HI NICO, CAN YOU TELL OUR READERS A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

Hi, I’m Nico! I’m Manager Digital Workplace, which means I focus on making sure colleagues have the right equipment and tools to do their jobs. We work with devices provided by E.ON and adapt them to the specific needs of our colleagues in the Netherlands. My team is also involved in license management, administrative tasks, application management, and onboarding. I’ve been working at Essent for 19 years now. I started as an IT trainee, and although that sounds like a long time, I’ve never felt stuck doing the same thing. My role has changed a lot over the years, with shifts in scope and responsibility that kept it dynamic and interesting. It’s really helped me grow in my career.

I live in 's-Hertogenbosch with my wife and two daughters!

WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THE IT FIELD?

My interest started early because my dad was really into computers. He had a Commodore 64 and would even tape programs from radio broadcasts. I spent a lot of time fiddling around with it, which sparked my curiosity.

Later, I studied informatics at HBO level and then did a Master’s in business administration. What I’ve always found interesting is the bridge between IT and the organisation... how technology supports people and helps colleagues do their jobs better. For me, it’s about making sure people have the right tools to execute the strategy and support others in their work.

HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT ESSENT?

I joined while I was working on my Master’s thesis and looking for a job. I signed up for the traineeship, and that’s where this whole story started

COULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES?

My role is quite broad. A big part of it is identifying patterns in larger organisational challenges and helping find solutions.

I’m closely involved in license management to make sure we’re compliant and in control of what we use. I also work a lot with E.ON, since many of our services come from there, aligning them with the needs of users in the Netherlands. Our colleagues here often have different requirements than those in Germany, so it’s important to collaborate and find the easiest way for people to get what they need.

Another important part of our work is user experience. We now have a central IT Services location in the building together with Facilities where colleagues can walk in with questions. This has really improved user satisfaction, and the people working there feel more connected to the company. We even have a service host welcoming people, which makes the experience more personal.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST SURPRISING ASPECT OF YOUR JOB SINCE YOU STARTED?

That change is a constant factor. There’s never really a steady state, which can be challenging, but it’s also what keeps things interesting. Change can feel uncertain, but I see it as something positive because it creates room for improvement and usually leads to better outcomes.

CAN YOU HIGHLIGHT A SPECIFIC ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT YOU FEEL HAS BEEN PIVOTAL IN YOUR CAREER HERE?

One important milestone was introducing and formalising support for MacBooks. Over time, we integrated them more broadly within E.ON and created a formal service. It helped give the Mac@E.ON product ownership legitimacy and ensured the devices were supported and secure.

I’m also really proud of my team. Many people have been here a long time, but they’re very open to change and continuously look at how they can improve their work and the value they add. I often describe us as little factories, each doing our own thing, but together forming one strong department that supports the rest of Essent.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CULTURE WITHIN YOUR TEAM OR DEPARTMENT?

We have a real “How can we help?” culture. People are always willing to take that extra step to support colleagues, and I very much appreciate that.

WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU THINK ARE MOST IMPORTANT FOR SUCCESS IN YOUR ROLE?

Having an open mind is key. Really listening to what people need instead of dismissing requests too quickly. The energy market is changing fast, so it’s important to stay adaptable and keep pace with that change, especially as we work towards being a one-stop energy shop.

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR JOB DO YOU FIND THE MOST REWARDING?

When everything runs smoothly and you can see you’ve made a difference. In most cases, we’re able to find a solution, and being part of a large organisation like E.ON means there are often multiple options available to meet different needs.

ARE THERE ANY HABITS OR ROUTINES YOU HAVE ESTABLISHED THAT CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR EFFECTIVENESS?

I like to start my day by checking my tasks, preparing for meetings, and following up on e-mails. It helps me get a clear overview and set priorities. Work-life balance can vary from week to week depending on office days or holidays, but I focus on outcomes rather than how the job is done. I try to work in a way that fits both my role and my life.

WHAT COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT YOUR FIELD WOULD YOU LIKE TO DISPEL?

People sometimes think IT support just says “no.” But when we can’t make something happen, there’s usually a lot going on behind that decision. Sometimes we have to make tough calls, and that can make us seem like the bad guy, but there’s always a reason. Things simply aren’t always possible.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF JUST STARTING OUT?

That everything will work out. Don’t overthink things and go with the flow. Change is constant, so don’t take it personally.

I’d also say: prioritise what’s important to you instead of what others think you should do. Shaping your own path plays a big role in building the career that fits you.