A Fresh Start at Etteplan: Insights from New Colleagues

As Etteplan welcomes new colleagues every month, we take this opportunity to share the experiences, motivations, and aspirations of the latest cohort who have just started their journey in the Netherlands. Mees, Haroun, Tiaan and Annette each bring a unique background and perspective, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of Etteplan’s workforce.

Mees, a Supplier Quality Engineer from Eindhoven, brings a wealth of experience from various roles in his previous position at VDL. His diverse background in mechatronics has equipped him well for his current role, where he aims to delve deeper into the design phase of projects and contribute to cost-effective production. “I was looking for more stability and responsibilities,” Mees notes, highlighting his desire to engage more closely with the design process.

Haroun, originally from Tunisia, has a strong foundation in engineering, particularly in mechatronics and industrial automation. He was drawn to Etteplan due to its international character and the variety of projects across multiple industries. “The instant connection I felt during my conversations here made a significant difference,” he shares.

Tiaan, originally from South Africa, was drawn to Etteplan because of its commitment to innovation and its diverse range of projects. Before joining the company, he was impressed by how closely Etteplan's core values aligned with his own personal principles. He appreciates the non-repetitive nature of the work, viewing it as a valuable opportunity for continuous learning and professional growth. Tiaan is eager to immerse himself in the various challenges that Etteplan presents, confident that they will enhance his skills and broaden his horizons.

Annette, who has a background in the hospitality industry, is now thriving in her role as a finance support officer at Etteplan. Although she wasn't actively seeking a new job, she recognized that her previous position lacked the developmental opportunities she desired. Driven by her ambition to grow and advance her career, Annette decided to explore new challenges in financial administration. “I realized that my ambitions weren’t being met in my previous role,” she admits, reflecting on her motivation to make the change.

When reflecting on their first month at Etteplan, all four new employees expressed positive sentiments about their onboarding experience. Mees found the onboarding training beneficial and appreciated the support from colleagues, while Haroun felt an immediate sense of belonging and was impressed with the technical training provided right from the start.

Tiaan, however, was eager to get started and couldn't wait to dive into his new challenges after the onboarding process. “I wanted to jump straight into the work,” he mentioned. Fortunately, he was quickly given the opportunity to engage with ongoing projects, allowing him to hit the ground running.

Annette highlighted the supportive team culture, noting that her role involves regular interaction with colleagues across different departments, which has helped her build relationships quickly.

As they settle into their roles, collaboration among colleagues has been a standout theme. Mees noted the camaraderie within his team and the ease of reaching out for support. Haroun echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the open communication he has experienced, particularly with his buddy, Rudy.

Looking towards the future, each new employee has set clear goals for themselves. Mees aims to grow in his role and develop project management skills. Haroun is eager to contribute to the professionalization of software development processes at Etteplan, with aspirations of moving into management eventually. Tiaan hopes to leverage his involvement in current projects to transition into a management position as well. Annette, meanwhile, is excited about taking on more responsibilities and growing her expertise in finance.

The collective enthusiasm and ambition of Mees, Haroun, Tiaan, and Annette reflect the dynamic environment at Etteplan. Each individual is not only committed to their personal growth but also to contributing to the company’s success. As they embark on this new journey, it is clear that they share a common vision of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement—hallmarks of the Etteplan ethos.