Mathilde, social media expert

Can you tell us about your assignment in Amsterdam?

I joined ING through the International Talent Programme, a programme for young graduates. We work for 3 periods in different departments over a total duration of 18 months to discover different aspects of the bank and build up our career experience.

One of these periods can be spent abroad. It’s not compulsory, but it’s obviously a great opportunity. In my case, I spent 6 months in Amsterdam, a city that particularly interested me as it’s home to ING’s headquarters. So it was a great opportunity to work for ING Group and gain experience in a different structure.

I held the position of Business Manager at a global level. It was a completely new role for me, but that’s what the programme is all about: getting out of your comfort zone, learning quickly and adapting.

How did your integration go?

It went very well. The team made me feel very welcome. There was a real team dynamic: we had coffee in the morning as a team before starting the day, we ate together in the office at lunchtime, and from time to time we went to a restaurant... we were a very close-knit team. These may seem like small things, but they make all the difference when you arrive in a new environment.

Did you face any particular challenges?

On a personal level, the biggest challenge was finding myself alone in a new environment. Even though Amsterdam isn’t that far from Belgium, you step away from your daily life and familiar habits. You have to get out of your comfort zone, create a new routine and meet new people.
On the professional side, the challenge is to learn a new role quickly in an environment that is both new and international.

How did ING support you throughout the various stages of this adventure?

The international mobility team handled all the administrative formalities. In particular, they helped me find accommodation and I was even able to tell them what my preferences would be. Even the tax aspects were dealt with by experts. My role was above all to be proactive and follow the process.

What were your expectations (personal and/or professional) before you left?

From a cultural point of view, I already had a certain idea of the Netherlands. My in-laws are Dutch, so I wasn’t completely in the dark. I also knew that Amsterdam is a very international city, which reassured me: I expected to be in an open environment where it was easy to integrate and meet people from different backgrounds.

On a personal level, I above all wanted to make the most of the experience and immerse myself in the daily life of the locals. This meant taking up Dutch habits, such as cycling to work. I tried to stick to it, but I never managed to go as fast as them (laughs).

What impact has this experience had on your career and/or personal life?

First of all, my English has become much better. I already spoke the language, of course, but not all the time as I did during my time in Amsterdam. Today, I’m much more fluent.
Secondly, this experience greatly increased my professional confidence. Before, when faced with a subject I was less familiar with, I was sometimes afraid to speak out. My experience in the Netherlands enabled me to gain in confidence, grow and assert myself professionally. I felt this immediately on my return to Belgium.

What do you think makes an experience like this a success?

The team and the manager are key: feeling welcome, supported and confident makes it easier to fit in and quickly find your place. A welcoming environment makes all the difference.
But it works both ways: you also have to want to fit in and live the experience to the full. Don’t stay in your own corner, but reach out to others and immerse yourself in the local culture: that’s how to make the most of these few months.