Can you introduce yourself briefly?
“My name is Gerben Kraaij, and I’ve been with Supply Value for almost 9 months now. Before joining Supply Value in December 2023, I worked full-time at an installation company. There, I led a project that introduced a new (digital) workflow, significantly improving efficiency for office staff. Alongside this role, I also worked part-time while pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration (specializing in Strategy) at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. These experiences were very positive, and I was looking for a company where I could continue to develop these skills on a structural basis. Supply Value, known for its expertise in digital transformations, was a perfect match.”
Why did you choose a traineeship at Supply Value?
“There are several aspects of the traineeship and working at Supply Value that I find appealing. During the traineeship, you participate in training sessions with colleagues that help you grow as a consultant in your field. What’s exciting is that you’re also free to attend training from other traineeships if you wish to broaden your skills. Although these additional trainings are not mandatory, they are highly recommended for further development. Additionally, Supply Value offers a lot of freedom and responsibility, allowing you to pursue what you enjoy and develop in the direction you envision.”
Which clients are you currently working with?
“At the moment, I am working in a contract management department within RvO, where my task is to enhance the maturity level of contract management. My primary responsibility is to shift contract managers from daily contract execution tasks to focusing on strategic contract management. I also handle procurement requests that come into the Rijksinkoopsamenwerking (RIS) as a procurement advisor.”
What specific projects or tasks have you been involved in with these clients?
“One project I am particularly proud of at RvO is the development and implementation of a Governance Structure combined with a Supplier Quadrant. Contract managers can now use a tool to map contracts onto the Supplier Quadrant. The ideal governance for each contract is determined based on its position within the quadrant. This tool is user-friendly and highly generalisable, making it very practical.”
What impact have you made with your clients?
“The impact I am currently making at RvO is that contract management staff are experiencing increasing peace in their work, as a growing portion of their tasks becomes more manageable and planned. What I find most rewarding is the appreciation they express for the improvements.”
Have you been involved in any other projects or initiatives within Supply Value?
“When I started at Supply Value, I was immediately asked to join the Sales team. Besides assigning opportunities and projects to my fellow consultants, I also helped standardize and streamline the process. Additionally, I organized a Development Dinner featuring prominent speakers on procurement and contract and supplier management. This event was rated 8.5, and I am proud of that achievement.”
What has been the most challenging aspect of the traineeship for you?
“The most challenging aspect of the traineeship for me has been managing various tasks, both internally and externally, along with the training sessions and related exams. Personally, I find it very helpful to set deadlines, as I know I perform better under pressure.”
What skills have you developed during your traineeship?
“If I were to list all the skills I’ve developed over the past 9 months during the traineeship, we’d be here for a while, but that says a lot about the experience. If I had to highlight one, it would be not underestimating yourself. You are capable of much more than you might think. By embracing challenges and seeking timely advice from the right people, you can achieve more than you initially believed possible.”
How do you experience the balance between working on client assignments and attending training sessions?
“I find the balance between working on client assignments and attending training sessions to be quite pleasant. Both offer valuable learning opportunities, but gaining experience through client work is crucial. It’s beneficial that client work takes up the majority of your week. As mentioned earlier, scheduling exams for the completed training can sometimes be challenging, but everyone has their own preferences in this regard.”
What do you enjoy most about the work environment and team at Supply Value? How would you describe the culture at Supply Value?
“What I enjoy most about working at Supply Value is the people I work with. It feels almost like being part of a large group of friends, yet everyone is highly professional, eager to learn, and hard-working. All colleagues have a drive to improve and learn every day. The projects we undertake align perfectly with this drive. You receive significant responsibilities early on, which can be daunting at first but ultimately steepens your learning curve.”
What advice would you give to future trainees considering starting at Supply Value?
“My advice to future trainees would be: just go for it! This means not only starting the traineeship at Supply Value but also fully embracing the traineeship period itself. At Supply Value, you’re challenged to bring out the best in yourself and learn new things every day. Making mistakes is part of the process. ‘Just go for it’ is the best mindset you can have at Supply Value.”
How do you see your future at Supply Value after completing the traineeship?
“I consider myself quite ambitious and not easily satisfied. After the traineeship, I hope to develop broadly as a Project Manager and work on exciting projects across different sectors. I enjoy the variety and diversity of assignments, sectors, and clients in consulting at Supply Value. I also want to continue learning new things, as you’re never done learning. Supply Value can support me by continuing to challenge me with assignments and training, and after 9 months here, I’m confident they will do just that.”
If Gerben’s experiences resonate with you and you’re excited about the prospect of embarking on a similar journey, we encourage you to explore career opportunities with us. At Supply Value, we are always looking for motivated individuals who are eager to take on new challenges and grow within a supportive and innovative environment. Visit our careers page to discover current job openings and learn more about how you can become part of our dynamic team.
