What’s your background, and how did you find your way into recruitment?
I started out in International Business Studies before moving into sales, mainly in account management and executive roles. What drew me to recruitment was the chance to combine those commercial skills with something more people-focused. It wasn’t a career I planned for, but once I experienced the pace and saw the impact you can have on both businesses and careers, I knew it was the right path.
Why did Panda feel like the right next step for you?
From my very first conversations with Panda, the culture stood out. It felt like a place that combined professionalism with a supportive, approachable environment. I didn’t sense the rigid hierarchies you sometimes find elsewhere. Instead, people are valued for their skills and potential.
The leadership team also gave me strong confidence. They’re clear on where Panda is heading, and they have the credibility to back it up. For me, it was important to join an organisation where I could grow while being part of something forward-looking and impactful.
What’s surprised you the most about Panda in your first two months?
The biggest surprise has been how collaborative and open the culture is. In many agencies or sales-driven environments, it can feel quite “sharky,” but I haven’t experienced that here at all. Instead, there’s a genuine sense of wanting each other to succeed with a great element of competition and camaraderie.
That makes a huge difference when you’re new - it means you can ask questions, learn from others, and try new things without hesitation. It’s a refreshing change and one that makes the learning curve much smoother.
How has the culture and environment helped you get up to speed so quickly?
The support I’ve had from colleagues has been outstanding. Whether junior or senior, everyone is approachable and willing to share knowledge. That willingness to help has accelerated my learning and built my confidence.
At the same time, I’ve had a lot of autonomy. I’ve been trusted to pursue my own initiatives while knowing I have management backing me up. That balance between independence and support has been key to settling in quickly and making progress.
What’s been your biggest learning curve or milestone so far?
The biggest adjustment has been stepping into a completely new market. The Biopharma contracts space has its own dynamics, so learning how companies operate and what they need has been a steep curve.
But that challenge has also been the most rewarding milestone. Each client and candidate conversation sharpens my market knowledge and shows me the real value I can bring.
How has Panda given you the tools to succeed?
Panda invests heavily in equipping consultants with the right resources. From AI-powered search tools to market insights, I’ve been given technology that genuinely supports my work.
On top of that, the training programme has been excellent - structured, practical, and focused on real-world success. Combined with ongoing coaching, it’s created a strong foundation to build on in a completely new market.
What trends or challenges are you currently seeing in the Biopharma market in the Netherlands?
Right now, the biggest challenge is the shortage of skilled professionals. Across the life sciences, companies are finding it increasingly difficult to attract and retain talent, and that has a knock-on effect on growth and innovation.
In Biopharma, the demand for Operators, Technicians, and Engineers is particularly high. These roles are critical for production and compliance, and without them, companies face real bottlenecks. That’s why targeted recruitment is so essential in this space.
What’s your approach to building long-term relationships with your clients and candidates?
Consistency and engagement are key. I make sure to stay in frequent contact, not just when there’s a vacancy to fill. Recruitment can feel stressful when it’s transactional, so I try to make the process positive and exciting.
For clients, that means understanding their needs deeply and being a reliable partner. For candidates, it’s about making the job search motivating rather than daunting - helping them see new opportunities as a chance to grow.
What advice would you give to candidates considering a move in the coming months?
I’d encourage candidates to think beyond the job description. The role itself matters, but so does the company culture, growth opportunities, and long-term alignment.
Stay proactive - keep your skills sharp, network actively, and approach the search with curiosity. When you treat it as a chance to learn and grow, the process becomes much more rewarding, and you’re more likely to find the right fit.
How do you make sure clients get the right technical expertise at the right time?
It’s about truly understanding what’s behind the job description. I invest time in clarifying client priorities so I can identify candidates who match both technically and culturally.
Contract recruitment also demands speed, so clear and consistent communication with both sides is essential. That way, clients get the expertise they need exactly when they need it.
What would you say to recruiters or sales professionals considering a move to Panda?
Panda offers the perfect balance of autonomy and support. You’re encouraged to take ownership of your market, but you’re never left on your own - the tools, training, and culture all set you up for success.
The culture is collaborative and supportive, with people genuinely wanting to see each other succeed. That creates an atmosphere where you feel confident to learn, experiment, and push yourself.
Growth is also a huge part of the Panda experience. There are clear progression paths, opportunities to build new skills, and recognition for the effort you put in. If you’re ambitious, curious, and looking for a place where you can grow while making a real impact, Panda gives you the platform to achieve it.
Want to learn more about our open roles? Reach out to Judit to explore how you can build your career with Panda.
