Young IMPROVEN offers young talents the opportunity to seize professional opportunities and kick-start their careers. IMPROVEN has put together an intensive development programme especially for starting consultants, which combines professional and skills training with working on assignments. There are three tracks within the programme: Business, Finance and Data Consulting, giving young professionals the opportunity to develop and specialise in the field that suits them best.
Here, we take you inside the daily life of Process Improvement consultant Pim (28), who has just completed the Young IMPROVEN development programme.
Who is Pim?
Pim studied Technical Business Administration at Utrecht University of Applied Sciences. After his studies, he worked as an account manager for a year, but he soon realised that he was looking for something that suited his profile and interests better.When Pim was approached by IMPROVEN, he was immediately enthusiastic. The application process was pleasant: the interviews were positive and immediately gave him a good feeling about the organisation.
Pim has been following the Young IMPROVEN programme for the past two years, and this spring he has moved out as a consultant to the Process Improvement Department.
Learning by doing: Pim's project experiences
During his time at Young IMPROVEN, Pim worked on a variety of assignments ranging from process optimisation to guidance on software implementations and discovered all facets of IMPROVEN services. He is now in the middle of his fifth assignment, in which he adds value by actively thinking about solutions and improvements in the financial column within a large municipality.
The project Pim has learned most from started out as a tough challenge for him. He entered an organisation where change was sensitive and many staff changes made continuity difficult. In that dynamic, it was up to Pim to bring structure to the processes.
“This project showed me how important it is to transfer knowledge effectively and deal with resistance,” he says. He also learned how essential it is to clearly identify different interests and involve stakeholders in an appropriate manner.
From theory to practice: the power of training courses
As part of the development programme, Young IMPROVEN consultants attend training courses every week. These are both professional training sessions and training sessions to enhance personal skills. For Pim, the training sessions were a highlight of his development programme and he followed them with great enthusiasm.The training courses are varied: some theoretical, others practical and directly applicable in assignments.
“I regularly have moments when I think: I recognise this from the training, now I can apply it in practice. This knowledge improves the quality of my work.”
The training courses focused on Advisory Skills and Personal Effectiveness (APEF), even after the Young IMPROVEN programme, help him approach situations and different personalities differently and grow as a professional. “APEF is mainly about connection. You get to know people, build relationships and learn from each other. It is not just about theory, but also about personal growth.”
By attending various training courses and working on various customer assignments, Pim got a clearer picture of the work that gives him energy and for which he has a passion. This turned out to be the Process Improvement department, where he will further specialise in controlling, improving and innovating processes.
YOUNG IMPROVEN - Improving starts with connection
In the Young IMPROVEN programme, Pim discovered how important connection is: with colleagues, clients and the different departments within an organisation. That same core value is also at the heart of IMPROVEN. From that vision, IMPROVEN helps organisations in transition, at the intersection of Finance, Risk and IT.
According to Pim, the Young IMPROVEN programme is ideal for those who are still looking for the right direction. “After your studies, you often know what you like, but not yet what you really want. This programme helps you get to know yourself better.” Pim says he has grown both professionally and personally. “I have discovered what I am good at, what suits me, which direction I want to go in. Moreover, I have built a close relationship with my batch and colleagues. IMPROVEN is an open and social organisation where you are heard and we also radiate that to our clients.”
What would Pim say to future Young IMPROVEN consultants?
“Don't be afraid if you don't yet know exactly what you like or what you are good at. Instead, use that as motivation to discover it and develop yourself in various areas.Schedule a coffee with someone from our office to sample the atmosphere and get acquainted in an approachable way!”
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