A job at Red Bull, an adventure at the Van Gogh Museum, a trip around the world with her family and a career at Jaarbeurs. Annemijn did not walk a standard path and that is exactly what makes her so special. "I wanted to get back to work with full energy. When I saw the vacancy of business controller at Jaarbeurs, I knew: this is it."
Gave up everything for adventure
After a dynamic time at Red Bull, "too crazy for my young stage of life", Annemijn decided to change course. She swapped the energy drinks for art and went to work at the Van Gogh Museum. But adventure beckoned. Pregnant with her second daughter, she quit her job, rented out her house and left with her family to travel the world. "I was16 weeks pregnant when we left. Gave up everything, just went. New Zealand was magical." Upon returning home from the return trip, her second daughter was born. A period full of dynamics, choices and personal growth.
Back in the Netherlands: a new start at Jaarbeurs
After her trip, Annemijn wanted to get back to work with full energy. Through LinkedIn, she stumbled across a vacancy at Jaarbeurs. "There were so many elements in it that appealed to me. As a business controller here, you are not only busy with figures, but also a real sparring partner. The contact with the corporate recruiter was immediately very nice. It felt familiar and dynamic, exactly what I was looking for."
From parking to Thunderdome
Annemijn now works for a broad portfolio within Jaarbeurs: from complex renovation to facility, parking, legal, sales and hr. "In one day I jump from an Excel analysis to a brainstorm about Thunderdome. That variety and dynamism, that gives me energy."
"Data says a lot, but it's about what you do with it. Which components do you include in a business case? How do you substantiate choices?" Each business controller at Jaarbeurs has their own area of expertise. Annemijn discusses budgets with different managers and dives into projects in terms of content. "The most fun? That you never know exactly how your day will go. I walk out of here with energy every day."
Work-life balance
With two young children at home, flexibility is important. "I like to be everywhere, but sometimes planning is a challenge. Fortunately, there is a lot of understanding and commitment at Jaarbeurs. I'm glad the work is so much fun. People are personally involved here and that makes all the difference."
Tip for new colleagues?
"Let yourself be surprised. There is so much involved in an organisation like this. I had no idea when I came in. Jaarbeurs is really an attraction in itself."
