Charlotte Petra

Just getting started, without a strict plan

“I wasn’t sure what sort of internship would suit me,” says Charlotte. Working for a big company seemed interesting to her, mainly because of the opportunities it offered. Someone told her about ABN AMRO. It immediately appealed to her. She didn’t know exactly what she wanted, but she did feel that she could learn a lot there. She started without a fixed plan, but with the motivation to discover what suited her.

That feeling turns out to be correct. The first day impresses her: the large office, the luxurious atmosphere, the onboarding day with hundreds of other interns. At the same time, it’s exciting. Charlotte expects a formal and hierarchical organisation, but that impression quickly fades. “I saw young colleagues, flat communication structures and people who really took the time to help me. That surprised me and immediately felt right.”

This is where you really get involved

Charlotte starts as a intern recruiter at the Wealth Management internship office. She soon realises that she’s not just there to observe. She is given responsibility for recruiting interns in the north and east of the Netherlands. From writing job descriptions and conducting interviews to liaising with hiring managers and overseeing the entire process right through to the candidate’s appointment. “It was a lot, but that’s exactly how I learnt quickly. I was really part of the organisation.”

What she learnt most during that period is how important visibility is. “If you show what you can do and take responsibility, you’ll get opportunities here.” Looking back, her internship feels like a covert traineeship: a period in which she was already able to fully discover where her strengths lie and what suits her.

Still, those doubts about the traineeship

Despite that experience, Charlotte hesitates for a long time about a traineeship. Given her background in vocational and higher professional education, she thought it was mainly intended for people with a university degree. “I really asked myself: do I actually belong there?” At the same time, it was precisely the focus on good mentoring and development that appealed to her, as she still wanted to learn. The turning point came during the annual in-house day organised by ABN AMRO in the run-up to the traineeship applications opening. “It became clear there that nobody knows everything already. And that’s exactly the point.”

A traineeship is about discovering, learning and growing. With that realisation, she decides to apply for the Asset Manager traineeship. When she hears she has made it through the selection process, she is over the moon.

Figures, conversations and what someone really needs

In her traineeship, Charlotte works closely with clients. This combination suits her well. “You’re dealing with figures, but a conversation is about so much more than that.” Clients speak openly about the choices they make and why. About work, family, travel and plans for the future. Charlotte works with them to see what makes financial sense and goes through those decisions step by step. “I find it remarkable how honest people are and how much trust you’re given. And how, together, you translate figures into financial choices that fit with someone’s life, wishes and plans.”

Growing step by step

What makes working at ABN AMRO special for her is the freedom to follow her own path. With training, guidance and a mentor, she is growing step by step. “You don’t need to know everything in advance. A traineeship is there to help you start growing.” Her message to anyone who is unsure: “Let go of the idealised picture and dare to take the plunge. There’s always someone who can help you.”