As a new employee, you quickly feel at home at Elia
Sibylle, from Wallonia, and Eline, from Flanders, both joined Elia's Human Resources Department in 2021 and have since gone on to become close colleagues – and friends. Together, they help keep the lights on across Belgium! As the builder and operator of the high-voltage grid, Elia ensures that electricity gets where it's needed, from deep in the sea to high in the sky. Read on to learn why they feel a spark at Elia.
Choosing growth
Sibylle, Recruiter & Employer Branding: "After two years as a recruitment consultant, I felt ready for a new challenge. I learned that Elia was a rapidly growing company with the right goals for the future that invests in both the energy grid of tomorrow and, of course, its employees, with the icing on the cake being the very attractive overall package provided by Elia – and believe me: it takes a lot to win over a recruiter."
Eline, Employer Branding Expert: "After studying marketing and corporate communication, I also became a recruiter, as I wanted a people-oriented job. After a while, I realised that I was missing my other great love, marketing. On LinkedIn, I came across a vacancy for an Employer Branding Expert at Elia, which was the ideal mix of marketing and recruitment. After reading the job ad, I knew that the role was perfect for me. Indeed, I wanted the job so badly that after the interview, I sent Elia a message to ask them to please choose me – and here I am!"
A warm welcome
Sibylle: "On arriving at the office in Brussels for my final interview, I was given a very warm welcome. Among other things, I went on an extensive tour and got a goodie bag. It quickly became clear that this wasn't an interview, and instead they wanted to discuss what I had to offer. I felt they really believed in me. I initially said I needed time to think about it, but I called the manager the next day to say I was all in!"
Eline: "On my first day at Elia, there was an introduction programme, or 'onboarding', for all new staff, from technical personnel to support staff. After a general introduction, we headed to the Elia Training Centre, where we visited a high-voltage substation. I was extremely impressed by it all and really felt that Elia spark. Even though I don't have a technical background, being able to understand exactly what Elia does was a huge advantage."
Sibylle: "To fully get to grips with my new job as a recruiter for French-speaking technical personnel, I drove straight to Wallonia to meet the team there. I must admit that I was nervous at first, as a young woman of 26 working with male technical staff. But it was obvious that they immediately accepted and respected me. The respect is mutual, by the way; I admire what they do, because without them there is no Elia. In short, I feel completely at home here and part of the Elia family."
A passion for energy reinforces our culture
Eline: "I've noticed that everyone working for Elia is passionate about energy. You can feel it in everything we do, and that fosters a great sense of solidarity and reinforces our culture. You also see a certain pride in being part of a larger whole making a contribution to society. Despite Elia being a big company that employs over 1,500 people, I've really learned the meaning of 'collegiality' here. Respect and the desire to help each other is entrenched in our company."
Sibylle: "There was an immediate spark between Eline and me. We have the same background in recruitment and share the same interests outside work, i.e. enjoying a bite to eat and a drink in Brussels, where we both live."
