Life after TIAS: Working at Rabobank as a Business Intelligence Software Engineer

TIAS School for Business and Society — Network with them, learn about them and try to pay them back for their hospitality by trying to learn their language (KalderaNews/TIAS)

Sharing for Empowerment

“Soul receives from soul that knowledge, therefore not by book nor from tongue. If knowledge of mysteries come after emptiness of mind, that is illumination of heart.” ― Jalaluddin Rumi

JAKARTA, KalderaNews.com – It is weird that a Master of Science student would start by quoting an ancient mystic poet, but it will become clearer why I used this as a beginning of my article.

How I found this job?
I came to the Netherlands knowing nothing about the Netherlands except that its somewhere in Europe. I had 4 years of experience in an industry that is almost non-existent in the Dutch market, and a scholarship to support myself. So, the task to get a job was like trying to climb a rock with no ropes, and no idea where to put the first step.

So what I did in this situation was staying patient and trying to find a rope. What I learned is that TIAS was the perfect place to begin with an empty drawing board. First of all, observing my colleagues I could make a hypothesis about the Dutch market, what skills I already have and what skills would be useful to build. However, this was just half of the picture. The other half was completed with the help of the TIAS career counselling sessions. I was able to figure out that my purpose is to support positive changes in the financial market.

With this I was able to walk towards that rock, set up ropes and find places to hang on to while I continued to push forward.

The technical answer to the question asked above, how I found this job, is by calling each and every recruiter. I was able to be part of a traineeship by Ordina to prepare and deliver business intelligence software engineers to Rabobank. This traineeship led me to develop consulting and database development skills, which I use every day at my job. However, there is much more behind the scenes that help me pull myself beyond all the challenges of finding a job.

Firstly, I had my lovely program manager, Leanne who gave me the chance to discover my ability to learn Dutch rapidly! Then there were the excellent career coaches, Jelda and Floortje, whose knowledge helped me through the interview processes. Finally, there was my unrelenting commitment to build a trustworthy and strong network. This network led me to interview opportunities, projects and internships, which gave me the necessary stamps on my CV to be noticed by recruiters.

What I am doing in my job?
I am a Software Engineer at Rabobank International. This means I am part of the team that designs, maintains and improves systems responsible for storing and maintaining all data used to generate regulatory reporting.

Since the financial crisis, the financial regulatory body have tightened and updated the regulatory landscape that provides many opportunities to drive positive transformation within Rabobank.
Because of my experience, I have learnt many useful skills, such as:
-Building small electronic systems that automate tasks
-Database development
-Coaching and consulting

My advice to you!
First of all, what I believe is that I am, like every other human being on this planet is, enough. Getting into TIAS is a stamp of truth on that. This is because TIAS is a high ranking school, and getting into it means you are already good. Once you realize that there are many tools around you which you can use to get to your goals, be it a job, a start-up or something else.

I would suggest to give yourself time and space to listen and discover yourself and trust it. This is because for my Masters’ thesis, I have delved into decision making, intuition and analytics. I have learnt that most of the knowledge is implicit and hidden within. That knowledge is very valuable and will save you a lot of effort to look elsewhere only to find incomplete, subjective and mostly irrelevant knowledge. It will help you to seek out right knowledge, knowledge that you truly need, and that can serve as a hook to give you that support you need to pull yourself up to the summit of the rock.

Furthermore, I have observed that many international people find it difficult to open up to Dutch colleagues. Being an international, it is difficult to manage the cultural shock. However, if you are an international, the Netherlands is one of the most welcoming countries on the planet. They have worked hard to make this an open and inclusive society. So, forgive them if they are rude and direct sometimes. This is also what makes them so open and inclusive. Network with them, learn about them and try to pay them back for their hospitality by trying to learn their language. More information about Life at TIAS, please visit TIAS School for Business and Society-Blog. (By: Mateen Asad, Full-time MScBA alumnus 2014-2015)

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