Nienke van den Bergh (1988)

• 2012 Bachelor Economics & Business
• 2013 Master of Development Economics
• 2014 Global Venture Development Intern at Rocket Internet
• 2015-present Corporate Supply Chain/Operations Trainee at FrieslandCampina

Student days

I was active in a student association, I organised the Amsterdam Career Days, I was the chairwoman of the Sefa study association for a year, and I had several fun part-time jobs at the Faculty of Economics and Business. ‘

Philippines

‘After graduating I went to the Philippines for six months. Working on behalf of Rocket Internet, I helped set up Carmudi, an online transportation marketplace. Rocket Internet‘s goal is to capture a leading position in the market as quickly as possible, and consequently the focus of the first phase was largely on sales. As a business developer, I was responsible for setting up the entire sales department. It was a unique opportunity to operate at both the strategic and operations levels, and to work with people from a completely different culture!‘

First job

‘I began working for FrieslandCampina as a Corporate Supply Chain and Operations trainee in March 2015. The traineeship comprises two year-long assignments, which gives you an opportunity to really get to know the company in a relatively short period of time. My first assignment is in Leeuwarden at one of FrieslandCampina ‘s largest production sites. This is where products are made for Asia, Africa and the Middle East. My assignment involves working with people from all sorts of departments. I might spend an hour talking with a forklift operator about his work, followed by a meeting with a production supervisor, and then spend the next hour working with the supply chain manager. Thanks to this diversity, the responsibilities I‘m given, the focus on results, and the teamwork with great colleagues, I ‘m really happy at FrieslandCampina!‘

‘In my current position I am benefiting tremendously from the skills that I acquired during and alongside my studies. Thinking critically, daring to ask questions, drawing accurate conclusions, and working in a structured manner are important skills in my daily work.‘

Alumnus

‘I belong to the Economics & Business Network LinkedIn group. I like to stay informed about what ‘s happening with the faculty and Sefa. It‘s a fun way to stay in touch with other alumni and keep track of each other. I also have regular contact with alumni from my study association, Sefa. In addition to the friendships, it‘s valuable to my network. ‘

Tips

‘My advice to newly graduated alumni is: Take initiative! Applying for a job is not just a matter of sending out letters; more than anything it‘s about approaching people, making a call instead of sending a quick email, and expressing your enthusiasm in different ways.'