Simac, in the heart of brainport Eindhoven! Tell me, what does your assignment entail?
'At Simac, I am responsible for mapping the suppliers and their contracts, such as NDAs, processing agreements, and financial agreements. For this, I have created a central Sharepoint overview where all documents are stored in a central place in the organization. I also spend a lot of time on Governance, checking suppliers' ISO certifications and evaluating their CSR policies. I have automated this work as much as possible, for example, by using Microsoft Power Automate. With this, I set up approval flows for new suppliers, automatic emails for contract renewals, and optimized document management. My studies had primarily a financial focus. With this assignment, I have the opportunity to expand my knowledge of the Technology side of our team. That's why I am now working on getting my Microsoft PL-200 and PL-300 certifications.'
You just graduated, and many employers saw fit to hire you. Why did you choose Boer & Croon?
'What appeals to me at Boer & Croon is the responsibility you get from the start. Upon arriving at Simac, I was immediately allowed to determine my approach and was given the freedom to shape the assignment. This ensures that you quickly learn a lot and can develop yourself. Although it can be exciting initially to bear so much responsibility right away, I am assured of many teammates with whom I can spar. The transition from student life to a full-time job at Boer & Croon took some time. You get into a new rhythm from one day to the next. Although I have just started, it feels like I have been working here for a year because of the many experiences and lessons I have gained.'
Yes, we hear that more often than not. A consultant's daily routine is a bit different from a student's. How do you deal with that?
'In my first months as a consultant, I experienced how crucial planning my work is. By structuring my week, I bring more overview and efficiency to my work. Meanwhile, my calendar contains colour-coded assignments for different tasks (Meetings, training, coffee dates, or deadlines). I also use an Excel dashboard to keep track of my "to-do's," follow-ups, and unplanned tasks, including my progress on these. This provides me with a solid foundation for prioritizing.'
'Another important insight is the value of organizational sensitivity. This means understanding how everything works within an organization and how to adapt to it. It's about how you present your ideas and solutions so that you can persuade and involve others. Even the best technological solutions lack value without the proper support from the development department. Finally, I learned the importance of sparring with colleagues, roommates, and others. When you get stuck, it helps tremendously to share your thoughts and problems. Often, you can arrive at solutions yourself simply by explaining. Moreover, others can share valuable tips and experiences to help you find the best approach for your situation.'