Career perspectives for VU graduates in economics, data or business

As a graduate of the Dutch language Business Studies (Bedrijfskunde, BK) programme, you can work in a wide range of capacities at a versatile organization such as Heineken. The BK programme has 12 specialisations, and Heineken needs people who are competent in each of these specialisations (for example, accounting, digital business innovation, entrepreneurship, financial management, leadership and change management, marketing, strategy and organisation, transport and supply management). All specialisations prepare for a subsequent master, which would further increase your expertise in these areas even more. At the same time, as a business student graduate, you have knowledge about each of these domains, which allows you to be a person who connects and bridges different departments. This sets you apart from graduates of more narrowly focused programs such as Econometrics and Operations Research. The BK programme does not focus particularly on international aspects, but of course the programme also covers international cases and theory applications, so you would be prepared to work for Heineken either domestically or internationally.

As a Business Analytics graduate at Heineken, you would use sophisticated data analysis techniques to interpret complex datasets and extract actionable insights. Your role often bridges the gap between IT and business functions, enabling data-driven strategies that optimise processes, increase efficiency, and boost profitability. For example, you might analyse consumer purchase patterns and social media trends to forecast demand for Heineken’s products in different markets, guiding inventory management and targeted marketing campaigns. You could develop predictive models to identify potential supply chain disruptions before they occur, or use optimisation algorithms to streamline distribution routes, reducing costs and environmental impact. Your expertise in machine learning could be used to personalise customer experiences, enhance brand loyalty, and increase market share. Your skill set would be vital in transforming raw data into a strategic asset for Heineken, ensuring that the company keeps pace with the rapid changes in the beverage industry and sets new standards for innovation and growth.

As an Econometrics and Operations Research or Econometrics and Data Science graduate, you can contribute to improve Heineken’s marketing position in many ways. For instance, with your expertise you can use data to improve media spending. And related to this, implement statistical models to predict which customers are more or less likely to churn. Or you could contribute to a team that uses time series data to make forecasts. These forecasts could, for instance, concern purchase prices which Heineken needs to pay for raw materials and services. Another goal could be to predict future trends of alcohol-free beer consumption or optimise transport and delivery routes. In summary, as an Econometrics and Operations Research/Econometrics and Data Science graduate, you use econometric and data science tools together with applied mathematics and computer technology.

There are many opportunities for graduates with an Economics and Business Economics (EBE) degree at Heineken, given the four specialisation tracks. If you have completed the marketing track you can work at Heineken as a marketeer who analyses data and develops marketing strategies. Graduates in the finance track can join the finance department and make important decisions on finance issues, such as the issuance of new stocks. If you have finished the accounting track you can analyse financial trends and improve the quality of the annual reports. Graduates from the economics track can be involved in hiring decisions, for example by assessing the cost-effectiveness of investing in training programs for existing employees versus hiring new talent with the required skills. What all graduates have in common is that they learnt how to deal with economic issues, taking ethical, environmental, social and governance issues into account. Furthermore, they have developed their skills in applying quantitative and qualitative methods and know how to use analytical and programming tools.

With an International Business Administration (IBA) degree, you are prepared to join Heineken and use your knowledge and expertise to contribute to Heineken’s global organisation. Drawing on acquired management competences you can connect people from culturally diverse backgrounds, you are able to engage in meaningful and insightful dialogues with disciplinary business experts (e.g., international human resources management, global supply chain, and cross-cultural marketing), and your out-of-the-box thinking will certainly benefit Heineken. For example, as Heineken is a multi-national enterprise with its headquarters based in the Netherlands, you are ready to build and maintain relationships with international partners and competitors, such as different beer brewers and distributors. You can identify challenges and develop solutions in dedicated areas, such as global sustainability, international strategy, international finance, and global digitalisation. For example, you could contribute to Heineken becoming a more sustainable company, i.e. reducing its global footprint.

As a graduate from Science, Business and Innovation, you combine your expertise of natural science and technology with thorough knowledge of innovation processes. You are able to advice Heineken on implementing circular economy, sustainability and corporate social responsibility strategies, bringing in a solid understanding of research and development and technological innovation on both the level of content as well as process. Sustainably sourced ingredients as well as smart use of water in the brewing process would only be two examples of focal points you would be working on. You would be an excellent team player, having practiced in functioning in a team in a wide range of innovation projects. With your pitching qualities and entrepreneurial attitude, you would be able to gain traction for your innovative ideas on optimising internal and external company strategies.