Dirk on his reporting traineeship at Rabobank
Dirk Harmelink found himself at a crossroads after completing his master’s in Finance. He was ready to start applying for jobs - but where do you begin? In the end, his traineeship led him exactly where he wanted to be: in a challenging role as a Data-Driven Reporting Specialist at Rabobank. Dirk shares how he took his first steps in the professional world, how he deals with tight deadlines, and how he continues to make his work more efficient.
Master’s done - now what?
“After graduating, I had no idea where to start,” says Dirk. “I began looking online for traineeships, and that’s how I came across Solid Professionals. Before I knew it, I was in contact with recruiter Cindy, and it immediately felt like a good fit. She genuinely thought along with me and helped me find a role that matched my interests. During my studies, I was really drawn to topics like derivatives, portfolio management, and asset management – and that’s exactly what I’m working on now! Thanks to Cindy’s personal approach, I’ve truly found my place.”
From student to young professional
Working life is quite different from studying. “I now work in the Wholesale & Retail External Reporting department at Rabobank, where I gather data from various systems and turn it into reports for, for example, the ECB. I had no work experience when I started and had never done an internship, so the first few months took some getting used to,” says Dirk. “How do you even communicate via Teams? How do you deal with tight deadlines? In the beginning, everything felt new, but things quickly started to fall into place.”
Tip: if you start working on a strong CV before you’ve even graduated, it’ll give you a real head start! Want to know how? Recruiter Cindy shares her tips.
Analytical challenges
“I’ve found my footing now. My work is dynamic and challenging. The reports we produce go directly to regulators such as the European Central Bank (ECB) and De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). That means everything has to be spot on. We check, analyse, and correct data before it’s shared externally. I dive deep into the numbers and use tools like Excel and SQL to carry out analyses. That kind of analytical work really suits me.”
Working in the reporting department
In addition to analysing and reporting, Dirk is also involved in process optimisation. “We’re constantly looking at how we can work smarter and more efficiently – for example, by automating reports or improving processes. Recently, I worked on a project where we created a clearer overview of unpaid loans and the physical assets taken as collateral.”
The combination of analytical work, process improvement, and project-based challenges makes his job especially interesting. “It’s not just about entering numbers and producing reports – you’re genuinely involved in thinking about improvements and given the space to take initiative. Over time, that also makes your own work easier.”
Develop quickly
For Dirk, the traineeship at Solid Professionals was a great starting point for his career. “What I found really valuable were the training sessions I took part in. For example, a SQL course that now helps me analyse data more efficiently. But also the two-day Secure Base training, where you learn how to create a sense of safety in a new working environment, was a real eye-opener. During MBTI (a model that helps you discover your personality type), I learned how to work better with different personalities – something that really helps in a team. It also helped me get to know myself better.”
“I’m someone who enjoys working independently during the day by diving deep into datasets. At the end of the day, I like discussing the outcomes and having team conversations – I’m really glad that this traineeship gives me the freedom to work in that way. It just goes to show: the better you get to know yourself, the more you can shape your work to suit you.”
Sharing struggles
Another big advantage? The community of fellow trainees at places like ING, ABN AMRO and Tikkie. “We’re all in the same boat. A bank is much more complex than you’d expect when you’re just starting out. Sometimes you simply don’t know where to find the answer to a question or who to turn to. That’s when it’s really helpful to bounce ideas off other trainees and realise they’re facing the same challenges. The socials and outings help keep things light – it’s great to be able to have a laugh now and then about the struggles we go through together.”
Curious to read more stories? Check them all out or read the story of Beshoy, Financial Risk Specialist at ING.
The balance between work and private life
“I work 36 hours a week, and it’s great. Having Friday afternoons off gives me time to exercise or simply unwind. I can work from home or at the office – sometimes we have fixed office days, but overall it’s really flexible. Maintaining a good work-life balance is what truly keeps the job enjoyable. At first, I thought: I want to work forty hours – I’m young and full of energy. But this balance suits me better than I expected.”
Talent manager Floris helped him maintain that balance. “With Floris, I didn’t just talk about work – we also discussed my personal life. He was a great sounding board and adviser when it came to areas where I could still grow. Together, we put together a practical plan for how to work on that over the coming period. It’s really helpful when a talent manager thinks along with you and is involved in conversations with your manager as well.”
Dirk is very happy with his decision to start his career with a traineeship. “You receive guidance, learn loads of new things, and get access to companies you wouldn’t normally get into so easily. I’m exactly where I want to be!”
Could this be something for you?
Ready to sink your teeth into financial reporting and collaborate with teams like Risk and Controlling? As a Junior Reporting Specialist, you’ll work on sharp analyses, external reporting, and process improvement. Think this could be a good fit for you? Take a look at the Junior Reporting Specialist vacancy!
