Jeffrey as Data & Tech trainee

Jeffrey's story

Data & Technology trainee

Learning by doing

‘My background is in technology. I studied mechanical engineering and have a Master’s degree in High-Tech Engineering. During my studies, I discovered that I found programming really interesting. I hadn’t expected back then that I would now be working in a development team on the Payment Hub, a highly critical application that enables central banks from outside the euro area to make payments in euros. I had absolutely no experience with the C# programming language. I started with an intensive course in Brussels, and then simply jumped in by tackling small tasks. I’ve now been given the opportunity to completely overhaul an existing application, from front-end to back-end, and an API. At the start I jokingly asked: surely this is too complicated for a trainee? But the team said: why not tackle it? Go on, give it a go. I learn something new every day.

The power of a solid team

What I really love about my team is that everyone is experienced and smart, but also open and approachable. They really trust me. Sometimes I doubt myself, but they never do. That gives me a lot of confidence The atmosphere is informal – we have lunch together, relax outside of work from time to time – and if I have any questions, everyone helps me out. People outside my own team are also quick to reply when I send them a mail. I haven’t tried it myself, but if an Executive Board Member was available, I’m sure they’d make time to meet for coffee. That kind of openness really characterises the culture here.

The traineeship gives you the opportunity to find out what suits you best.

Ongoing personal and professional development

I’d already decided beforehand: for my first placement, I wanted to focus on hard skills; for the second, more on soft skills; and for the third, something that’s completely outside my comfort zone. My current placement is highly technical, but I find that I sometimes miss the contact with stakeholders. Perhaps a role as a business analyst would be a good fit for my second placement. And after that, perhaps something like data security or data science – something that’s completely new for me. The traineeship at DNB gives you opportunities like these. You can try things out and see what suits you. And if you’d like to find out more about a team, you can simply send someone a mail or pop in for a coffee.

A motivating environment

To me, DNB feels like my first proper job, even though I also run a restaurant with my brother. Running a business has certainly shaped who I am: I’m a hands-on person, I always want to keep learning, and I like to sort things out myself. That kind of attitude is beneficial here, too. I’m quite competitive, but only with myself. I want to improve every day. And it helps that the environment is so motivating. The office facilities are fantastic, the gym is incredible, and the personal trainers know how to get the best out of you. There’s no lack of support, from your manager to your buddy, and if there’s a problem, they’ll work with you to find a solution. DNB truly is a “top employer.'

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