How do you actually prepare yourself for life after university? With AI rapidly impacting workplace skills and employers looking for graduates who can adapt, this question is at the top of every student’s mind. Thankfully, when you study in Antwerp at KdG University of Applied Sciences and Arts, you needn’t worry – you’ll be more than prepared for graduate life.
KdG has established itself as one of the best-rated universities of applied sciences in Europe – but it’s not just current students who are satisfied. Graduates of KdG work in transformative sectors across Europe, demonstrating that the school equips students with the practical experience and skills to enter the workforce with confidence.
Applied Learning From Day One
Every degree programme at KdG is built around applied learning – meaning you don’t just study theory, you apply it to professional contexts from day one of your studies. For example, on three-year bachelor’s programmes (or four years for Nursing), there’s an increased focus on work skills throughout the degree, ensuring students have a solid theoretical foundation first.
The curriculum for each degree at KdG can also evolve. For example, the university has introduced a new elective on the bachelor’s in International Business Management entitled AI in Practice, in response to the growing demand for graduates with AI skills.
Similarly, KdG students can look forward to gaining industry exposure throughout their degree – inside and outside the classroom. Faculty members at KdG, by and large, come from the industry, bringing professional experience to the teaching classroom. However, all students – regardless of their degree subject – also participate in company visits, attend guest lectures from professionals, and meet with employers in their desired career areas.
The combination of industry-informed classroom learning and hands-on practice means KdG students finish their degrees prepared to put their new skills into action in the workplace.
Three Job Offers Before Graduation: Vasilena’s Story
Vasilena Stoyanova from Bulgaria graduated from KdG’s Applied Computer Science bachelor’s programme in June 2023. Before she’d even collected her degree, she had received job offers from three different companies, and elected to join AG Solution – a company specialising in data management, automation, and AI – as a System Engineer.
“I was fortunate to find out about AG Solution through my network of contacts at KdG,” she explains. “With offices based in Antwerp, additional locations around Europe and plans for international growth, I felt that this company would have the right culture and perspective as well as exciting opportunities for development.”
The pace of her career development at AG Solution exceeded Vasilena’s expectations. “In only my second week, I was already invited to my first client meeting. Pretty scary!” she admits. “But that’s another aspect I love about AG. I’m challenged and motivated to learn quickly: in at the deep end but always with someone to support me.”
Her ability to adapt to a demanding, flexible work environment was built during her bachelor’s at KdG. As an Applied Computer Science student, Vasilena developed real-world skills through applied projects (one each semester) and business simulations.
Vasilena’s Team Coordinator at AG Solution, James, puts it plainly. “Our decision to choose Vasilena was driven by her evident potential, which I personally observed during the execution of her school project. Her knowledge of the tools and technologies related to the job we do was a plus, enhancing her ability to contribute to our projects.”
Following Passion to POLITICO: Lisa’s Story
Another recent KdG graduate who chose to remain in Belgium after her degree is Lisa Marie-Theiss. Originally from Germany, she studied a Bachelor’s in Multimedia and Creative Technologies (MCT), a unique programme that aims to bridge the gap between the creative world and business.
Lisa had three main priorities for her future role. “I wanted it to be in Belgium, in an international environment, and most importantly, the company should do something I was passionate about,” she says.
Her interest in European politics led her to POLITICO, a political news website, and a role as an Ad Operations Associate. Working across digital advertising campaigns, analytics platforms, newsletters, and project management, her responsibilities draw on the full breadth of her diverse degree.
“MCT really turned me into a problem solver,” explains Lisa. “My colleagues have described me as ‘solution-oriented’, ‘team worker’ and ‘digital expert’. No doubt these three can be attributed to my KdG background.”
Recruiters at POLITICO echo these attributes. “Working with a KdG graduate has been an exceptional experience. They bring a rare blend of creativity, analytical thinking, and versatility that adds value across many areas of the job,” they say.
Why Study in Antwerp? An international city with global connections
Choosing to study in Antwerp is itself a strategic decision. The city sits at the heart of Europe – 45 minutes from Brussels, 90 minutes from Amsterdam, two hours from Paris. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the second largest in Europe, making the city a hotspot for international trade, logistics, and business.
As a result, Antwerp combines the professional reputation of a major European hub with the accessibility of a regional city, where you can build a close-knit network among your peers and industry professionals. For international students, who may be travelling to Belgium for the first time, this inclusivity can make the difference to their careers.
KdG is entwined with its home city. The university has partnerships with companies across Antwerp, and these connections are particularly important at the school’s Entrepreneurship Centre. The Centre works closely with the City of Antwerp and Take Off Antwerp, an ecosystem for student entrepreneurs in the city; thanks to the school’s efforts, it was recently named Young Entrepreneurial University of the Year.
Stepping into the Future of Work
Vasilena and Lisa may not have studied the same programme, or even entered the same industry after graduating. However, both have developed crucial skills for the world of work that have allowed them to thrive in their current careers.
From problem-solving to adaptability and proactivity, KdG graduates learn early on in their degrees to apply their learning to the real world – and this makes all the difference.
If you’re weighing up where to study in Europe, your decision comes down to more than which city has the best nightlife or the most international community – it should be about choosing an institution that genuinely prepares you for life after university.
Interested in hearing more about what it’s like to study in Antwerp at KdG? Read authentic student reviews on their EDUopinions profile.
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