After my studies my goal was to practice economic research and analysis in the international field, and after some working experience in the Netherlands I continued my career at the IMF.
When I returned to the Netherlands I was determined to continue working in this field. But after my years working in public sector support, I wanted to make the switch to private sector support – helping other actors in the economy who have the means with which to influence the counry’s growth and help reduce poverty and inequality. FMO was the logical choice; it was the only player able to do this in a professional way, and so I applied. They must have said, “What in the world are we going to do with a macroeconomist with almost no experience in banking?” Luckily for me, they gave me the opportunity to continue working in the region that I had experience in. And so I joined the FMO family as part of the (then) Eastern Europe and Central Asia team.
I’ve been working at FMO since 2007, and I can say that since joining FMO I have truly experienced what it means to be part of an organization whose staff believe wholeheartedly in what they’re doing. Working at FMO is not just a badge that people put on at 9:00 am, when they switch to being development bankers. It’s in people’s DNA. FMO is a very professional organization with a pool of highly experienced, passionate staff that manages an extensive network, which is able to serve clients’ needs and provide products that help companies grow and take advantage of opportunities – and all this from a small office in The Hague. Earlier this year I attended the African Energy Forum in Barcelona. During the conference I was continuously approached by people making the same comment: “You as FMO, you’re everywhere, part of all these landmark deals. You’re such a small and efficient organization, and yet you’re still able to be part of all these financing structures that make a difference in energy structures and policies in all these countries. How do you do it?” I felt really proud to have FMO on my badge, and to be recognized by partners and colleagues as being a valuable player.
What makes FMO a great place to work is the spirit you feel in the office. On a daily basis I experience a working environment where people are so motivated, and so incredibly inspired to do what FMO is supposed to be doing. FMO is made up of a dedicated bunch of people who work to serve the client first and foremost. Sometimes this requires deviating from normal products or procedures, so we try to be as creative as possible when it comes to meeting our clients’ needs. That same freedom is applied to FMO staff as well. There is always sufficient room for people to develop themselves and to take the initiative and create own opportunities for growth. FMO is very open to getting the best out of its people. And at the end of the day, that is what motivates people to do the best that they can.