My name is Gerrit Jan Fokkert, and I have been working as a Junior Industrial Consultant at Bilfinger for the past year and a half, contributing to a wide range of consulting projects. After completing my degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Twente and spending some time as a chemistry teacher, I decided to start my career in the corporate world. I first came across Bilfinger during an introduction event at the university, where the Van Iterson Institute (VII) immediately caught my attention. This program offers young professionals the chance to explore various areas of consultancy, and I soon discovered my affinity for technical safety and asset management.

Making a tangible impact

In my current role, I work three days a week at a client in Delfzijl, where I am helping to develop a maintenance strategy for a new chemical plant. I also support the implementation of an ISO standard for energy savings at a factory in Amsterdam. What I enjoy most about this work is seeing the direct impact of my contributions. It is incredibly motivating to witness how quality work leads to follow-up assignments. I genuinely feel like I am contributing to something greater, whether it is advancing sustainability or improving operational efficiency.

I also take every opportunity for international experience. A recent project took me to Abu Dhabi for facilitating an intensive safety study, where I participated in a team of 25 people from diverse cultural backgrounds. It was a challenging assignment, but also an incredibly valuable learning experience. For me, it reaffirmed that this role perfectly aligns with my passion for exploration and travel.

The Van Iterson Institute: learn, apply, grow

Through the VII – Bilfinger’s development program for young consultants – I work four days a week as a full team member. The fifth day is dedicated to training, with a focus on both technical knowledge and soft skills such as client intimacy, personal efficiency, and stress resilience. These sessions are led by experienced senior consultants or external professionals and are directly applicable to our daily work.

"What I appreciate most is that everything I learn on Fridays can be put into practice right away. It makes the learning curve not only fast, but also highly tangible."

What I truly value in this program is the personal guidance. I am given the freedom to shape my own path, supported by colleagues and seniors who also act as mentors. The small group setting encourages interaction and knowledge sharing among colleagues from diverse backgrounds – from sustainability to safety and engineering.

A company culture that fosters development

What struck me from day one at Bilfinger was the open and engaged culture. Everyone – from junior consultants to managers – is approachable and eager to collaborate. This openness combined with the trust you are given creates an environment where you can grow quickly. From the very beginning, you are treated as a full member of the team.

Within the VII, I can feel myself gradually transitioning from hands-on tasks to roles that involve coordination and project management. As I become more independent, the coaching naturally shifts  into the background – but support is always there when I need it.

Looking ahead

I am currently halfway through the program of the VII and eagerly looking forward to the third year, which places greater emphasis on soft skills and deepening expertise. My ambition is to specialize further in asset management and ultimately become an expert in the field. Bilfinger gives me every opportunity to do so: as long as you show initiative and enthusiasm, there is so much possible!

Click here for more information about the Van Iterson Institute