Interview with Emma Fardin, Talent Acquisition at Quanteam Benelux
Emma joined Quanteam in January 2025 and quickly seized the opportunity for an international assignment in Belgium. Now a Talent Acquisition Manager on the Belgian teams, she shares with us her love of travel, her move to Brussels, and the key lessons she’s learned from this professional and personal experience.
Can you tell us how you first got the idea to move to Belgium?
I had originally applied for a position based in Paris. During our discussions, the recruiter told me about a VIE opportunity in Belgium, at our Brussels office, which had just opened. I was immediately interested: I wanted to travel and experience something other than Paris, while still staying close to France.
Belgium seemed like a natural choice. It’s a neighboring country, easily accessible, yet with a distinct identity and a different work environment. I then had an interview with David (Associate Director of the Belgium office). We hit it off, which confirmed my desire to give this experience a try.
How did you prepare for this internship with Quanteam?
Since the Belgian office was growing rapidly, the ideal candidate needed to be highly self-reliant from the start and a “jack-of-all-trades” to support the team. It was a real challenge for me, but also a great opportunity to grow quickly.
For the first few months, I found temporary housing, which gave me time to explore the city before settling down permanently. I also received advice from the HR team and management on the best neighborhoods in Brussels, which made my apartment search much easier.
In practical terms, how did your move go?
The transition happened gradually. The early days inevitably required some adjustment: getting used to new surroundings, forming new habits, dealing with administrative tasks… But having a place to stay and support from the start allowed me to focus on what mattered most: finding my footing both professionally and personally.
Can you tell us about your current role at Quanteam Benelux?
I currently work in Talent Acquisition. My role involves meeting with candidates and discussing their career paths, as well as meeting client needs by identifying and presenting the profiles best suited to the available opportunities. This involves making direct contact, conducting interviews, and formatting and presenting resumes to best highlight our consultants’ expertise and experience as they relate to the assignment. I work closely with the local team, with whom I have a very good rapport.
What have you learned from this international work experience?
Belgium is a very interesting country from both a cultural and professional standpoint. It has a truly international atmosphere, thanks in part to the widespread use of English and the coexistence of multiple cultures and languages.
The country is also characterized by a division between linguistic communities, which makes the environment even richer and more formative. This requires people to adapt, be more open-minded, and develop strong interpersonal skills.
What advice would you give to those who are hesitant about participating in an exchange program or joining Quanteam internationally?
I would say it’s essential to thoroughly research the country, its culture, and its way of life to make sure it’s really a good fit for you. But above all, you need to have a genuine desire to go; it shouldn’t be a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Moving abroad requires adaptability, curiosity, and commitment, but it’s also an extremely enriching experience, both professionally and personally.
13 OFFICES IN FRANCE AND ABROAD
Cultural diversity is a core value at QUANTEAM! Paris, Lyon, New York, Montreal, London, Lisbon, Geneva, Casablanca, Singapore… our experts support our clients with their challenges around the world. Looking to relocate? Our offices also support our consultants in their plans to live and work abroad. Because being close to our clients is part of our DNA, you’ll always find a QUANTEAM and RAINBOW PARTNERS expert by your side.
