Meet this year’s first recipient of the SAP Scholarship for Women, Noor Spieringhs. She started her International Master in Management in October 2021 and was awarded the SAP Scholarship for Women combined with the possibility of a full-time job position in Digital Sales after graduation. EADA is pleased to be able to offer the SAP Scholarship for Women for the October 2022 intake as well.
We caught up with Noor to talk about her experience in the scholarship application process, tips and advice for future applicants and future plans for her career.
How did you find out about this internship opportunity and what motivated you to apply?
After my bachelor’s, I developed a digital learning platform for the childcare industry. As a result of my new business, I fell into tech and I loved it. The SAP opportunity was brought to my attention by my programme director, who knew my background and asked me if I wanted to apply.
What was the process of applying for the SAP scholarship like?
As a first step, I sent a motivation letter and my curriculum vitae. Then, I received a reply from Tina from SAP – I had my first interview with her. She explained more about SAP and the team and made me even more enthusiastic about the opportunity. I was also able to speak with a team member from the SAP team to learn more about the work.
I learned that I had received the scholarship just before I went back home with my family for Christmas, so I had some good news to share when I got home!
What kind of support are you receiving from SAP in the months before joining the team officially after graduation?
Right now, I have a mentor, Linde — we have set some goals together in terms of what I want to get out of the programme and every few weeks we catch up. I am also doing one-to-ones with the members of the Benelux team to get a feel for the work. I am getting to know the company and the team from the inside, and they are getting to know me.
How important is it to increase women’s participation in the digital economy through initiatives such as the SAP Women’s Scholarship?
I believe that these kinds of initiatives are very important. It is a unique opportunity to become one of the more and more women that are joining the digital economy. In the future, I hope that this becomes normal instead of exceptional.
My goal is to finish my master’s and participate in the EADA exchange programme in South Africa and then, if SAP and I are a match, come back to Barcelona and join the Benelux team!"
In terms of your career, how do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I always try to plan too much. Since last year, I stopped planning, as I believe this will broaden my perspective and open up new opportunities. For now, my goal is to finish my master’s and participate in the EADA exchange programme in South Africa and then, if SAP and I are a match, come back to Barcelona and join the Benelux team!
What advice would you give to future candidates that would like to apply for the SAP Women’s Scholarship?
Even if you think it is unreachable, try! SAP really relies on candidates’ persistence — you are the leader and choose what you get out of this opportunity.