AeronauticsV.I.E
The global experiences through the eyes of our V.I.Es
Moving abroad for work can feel like a big step: a new country, a new culture, new colleagues, and often with a completely new way of working. Yet for many young professionals at ALTEN, that’s exactly what makes the V.I.E experience rewarding.
More than an international assignment, a V.I.E (International Corporate Volunteer Programme) is an excellent opportunity for young Europeans to live and work abroad for a period of 6 to 24 months and accelerate their professional development while living an adventure that few early-career professionals get to experience. While every journey is unique, its true value is best reflected in the stories of those who undertake it.
With practical support in place, participants can embrace the experience with confidence. This allows them to focus on what matters most: building their skills, immersing themselves in a new culture, and making the most of their international assignment.
What inspired our V.I.Es to choose this path
For many participants, one of the most valuable aspects of the V.I.E experience is the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds.
Melanie began her journey as a V.I.E in 2023 and now works as an International Communications Project Officer. Through her role, she collaborates daily with communication teams across Europe and coordinates projects involving multiple entities within the Group. Working in such a diverse environment has strengthened both her intercultural awareness and stakeholder management skills.
Melanie
International Communications Project Officer
“Over the past three years, I’ve had the chance to work closely with colleagues from across Europe, learn from different perspectives, and contribute to projects that bring multiple entities together. I’ve learned about the importance of nurturing intercultural relations, and not solely on a professional basis, but on a personal level as well.”
Working at the Heart of Innovation
For Clément, the V.I.E felt like a natural continuation of the international experiences he had already enjoyed during his studies in Bologna, Italy. After spending a semester abroad through the Erasmus program, he was eager to pursue a career that would combine professional growth with an international environment.
The V.I.E experience has also been an opportunity to contribute to an ambitious international project. Shortly after joining ALTEN, Clément became part of a team developing an AI solution in collaboration with ALTEN Netherlands. What started as a new assignment quickly evolved into a large-scale initiative with impact far beyond Belgium. Today, the AI tool developed by the team is already being used by clients and is expected to be deployed more broadly across the Group, demonstrating how a V.I.E can provide early exposure to innovative and meaningful projects.
“More than simply finding a job, I wanted to start my career by working on meaningful projects and continuing to learn as a young engineer.Moving abroad was an exciting step, but it was also reassuring to know that I would still be only a few hours away from my family and friends.
It allowed me to embrace a new challenge while staying connected to the people who have always supported me.”
Clément
Software Engineer
From international experience to long-term career growth
While a V.I.E is often seen as an opportunity to gain international experience, it can also become the starting point of a rewarding long-term career within ALTEN. Estelle joined ALTEN Belgium through the V.I.E program in 2022. Since then, she has expanded her responsibilities, progressing from Talent Acquisition Partner to Coordinator before taking on her current role as Talent Acquisition Manager. Along the way, she developed her leadership skills, gained confidence, and had the opportunity to manage a team for the first time.
Her journey highlights how a V.I.E can open doors to new opportunities and support continued growth well beyond the initial assignment.
Estelle
Talent Acquisition Manager
“The V.I.E experience has been a real accelerator for my career. It gave me the opportunity to work in an international environment and take on responsibilities much earlier than I had imagined.”
For those who embrace the experience, it can open doors to new responsibilities, continued professional development, and, in some cases, exciting career opportunities within ALTEN. For many participants, it is much more than a first job abroad; it’s a transformative life experience.
Are you interested in joining the ALTEN adventure?