“The VIE Program made starting abroad much easier”

How did your search eventually lead you to Belgium, TMC and the VIE Program?

Georgia: When we started looking for jobs in Belgium, we first heard about the VIE Program. Belgium appealed to us because of its international environment, career prospects and international events. We quickly saw the benefits of the VIE Program and became interested. TMC explained everything clearly, which helped a lot. 

Once TMC introduced you to the VIE Program, what convinced you to choose a VIE contract?

Evangelos: We were actually given the choice between a permanent contract and a VIE contract. We chose the VIE contract because it made sense financially, mainly because of the tax-free salary. You also get 30 days of leave from the first year, which is not the case with a standard Belgian permanent contract. It was a good offer, so we decided to take the opportunity. 

Once you arrived, what did you find most challenging?

Georgia: One of the biggest challenges was meeting new people while also missing our family and friends back home. In the beginning, it can feel overwhelming to adapt to a new country and build a social circle from scratch. 

Evangelos: At the same time, there were all the practical things. We had to deal with paperwork, register ourselves and the house, arrange furniture and take care of everything that comes with moving to a new country. It helped that we were together. We could divide tasks, help each other and take our time. Eventually, things started falling into place.

And what helped Brussels gradually start to feel like home?

Evangelos: The people we met along the way played a big part in that. TMC is a consulting company, so there are many young people starting their careers, just like us. There are also many international colleagues who are open to new connections. 

We met most of our social circle through TMC. There were also other VIEs who moved to Brussels around the same time as us. We were all in a similar situation, which made it easier to connect. 

Georgia: TMC created plenty of opportunities to meet people, both through larger events and smaller social activities. Everyone was welcoming from the beginning, and whenever we had questions, there was always someone willing to help. That made us feel comfortable quite quickly and helped Brussels start to feel like home. 

Meanwhile, you were also starting your careers. What kind of projects have you worked on through TMC?

Georgia: I am currently working as a Software Engineer at a company in the fintech industry. I develop tools to automate procedures and validate data transformations. I also work with agentic workflows and collaborate with different teams across the company, which keeps the role varied. 

Evangelos: So far, we have worked on two projects through TMC. Our first project lasted about one year and three months. We worked as Embedded Software Engineers for a small start-up that develops smart flush plates. Yes, for toilets. 

About a month ago, we started our second project. We now work in Software Engineering at a large fintech company that provides software for clients such as banks, mainly for regulatory and financial reporting. 

What do you enjoy about working as an Employeneur at TMC?

Evangelos: The concept of engineering consulting and moving from project to project was quite new to me. I enjoy working in different domains and sectors, and I like that English is the default language at TMC. That made it much easier to find my place in an international environment. 

Georgia: What stands out to me is the freedom to keep developing in a direction that suits you. TMC encourages you to pursue your interests, take on new challenges and build a strong network along the way. 

Looking back, where do you feel you have grown the most?

Georgia: I have developed my coding skills, but also my ability to present myself and communicate my experience. Working in different companies through TMC has also helped me strengthen my communication and adaptability skills. 

Evangelos: My growth was about both technical and soft skills. I have been able to work on specific technical skills that I was interested in. Another important part was improving my soft skills, especially when it comes to interviews, because that is an important part of being a consultant. 

Working on different projects helped as well. You learn a lot when you gain experience in different sectors in a relatively short time. 

What role did the TMC community play in your experience?

Evangelos: A big one. What stands out to me is how fun most TMC events are. Usually, work events can be boring or a bit tedious. But because I have made friends within TMC, it feels more like catching up with people you know than attending a work event. 

Georgia: I feel the same. The events, whether they are big gatherings or smaller bonding moments, helped us stay connected to the company and to the people around us. It is always nice to catch up, meet new people and expand your network within TMC. 

Would you recommend VIE to other young professionals?

Evangelos: Yes, definitely. It is a good way to start your career abroad, and the conditions are attractive. I do not really see any drawbacks. I would even do a third year of VIE if that were possible. 

Georgia: I agree. The tax-free salary is a clear advantage, but the support and the VIE community matter just as much. You do not have to figure everything out alone, which makes the start much less stressful. 

What would you say to someone who is considering taking a similar step abroad?

Georgia: I would say: go for it. Being in an environment with many opportunities helps you unlock your potential and expand your network. With a program like VIE, you also get support along the way, which gives you more space to grow both professionally and personally. 

Finally, if you had to sum up your VIE experience in one sentence, what would you say?

Evangelos: A good opportunity to work in a foreign country, which I would recommend to anyone. 

Georgia: A tax-free salary combined with an active VIE community that makes it easy to meet people and build connections.