I can never learn enough.

In Spot On, we are happy to introduce our professionals to you. This time in the spotlight: Yvo Dragt, Communications Trainee at Babbage.

The news remains unpleasant, but you can make it more bearable by communicating it in an understandable way. That is where we can make a difference.

Yvo entered the field of communication through his studies: a Bachelor's in Communication and Information Sciences, followed by a Master's in Communication and Organization. Yet he felt something was missing. “My education was very theoretical. I missed the practical side,” he says.
During his bachelor's, he already worked for a year as an internal communications officer at an IT company, but after his master's, he wanted more. “I am very eager to learn; I can never learn enough. I was looking for something that aligned with my studies, but was more practical. The communications traineeship at Babbage seemed like exactly that step.”

Via LinkedIn to a traineeship that fit perfectly

The contact was established via LinkedIn, where the corporate recruiter from Babbage told him about the traineeship. That conversation turned out to be a bullseye. “The training sessions really appealed to me, but also the fact that you get to work at different organizations,” says Yvo.

The non-profit sector, in particular, appealed to him. “Social organizations give me energy.” His preference lies with external communication, because it often involves a broad target audience. “You spend a lot of time making information more understandable. I find that valuable work.”

A role with impact at the NVWA

Yvo currently works as a junior communications advisor at the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA). It is a one-year assignment in which he works closely with a strategic communications advisor. “We are scrutinizing all communication from the Legal Affairs department directed at entrepreneurs,” Yvo explains. This department communicates fines, measures, and objection and appeal procedures. “These are sensitive and complex subjects. That is why clear communication is essential.”

His role consists of researching, analyzing, and advising. He started with interviews to identify bottlenecks. “We look at where communication can be improved, but also whether that is technically feasible within the current systems. After that, we coordinate everything with legal experts to ensure that the texts remain legally sound.”

Process improvement is also part of it. “We look not only at the texts, but also at how the processes run and how they can be improved.”

Making bad news understandable

What immediately appealed to Yvo about this assignment is that he can apply his previous experience in customer service. “There, it was often about how to deliver bad news clearly and effectively. That knowledge comes in very handy here.”

After all, for entrepreneurs, it is never pleasant to receive a fine or measure. “The news remains unpleasant, but you can make it more bearable by communicating it in an understandable way. That is where we can make a difference.”

Balancing humanity and legal precision

The greatest challenge in his work is the tension between comprehensibility and legal accuracy. “We look through a communicative lens, lawyers through a legal one. It is essential that it is correct, but also that the entrepreneur understands it. Together, we must arrive at a good text.”

In addition, secondment brings its own dynamic. “You start over every time, without knowing exactly what to expect. That is exciting, but also very educational. You discover what you enjoy and where you see yourself working.”

Proud of the initiative and impact

Although his assignment is still ongoing, Yvo is already proud of what he has achieved. “The analyses I have conducted provide many insights. Initially, my role was intended to be primarily executive, but I took the initiative to analyze and advise as well.”

The improvements in the letters to entrepreneurs also make him proud. “I think those can really make a difference. The B1 training from the traineeship has helped enormously with that.”

An employer who truly thinks along

Yvo is clearly enthusiastic about Babbage. “Babbage is an employer that looks out for you. Everyone is approachable, and that feels very pleasant. Moreover, the activities, drinks, and outings ensure that you really feel like part of Babbage, even as a seconded employee.”

For Yvo, the fact that enjoyment in your work is important applies just as much as the content. That is something he is eager to share with others. “Professionally, keep doing what you enjoy. That gives you energy, also in your private life. We spend so much time at work, so you have to get pleasure out of it.”

Committed, expert and driven. That is the basis of our work. As a professional within our network, you are the specialist who helps great clients.

Are you also looking for the next step in communication, marketing or content? Let's look together at where your strength lies.