There was one year in between when I studied at Hilversum International but decided to return to AICS the following year.  

After I graduated, I had no idea what I wanted to do so I started working, which turned out to be the best way to get to know myself. I never went to university, but by staying open and saying yes to different opportunities, I ended up on a pretty unique path. I worked in the kitchen at de Bijenkorf, ran my own ZZP business managing luxury short-stay apartments, assisted a film producer on a photography project that had me traveling across France, worked at a tech company in Eindhoven, and even coordinated events in Miami. I just kept exploring. Eventually, I landed in recruitment and I love it. In the future, I hope to start my own company and develop my own product and brand.

I’m currently based in Amsterdam working as a Lead Recruiter at Go Spooky, a creative agency that helps top brands stay ahead of the curve by making bold, culture-driven content for social media. Previously, I worked for Tony Chocolonely as a Recruiter. I love connecting with people. I get a real kick out of helping others find the right fit, whether it’s for a job or just making great connections.

One of my fondest memories from AICS was when, every Monday morning, all the grades from MYP1 to DP2 would gather in the main canteen for a school-wide assembly. It felt like such a close-knit community. If it was your birthday, you had to skip around the room while everyone chanted, “Skip around the room, skip around the room! We won’t shut up until you skip around the room!” It was silly, a little embarrassing, but fun and it brought everyone together.

When I was 18, I had no idea what I wanted to do and honestly, that’s okay. There was so much pressure to pick the “right” study or career path, but I didn’t have it all figured out, and you don’t need to either. If I can give AICS-ers one piece of advice, it’s this: Don’t rush. Take time to explore, get to know yourself, and figure out what lights you up. Whether that means taking a gap year to travel, starting a job to learn what you like (and what you don’t), or simply experimenting, go for it. Understand your strengths, be honest about your weaknesses, and build from there. Don’t be afraid to take the road less traveled or do things differently than everyone else. I never went to university, but I’ve still had amazing experiences and opportunities because I kept saying yes to new things. Keep opening doors. And if something doesn’t feel right? Close it and open a new one.