HI THIJS CAN YOU TELL OUR READERS A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

Hi, I am Thijs, and in my free time I like to travel and find out about new cultures.

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

I studied Industrial Engineering and Management in Groningen, with a focus on supply chain. However, I realized I didn’t necessarily want to stay in that field. I was more interested in the energy sector, so I started exploring different traineeship opportunities. Through a former friend, I found out about a traineeship at Essent. She was in the role that was soon to become available. That felt like a great next step and also a nice move from Groningen back to Brabant.

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

There wasn’t one specific person who shaped my journey, it was more a mix of different people. I enjoy having a variety of personalities around me. No matter someone’s role, there’s always something you can learn from the way they work, whether it’s what makes them good at their job or what challenges they face. I prefer picking up small things from different people rather than having one big role model.

That said, my first manager, Frederik, had a real impact on me. He had a calm and relaxed leadership style, which I really appreciated. On the other hand, my colleague Hans had a very direct, straight-to-the-point approach. Two very different people, but both had a strong impact and were very effective in their roles. I found that really inspiring.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT A MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR CAREER THAT LED YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

A turning point in my career was when I got involved in an SAP migration. It was the first time I was given a level of responsibility, and it really marked the moment when my career started to feel more serious and meaningful.

Before that, during my traineeship, I mostly worked on smaller projects with limited responsibility. But with this project, I gained more experience and trust, which gave me a lot of energy and motivation. It was a large and complex project, and I really enjoyed being part of it. It also led to my promotion from trainee to project manager, which made it even more impactful.

HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK AT ESSENT?

I came to work at Essent through a conversation with a former friend.
I was exploring traineeships in the energy sector because I found the industry really interesting, even though my background was more in supply chain. During that time, I reconnected with someone who was doing a traineeship at Essent. She mentioned that her position would soon become available, which sounded like a great opportunity. That conversation set everything in motion, and it eventually led to my move from Groningen to Brabant to start at Essent.

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

My first impression of the company was that it was quite hectic, that was largely due to the impact of the war in Ukraine, which caused a lot of turbulence in the energy market. Despite the pressure, I was really impressed by how supportive and committed my colleagues were. Even in such a busy and challenging time, Essent showed a strong focus on people, which I really appreciated.

I still feel that Essent is a great company to work for. What stands out to me is that, even without a direct IT background, I’ve been given many opportunities to grow and develop. That openness and trust have made a big difference in my journey.

COULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR CURRENT ROLE AND YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES?

I’m currently working as a Product Owner. Together with my team, we’re responsible for providing customers with accurate advice on their monthly payment amounts. Our goal is to ensure that each customer receives the right recommendation based on their energy usage, so they aren’t paying too much or too little throughout the year. It's a role that combines technical understanding with customer focus, and I really enjoy the impact it has.

HOW HAS YOUR ROLE EVOLVED SINCE YOU STARTED?

It’s evolved quite a bit, if you’ve read it all till here haha :)!

I started at Essent through a traineeship, which gave me exposure to different parts of the business. That led to my first real step up, becoming a project manager during a major SAP project. After gaining more experience and responsibility in that role, I transitioned into my current position as a Product Owner. Each step has brought new challenges and growth opportunities, and it’s been great to keep developing within the company.

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

I don’t think there’s one perfect type of person for this role, different backgrounds and styles can all bring value. That said, there are a few key qualities that help.
Strong communication skills are essential; you need to be able to collaborate, listen carefully, and understand different perspectives.

It’s also important to clearly communicate what you expect from others. In my experience, clarity is key, whether it's in decision-making, giving feedback, or setting priorities for the team.

HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR ROLE OR THE COMPANY EVOLVING IN THE FUTURE?

I see the role evolving towards offering even more personalized advice to customers, helping them better understand and manage their energy bill. I also think customers will become more independent in handling these matters, supported by smarter tools and insights.

As for myself, I feel like I’m in a good place right now. My focus is on becoming really skilled in this role and continuing to grow. Who knows what the future will bring, but for now, I’m happy where I am.

WHAT ARE SOME KEY TRENDS IN THE INDUSTRY THAT YOU ARE KEEPING AN EYE ON?

One key trend I’m really keeping an eye on is batteries haha. Especially large-scale storage like big stationary batteries and electric vehicle batteries. I believe there’s a lot of future potential in that area, as energy storage plays a crucial role in managing supply and demand and supporting the shift to renewable energy.

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

My mind tends to jump quickly from one thought to another, which sometimes makes me forget things or take a bit longer to get back on track. When something is mentioned, I can focus immediately, but sometimes I need that trigger to refocus. To manage this, I’ve started writing things down a lot, so I create my own reminders and structure. This has helped me a lot in staying organized and on top of tasks.

Interestingly, I have a good memory, I just need the right trigger and most things will come back to mind quickly. This routine has really improved my effectiveness.

CAN YOU SHARE A FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE KNOW?

A fun fact about me is that I actually don’t like cats at all, I wasn't really into cats that much at all, but my girlfriend and I have a cat named Boudewijn Oost, and I absolutely adore him! It’s funny how he managed to win me over despite that.

CAN YOU SHARE A PERSONAL MANTRA OR PHILOSOPHY THAT YOU LIVE BY?

I’m not really into quotes, but I do love traveling and have a strong desire to see the world. One phrase that resonates with me is: “Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer.”

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

Don’t be afraid to try things you might enjoy. Even if you’re the only one who finds it interesting, just go for it and be honest with yourself. It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring what really motivates you.

We would like to thank Thijs 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 contact us. We will ensure you are promptly connected.