A reflection on JINC Career Coach
Recently, I had the opportunity to take part as a coach in JINC Carrière Coach, supporting four students in Dutch pre-vocational secondary education (vmbo) with their next educational choice. I had four sessions with each — sixteen conversations, sixteen moments in total.
What stayed with me most was not the choice they ultimately make.
It was the difference in starting points.
I spoke with a student who had never attended an open day.
Not because he did not want to, but because there was nobody to go with him.
Another was visibly uncertain, not about what he enjoyed, but about what was possible at all.
Another searched for words — literally — to explain what he thought and felt.
And then I realised:
for some young people, choosing is not a step forward, but first a search for where they stand at all.
Among dozens of courses.
With few reference points.
Sometimes with language barriers.
Sometimes with cultural differences.
Sometimes having entered the Dutch education system later.
Yet they are expected to “just” choose.
The role of the environment
At the same time, I saw how much difference a good foundation can make.
At Campus013 in Tilburg, attention to students is clearly visible.
Not just to what they need to learn, but to who they are and where they want to go.
It is precisely in such an environment that space emerges.
Space to ask questions.
Space to doubt.
Space to grow.
Partnerships make a difference here.
Programmes such as JINC Carrière Coach, together with professionals from the workplace, bring the world closer.
A little bigger.
A little more concrete.
A little more accessible.
Sometimes being present is enough
Not every conversation feels like an immediate connection.
Sometimes things remain quiet.
Sometimes you try to connect and only partly succeed.
Yet I noticed that this is not the most important thing.
Sometimes simply being there for a moment is enough.
Being heard.
Being seen.
Without something needing to be solved immediately.
Perhaps that is where the real value lies.
What I take away
- Not everyone starts with the same opportunities
- The environment can reduce that difference
- Being present can be more valuable than giving direction
An invitation
Organisations such as JINC — Equal opportunities towards the labour market seek professionals willing to use their experience to give young people an extra opportunity.
By standing beside someone for a while, rather than taking over.
In my experience, you receive at least as much in return. Have a look at the JINC website to see whether it might suit you too.
Reflection
What if we helped young people choose,
while also giving them space to discover
where they are choosing from — and that they are not alone?