Becoming Invaluable in Just One Year: Wouter’s Risketeers Journey

How do you go from a complete beginner to a trusted sparring partner for senior colleagues in just one year? Wouter Steenbergen did exactly that. With no prior work experience—aside from his board years—he joined Risketeers and quickly found himself in a challenging role in the pension sector.

Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real responsibilities, he transformed into a valuable team member, contributing to critical projects in data quality. In this blog, Wouter shares how Risketeers helped him fast-track his development, overcome early-career challenges, and build the skills that made him indispensable in his role.

“When I joined Risketeers, I had no professional experience aside from my board years. But within a year, I developed into a solid sparring partner for my senior colleagues, gaining more and more responsibilities along the way.”

The Risketeers Start: More Than Just a Warm Welcome

Starting a career can feel like stepping into the unknown. For many young professionals, the gap between education and the professional world can seem daunting. But what if there was a bridge to help navigate that transition? That’s exactly what Risketeers provides.

What drew him to Risketeers initially:

“I joined Risketeers through several interviews with Roy and with Sjoerd. It felt wonderful and had a warm welcome, which I really liked. Furthermore, the company felt like a warm family in which personal experience and matches with other companies are made. That ‘one big family’ feeling made me decide to choose Risketeers.”

Risketeers is not just about placing people in jobs—it’s about finding opportunities that truly match their personality, strengths, and ambitions, ensuring a perfect fit for long-term success.

Facing Challenges Head-On

From the moment Wouter started, his drive, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn quickly made him standout. Risketeers provided the right foundation, but it was his own commitment and determination that allowed him to excel.

However, the journey wasn’t without its obstacles:

“First it was really hard to find an assignment, and once I started, during the first month I spent most of my time reading, absorbing information, and trying to understand the complex systems and processes. It was frustrating because I wanted to contribute immediately, but I wasn’t sure how. Eventually, by helping with specific tasks, I found my way to add value to the team, and it all worked out.”

By staying patient and asking the right questions, Wouter gradually found ways to add value and integrate into his team. His proactive approach and problem-solving mindset helped him quickly become a trusted member of his team.

The Power of Training and Mentorship

The extensive training and mentorship offered by Risketeers contributed in Wouter’s development.

“The Risketeers network help me to understand and communicate with my colleagues and also develop me to approach people. My mentor and the wider network provided valuable insights into the pension world, which were incredibly helpful when I lacked knowledge.”

The trainings aren’t just insightful—they were fun as well, as he shares:

“For me, one of the most memorable trainings was doing an escape room in which our MBTI profiles led the team.”

From Learning to Leading

As Wouter gained knowledge and confidence, he took on greater responsibilities. He went from observing and learning to actively engaging in discussions with senior colleagues.

“I also presented for the whole company, which was a highlight throughout my Risketeers journey.”

His biggest takeaway? The importance of curiosity and proactivity:

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you think they are a bit weird or common knowledge. Sometimes the question helps people think about what they are doing and see different perspectives. Therefore, I would recommend to always be curious and ask a lot of questions.

Advice for Future Risketeers

For those considering joining Risketeers or those just starting their journey, Wouter has one clear message: seize the opportunity.

“Go for the opportunities Risketeers has to offer! The guidance is amazing, and the chance to step into roles that aren’t typically open to starters is a big deal.”