HI ROB, COULD YOU TELL THE READERS A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

Hi, I'm Rob van Nistelrooij and I am a UX designer at Essent. In my free time I enjoy being outdoors and brew small batches of beer with a friend.

CAN YOU BRIEFLY SHARE A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW YOU GOT YOUR CAREER STARTED?

Let’s dive in! In 2013, I completed my degree in Communication and Multimedia Design and began working as a web designer for Shoeby, After Shoeby I found a job at KPN as a UX designer. At that time, I also moved to Amsterdam because it was closer to work. After 2,5 years at KPN I went on to work At PostNL where i worked for 4,5 years also as a UX designer. I met my girlfriend in Utrecht and relocated to here appartement and as we both come from Brabant around Den Bosch, we decided it would be nice to live closer to our families again. Luckily, we found a house and now we live in Den Bosch.

I've always worked for corporate businesses, and I enjoy that because they allow for deep dives into projects. After I moved to Den Bosch I wanted to work for a corporation again. During my search I found a vacancy for UX designer at Essent and here I am.

WERE THERE ANY KEY EXPERIENCES OR MENTORS THAT SHAPED YOUR JOURNEY?

Before I started studying Communication and Multimedia Design (CMD), I studied Logistics.
I knew from the start that it wasn't my ideal career path. My passion was always with digital technology, spending my free time at home with games and software. It's in my nature to find ways to make things easier, and I often implemented solutions to simplify tasks at home.

I chose CMD because it offered a wide range of fields: technical aspects, design, and communication. What truly makes me happy is building effective solutions for customers. In our line of work, the best feedback is no feedback as it means we've done our job well.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIFIC INFLUENCES OR PEOPLE WHO HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTED YOUR CAREER PATH?

I don’t really have idols, to be honest—haha! I prefer staying updated by reading books and articles. I particularly enjoy the work of the Nielsen Norman Group. Their analysis of everyday life through the lenses of psychology, design, and UX resonates with me deeply.

HOW DID YOU FIRST HEAR ABOUT ESSENT, AND WHAT MADE YOU APPLY?

I knew about Essent for a long time because it's one of the biggest energysupllier of the Netherlands. Having lived in Den Bosch for a significant part of my life, I was also aware that Essent is based here.

When I saw a vacancy at Essent, it was during the energy crisis. Like many others, I was constantly checking my phone for updates on bills, energy-saving tips, and the latest news. Energy became more top of mind and not only for me but for a lot of people. That's when I realized that you could make a positive impact on people's lives by working in the energy branche.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE COMPANY, AND HOW HAVE THEY CHANGED SINCE?

Everyone at Essent was very open and friendly. Having worked for corporate companies before, I expected a bit of distance, but there was none! Everyone feels accepted for who they are. From good employment conditions to activities like 'Togetherland', a festival that is organized by Essent each year.

They really put in the effort to make you feel connected to the company.

COULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES?

I am a UX designer, primarily working on the web interface. My main focus is on the 'Mijn omgeving' section, where customers log in and see their personal information like their energy usage.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

Every day is so different, haha! Some days are packed with design meetings where we brainstorm and refine our ideas, while other days are focused on testing solutions to ensure they meet the needs of our users effectively. It's a dynamic balance that keeps things exciting and challenging.

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

In our team, we have an open culture. We are open to new ideas and ways of doing things. Our team is flexible and ready to handle new challenges. This openness helps us stay ahead in a fast-changing world. There also is a big balance because we can work from home and the team adapts to that flexibility.

WHAT ARE SOME KEY GOALS YOU HAVE FOR YOUR DEPARTMENT/ROLE FOR THE COMING YEAR?

Personally, I want to be a good designer, create awesome solutions and create more impact. I really enjoy the fact that I can work on something people use often.

Our team recently underwent a reorganization. As we look forward to the next year, I'm excited for us to strengthen our bonds, get the team up and running and work together to make a meaningful impact.

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

When I find myself stuck in my work, I make it a point to step outside, away from the screen, and enjoy nature. I believe in the rejuvenating power of nature - it always finds a way to mend and renew, and I apply this perspective to my own solutions as well.

WHAT’S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?

Do what you enjoy, don't try to go after a job title for the money. It doesn't make you happy. Work is just work, try not to overthink that. Work to live, not the other way around!

We would like to thank Rob for the time he took to speak with us, and the insights he shares.

If you have any lingering questions for him, don’t hesitate to drop a comment down below.
We will ensure you are promptly connected.