In our ‘Internship Stories’ section, we talk to interns from various departments and share their experiences during their internship at Bredenoord. Meet Tommy Tran, a 24-year-old student of Financial Control at HAN University of Applied Sciences in Nijmegen, who has successfully completed his final-year internship at Bredenoord and thereby obtained his higher professional education (HBO) diploma. We spoke to Tommy about his highlights and learning moments, and asked him for tips for future interns.
Tommy is very interested in sustainability, a subject he has explored further through his minor in Circular Economy. Alongside his studies, Tommy loves travelling and plans to visit South Korea and Japan next year. He lives in Nijmegen, which made it easy for him to apply to Bredenoord, a company that caught his eye because of its focus on sustainability and innovation.
Tommy came into contact with Bredenoord via HAN University of Applied Sciences, where he came across a vacancy for a graduation project focused on sustainability. This immediately appealed to him, particularly as the project centred on the new legislation surrounding the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). After an interview with Ron Verhoeven, he was hired and could get started on his internship. Tommy explains: “It was an opportunity to put my knowledge of sustainability and business economics into practice and contribute to an important project.”
The assignment
Tommy’s internship assignment focused on the dual materiality analysis, a component of the CSRD legislation. This analysis examines a company’s financial and non-financial impact on the environment and other social aspects. Tommy helped carry out a ‘gap assessment’ to determine where Bredenoord stands in relation to the new regulations and what is still needed to be able to report fully. He was supported in this by colleagues Eelco Houkes and Bart van Diepen.
Tommy explains: “My task was to identify which material topics were important to Bredenoord and how these topics could be integrated into future reports. It was an educational process during which I collaborated extensively with various departments within the company.”
Tommy had to process a lot of new information and collaborate with various departments, which was sometimes challenging. The guidance provided by his internship supervisor, Ron Verhoeven, struck the right balance between independence and support. ‘Ron gave me the space to figure things out for myself, but was always available whenever I had questions or ran into difficulties. This approach helped me enormously to work independently and grow in my role.’
Tommy also appreciated the informal and accessible corporate culture at Bredenoord. “The open communication and colleagues’ willingness to help made a big difference. It was easy to get in touch with people from different departments and ask questions.”
Recommendation
Tommy looks back positively on his time at Bredenoord and would definitely recommend future interns to undertake an internship there. He values the flexibility, the opportunities for development and the practical experience he has gained. He has a few tips for future interns, such as preparing thoroughly for specific assignments and building contacts within the company. “Don’t be afraid to take the initiative and ask questions. The people at Bredenoord are open to new ideas and are willing to help you.”
Tommy praises the close-knit teams and the informal corporate culture at Bredenoord. “The connection between different departments was strong, which made it easier to get help and answers quickly. The atmosphere was open and collegial, with plenty of scope for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.” He also noted that Bredenoord was flexible regarding working hours, which contributed to a good work-life balance.
‘The willingness to help made a big difference. It was easy to get in touch with people from different departments and ask questions.’
"It was great to see that my work really made an impact and that colleagues appreciated my contribution."
Tommy Tran
Highlight
As well as the project Tommy had the opportunity to work on, there were other memorable moments during his internship. When we asked him about his favourite moment, he spoke about collaborating with external parties and how his input was actually used to achieve results. “It was great to see that my work really made a difference and that colleagues appreciated my contribution,” says Tommy. Another highlight was the opportunity to take part in various working sessions and meetings, where he gained valuable insights and expanded his network.
Tips for future interns
Tommy has some valuable tips for future interns. “Prepare thoroughly for the tasks you’ll be working on and try to learn as much as possible from the people around you. Build a network within the company and don’t be afraid to take the initiative. It’s important to be proactive and create your own opportunities.”
Tommy looks back on his time at Bredenoord with satisfaction. “The internship helped me apply my theoretical knowledge in practice and gave me a clearer picture of my future career. I am grateful for the support and opportunities I have been given and look forward to what the future holds.”
Tommy’s internship at Bredenoord has not only prepared him for his future career, but has also provided him with valuable experience and insights. In his view, his positive experiences and the supportive corporate culture make Bredenoord an excellent place for interns who want to grow and learn in a dynamic and innovative environment.
Future plans
Following his internship at Bredenoord, Tommy plans to first enjoy a well-deserved holiday, after which he will start looking for a job. He would like to work in the field of Finance & Control, but does not rule out further specialisation in the future. “My degree is broad and offers many opportunities. I would like to apply my knowledge further in practice and perhaps study further again in the future.”
Tommy’s internship at Bredenoord has not only expanded his knowledge and skills, but has also given him a clearer picture of his future career path. In his view, his experiences and the positive corporate culture at Bredenoord make it an ideal place for students who wish to gain both theoretical and practical experience in the world of sustainability and finance.