At Supply Value, our consultants are pivotal to the success of our projects and clients. Our Traineeship program equips young professionals with the tools and experiences needed to make a real impact while developing their skills in a supportive environment. In this article, we delve into Caressa’s experience as a Digital Trainee at Supply Value and how her journey highlights the unique opportunities and culture of our organization.
Meet Caressa: A Passion for Change and Continuous Improvement
“Hi, I’m Caressa, a 24-year-old from Heerlen. Since March, I’ve been working as a Digital Trainee at Supply Value within the Health team. I started my journey at Supply Value after completing my Master’s in International Business at Maastricht University, where I also had the opportunity to study abroad in France. I discovered Supply Value through a LinkedIn message from Koen, and after exploring the company’s website and having an initial online interview, I was excited about the possibilities. My visit to Supply Value’s office in Zeist only confirmed my positive impression.”
Caressa has always been driven by the desire to facilitate positive change and promote a culture of continuous improvement. At Supply Value, she found the ideal environment to transform that passion into practice.
Why Supply Value?
During her studies, Caressa’s interest in healthcare, digital transformation, and change management grew, leading her to seek a traineeship that offered the right challenge. “The Supply Value traineeship provided exactly what I was looking for: a focus on digital transformation with room to explore other interests. The company culture, dedication to personal development, and emphasis on sustainable change were key factors for me. I also value working with inspiring colleagues, and my team at Supply Value continually motivates me to achieve the best results together.”
A Glimpse Into Caressa’s Projects
Currently, Caressa is working with two clients: Omgevingsdienst Zuid-Oost Brabant (ODZOB) as a Process Consultant and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management on procurement projects. At ODZOB, her responsibilities involve process analysis and improvement, as well as contributing to the implementation of process management across the organization. “It’s a dynamic and challenging role, and what I love most is the impact it has on society—something that’s very important to me.”
Caressa takes pride in her work at ODZOB, where they are establishing a process organization based on lean principles. “We’re not just introducing a new way of working but also a new way of thinking. Helping to shape this transformation has been both the most challenging and rewarding aspect of my job. Seeing the positive effects of these changes on employees is incredibly fulfilling.”
Making an Impact
Caressa’s contributions to ODZOB’s process management system have made a significant difference. By mapping processes, suggesting improvements, and implementing new strategies, she has fostered a growing awareness of process efficiency within the organization. “Supporting my colleagues and alleviating some of their workload has helped ODZOB take a significant step forward.”
Beyond Client Work: Internal Initiatives and Collaboration
In addition to her client projects, Caressa has contributed to several internal projects at Supply Value, including working on the quality handbook, writing a tender, and even helping with recruitment for her team. She’s also taken on the exciting responsibility of organizing next year’s ski trip!
Challenges and Growth
Like any trainee, Caressa has faced her share of challenges, particularly when it comes to managing the many tasks and opportunities that come her way. “I’m ambitious and eager to learn, so I often want to contribute to everything. At Supply Value, everyone—from junior consultants to the director—is encouraged to share their ideas, which is fantastic. But I’ve learned that time is limited and that it’s important to make choices. If I have to pass up one opportunity, I know another one will come along later.”
Developing New Skills
Throughout her traineeship, Caressa has honed both her professional and personal skills. She’s earned her SAFe and PRINCE2 certifications and improved her assertiveness—an important personal milestone. “I’m naturally a bit reserved, but at Supply Value, everyone is encouraged to speak up and take initiative. This has helped me become more assertive and confident in sharing my ideas and feedback.”
Balancing Client Work and Training
While balancing client work and training can be challenging, Caressa sees it as a valuable part of her development. “By applying what I learn in training directly to my client work, I not only understand the material better, but I also see how it can bring more value to my clients.”
The Culture at Supply Value
When asked about the culture at Supply Value, Caressa describes it as open and flat. “It’s normal to call the director with a question or suggestion. I was surprised by how accessible everyone is. Supply Value is a B Corp, and we’re encouraged to spend 1% of our time on volunteer work (1% Pledge). There’s a great balance between professionalism and having fun, with plenty of social activities like Friday drinks, BBQs, and the ski trip.”
Advice for Future Trainees
For those considering the Supply Value traineeship, Caressa’s advice is simple: follow your instincts. “I hesitated for a while and considered other options to make sure I was making the right choice. In the end, I followed my gut and chose Supply Value for the people and the culture. I haven’t regretted it since. My advice is to always listen to your intuition. Have a conversation with the team—it’ll give you a better idea of the possibilities.”
Looking Ahead
Caressa is excited about the future. “I’m passionate about facilitating positive change and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. At Supply Value, I have the opportunity to explore this passion further and shape my career in the direction that suits me best.”
If Caressa’s experiences resonate with you and you’re excited about the prospect of embarking on a similar journey, we encourage you to explore career opportunities with us. At Supply Value, we are always looking for motivated individuals who are eager to take on new challenges and grow within a supportive and innovative environment. Visit our careers page to discover current job openings and learn more about how you can become part of our dynamic team.
