Baseflow Inside: Marlou Stoeten

Transitioning into a new career field.

Once a recruiter in the tech industry, I decided to switch careers and become a UI/UX designer. It was a challenging and daunting decision but a decision that has ultimately allowed me to tap into my creative side and find greater fulfillment in my work.

As a recruiter, I spent my days scouring the job market for top talent, conducting interviews, and placing candidates at one of the biggest tech companies in the Netherlands. It was a fast-paced and demanding job, but I loved the thrill of finding the perfect match for a position.

However, I found myself feeling unfulfilled as time passed. I missed creative outlets. I realized that my true passion was in design and visual arts. So, I decided to take the leap and pursue a career as a UI/UX designer.

Making the transition from recruiter to UI/UX designer took work. I had to learn new skills, familiarize myself with design software, and build a portfolio from scratch. But the hard work is starting to pay off.

After graduating from my design course, I started applying for a job. It did not take long until I stumbled across a company that piqued my interest. They had a very welcoming vibe. The people from this company seemed happy. The job description was unique. They seemed to put people first.

Where other companies sum up so many demands and requirements, this company left a lot open to interpretation. It made it easier for me to apply since I could openly tell my story. Within 30 minutes, I received an invitation for my first job interview. My jaw dropped.

The interview process was unlike any I have been through before. In my first interview, they did not fire hundreds of questions at me. They genuinely wanted to get to know me for who I am. I could speak freely, and my nervousness disappeared within the first minute. It was a wonderful experience.

We discussed skills more in-depth in the second interview. It was a very positive experience again. They were not off to trick me with hard questions. They knew my background. I was a designer at the start of her career, and they treated me like that.

And so, I got hired at Baseflow.

After a few months of experience, it has proven to be a great match. Baseflow puts people first. There was no talking about "We might take a big risk hiring you" or "We will make sure you have enough time to prove yourself" It was a warm welcome.

As a UI/UX designer, I can use my creativity to bring clients' visions to life. I love turning a blank screen into a beautiful and functional website or app that looks great but also serves a purpose.

I am grateful for the experience and skills I gained as a recruiter. I am even more thankful for the opportunity Baseflow gave me to follow my passion and become a UI designer. It may have been a challenging journey, but it has been worth it.