As an almost graduated lawyer, my job search began a few months ago. A real job, a new phase of life could begin! After years of studying with hundreds of lawyers around me, I finally wanted a more diverse team. Where, what and how? I had no idea about that. The Arnhem region was my only requirement.
After some detective work, I landed a traineeship Internal Auditor through ARC People at a health insurance company in the center of Arnhem. To be honest, I had never heard of Internal Auditing before, but the location was perfect and I did recognize myself in the job requirements so I decided to send in my resume.
Some pleasant conversations, a move to the other side of the country and a few months later, a week after submitting my master's thesis, I was able to start working at ARC People. In a small class, my sociable fellow trainee, two external newcomers and I learned the basics of the profession in two weeks. Internal Audit, that is. Something to do with risks and control measures. The 'sports doctor' of a company. Well, so much for the theory.
The vacancy in Arnhem was unfortunately filled internally, but I was able to start working at Achmea's health insurance branch in Leusden. Leusden, another place I had never heard of. Looking back, I still had no idea what I was getting into. I knew the theory, so the practice could never be far from that, it seemed to me.
Leeuwarden, Amsterdam, Leiden, Leusden, Zeist, Apeldoorn, Tilburg. Spread across 7 locations in a team of over 60 Internal-Audit colleagues, I curiously and unsuspectingly found myself in a world of supervisors, deadlines, meetings, health insurance and abbreviations. Lots and lots of abbreviations. Inundated with information and having traveled almost 4 hours daily by public transport (provided there were no delays), I was just tired for the first few weeks.
Fortunately, as an Internal-Auditbroekie, I was not alone. Besides being welcomed into an understanding and welcoming team at Achmea, I was guided on all sides. During monthly return days in Hilversum (in the office or on the moors) at ARC People, my fellow trainee and I were made to reflect. The employer also assigned a supervisor (in my case even two) to whom I could turn with all kinds of questions. Moreover, as a trainee at ARC People in Amsterdam, you can make use of an external professional coach who can help you find your way in working life.
At work, I got on a moving train. The weeks flew by and before I knew it, it was time to discuss the switch. But now the high word is out. Mutual trust has been expressed. I feel at home in a world I didn't know existed a few months ago. My compliments and thanks to Annemarie, who recognized in me a future Internal Auditor.
- Sarah Zweekhorst, Internal Audit Trainee