From hairdresser to intercedente: mountain worker Zoë made the switch

It can be done like that (ë) too!

In this blog I, mountain worker Zoë, take you into my story. I have been working as an intercedent at BergWerk since 2021, but my career started in a completely different world: that of hairdressing. How I made the step to a completely new profession and why I now feel like I am contributing more, I will tell you below.

10 years with hands in hair;)

I started training as an all-round hairstylist at the age of 16 and then devoted myself completely to hairdressing. To further develop myself, I took additional courses and training, such as nail styling and later extensive training as a make-up artist.

I liked the work and the contact with people too, but I noticed that I wanted to mean more. Not only make someone happy with a new look, but also really do something that makes social impact.

The leap into the deep

So after ten years in the hairdressing trade, I felt it was time for something new. Exciting, because my experience was completely in one direction.

I was advised to contact a recruitment agency. I had never had experience with this before. BergWerk was the first agency I heard about. It is also practically in the city center (and close to my house), so I decided to look at their website. Here I saw a vacancy ‘intercedente’ at BergWerk itself open. This vacancy is all about helping people and creating (new) opportunities. A totally new world, but it appealed to me!

I applied for a job at BergWerk, had a conversation with Annemarie and then had the opportunity to completely change my career. And I am very grateful for that to this day!

From hands in the hair to hands on the keyboard

The first period was a huge switch. Both physically and mentally. The hairdressing stool was exchanged for an office chair, the mirror for a desk and the scissors for a laptop. I had little experience with computers and systems, but luckily I pick up new things quickly and am not afraid to try things out myself.

In the hair salon I had a very nice team that I could work well with. So it took some getting used to starting in a new team and hoping that it would click at least as well, because I personally think a click with colleagues is very important! I always look a bit crazy at first, so it's exciting to start something completely new after something so familiar. Benjamin, Celesta and Yara also started at BergWerk in the same month, allowing us to make a new start together.

We have now grown into a close-knit team and occasionally have drinks after work, we go out for fun outings and we regularly spend time together on the padel court!

What do I do at BergWerk?

After a good training process, I was quickly assigned one of the largest clients: the ANWB. That trust felt like a nice step, and to this day I still enjoy working for this customer. Several customers have now been added, which makes my work even more diverse.

In my role I arrange everything. I provide new staff, make schedules, keep track of the hours worked and am ready for both employees and clients when asking questions, large or small. If something is needed, such as safe work shoes or certain certificates, I will make sure that it is arranged, together with my colleagues.

I also visit companies to keep contact good and to strengthen cooperation. Behind the scenes I ensure that everything is administratively correct, so that everything continues to run smoothly. It is precisely that variety and responsibility that make my work so much fun.

I like dynamics and work best with a little pressure. Everything always happens here at the same time, and that suits me exactly. It keeps me sharp and makes me do my job with energy.

What do I take with me from the hairdressing profession?

I still use what I learned in hairdressing every day. Listen carefully, feel what someone needs and ask questions! Only now the goal is different.

I help people not only to feel good, but to take steps in their lives. Work is such a big part of your week. If you help someone get a job, you really make an impact.

Also ready for a career change?

Feel free to visit us for an introduction. We think along with you about your next step. Via the BergWerk Academy you can also receive a €500 voucher for a course or training in another industry. This way we not only help you think, but also do.