‘I was a couple of months pregnant when my husband came home with the news that he got offered a job in The Netherlands. My immediate reaction: that’s great news! But we are of course not going to do that.’ Eight years earlier, I had moved my whole life to Denmark. Half a year ago before that, I was promoted to Senior Consultant and my career was on track. We were going to have a baby, and after my leave, I wanted to continue my career at Deloitte. Moving (back) to The Netherlands was not part of my plan. But the great thing is, we could do both. My husband took the job in The Netherlands and I could continue my career with Deloitte. Continuing my career at Deloitte was important to me. Throughout the two years I had worked there, I had developed myself remarkably. I’ve learned a lot about Programme management, led teams, established a network of bright people and most important of all, I had built great friendships. It gives me great satisfaction to be hired to solve problems at a certain level that the client is often unable to do.’

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE PROGRAMME LEADERSHIP AND WHAT KIND OF PROJECTS DO YOU DO? ‘Programme Leadership is primarily focused on setting up, executing and delivering large transformation programmes. This can be done through various methods (agile, waterfall, etc.). Just before my summerbreak I finished my third project since I started. First, I had a role to set up and streamline the Transformation Office for a SAP transformation. After that, I supervised the outsourcing of a service department to an external party and I have recently finished the third project where I, together with two colleagues, made an impact by facilitating improvements around the Program Management Office for a large transformation in the public sector that will have large societal impact. So the projects are often program oriented, but I specifically like to focus on the change side of these programs.’ HOW LONG DOES A PROJECT TAKE ON AVERAGE? ‘The length of the projects is very different. In general, our projects are quite long (> 6 months) and I like that because you really get to know your client and can make an impact. Short projects are varied and therefore enjoyable because of variety and learning, but not necessarily in-depth.’

IN WHAT WAY HAS DELOITTE SURPRISED YOU? ‘When we moved to the Netherlands, I wondered if I could continue my work at Deloitte and be a young parent at the same time. Deloitte really surprised me in a positive way. When the daycare was closed, leave arrangements were made so that you could take a number of paid hours for home schooling. You didn’t have to feel bad about going outside with the little one. Also, home care was reimbursed so I could be productive working from home with our 2 year old.’ WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SAY TO A FUTURE COLLEAGUE? 'Dare to switch. If you like to learn, develop yourself and make an impact in a team of bright and fun colleagues, do not hesitate to reach out.’

CHOOSE YOUR IMPACT You share your expertise with the 1500 colleagues of Deloitte The Netherlands Technology & Transformation department. In this department, innovation and personal development are very important. View all Technology & Transformation vacancies [https://careersatdeloitte.com/vacancies/technology-transformation] and connect your future to Deloitte. View all Technology & Transformation vacancies [/vacancies/consulting]