I want to tell stories and connect people.

In Spot On, we are happy to introduce our professionals to you. This time in the spotlight: Julia Bentveld, Communication Trainee at Babbage.

Healthcare is a rapidly changing and dynamic environment. I would like to be able to make a difference for people.

After studying journalism, Julia started in marketing, but soon realized that this wasn't where she got her energy. “It was too commercial for me,” she says. “I wanted to tell stories and connect people through communication.” That need for meaningful work set her on a different path.

The traineeship that came at exactly the right time

During her studies, Julia had seen the Babbage traineeship advertised, but she had just accepted another job. Once she realized that marketing wasn't the right fit for her, she thought of the opportunity again. “The course offerings really appealed to me. I was done studying, but not doing my job learning. That’s why the traineeship was perfect.”

What particularly attracted Julia was that the program is entirely focused on communication. The combination of training, personal guidance, and assignments at government agencies made it a logical step for her. “In addition, I am given the freedom to decide for myself what I want to learn.”

Communication in a dynamic healthcare environment

Julia now works through Babbage as a Communications Advisor at Huisartsenpost Rijnmond, a cooperative where around 900 GPs work shifts at the emergency post. She focuses primarily on internal communication, a challenging task in an organization where many different target groups come together. “Many GPs do not regularly work shifts at the emergency post, resulting in a wide range of communication needs,” she explains. “Because they do not work at the emergency post often, they also spend less time on the intranet. We therefore have to think carefully about how best to reach this group.” It is precisely this complexity that makes her work varied and relevant.

Why healthcare appeals to her so much

Julia knew early on that she wanted to work in healthcare. She had previously gained experience at the Municipal Health Service (GGD), and that left her wanting more. “Healthcare is a fast-changing and dynamic environment. I want to be able to make a difference for people.”

At the GP out-of-hours clinic, she feels that her work matters. “The GPs are already very busy, and good communication is very important to them. I really feel that my work here has an impact.” In addition, she was given the opportunity to conduct research, something that particularly appeals to her. “That makes the work intellectually interesting and educational.”

The biggest challenge? The speed and diversity of the healthcare landscape. “There are many different target groups and a lot is happening. You have to be able to switch gears quickly. That makes the work enjoyable, but also unpredictable.”

Get up to speed quickly

Despite not having much experience in the healthcare sector yet, Julia quickly found her footing. “I am proud that I have become a good member of the organization in such a short time. With the right guidance and a team that helps me a lot, of course.”

The power of Babbage: guidance, opportunities, and a close-knit group

Julia is enthusiastic about the guidance and the assignments that Babbage found for her. “For my first assignment, I really wanted to work for the government, and that worked out. After that, I wanted an assignment in healthcare, and that was possible too!”

She also greatly appreciates the training sessions. “It is nice to get together with the group of trainees and share experiences. I really learned a lot about the field of communication there.”

Working as a seconded employee

Julia views working as a seconded employee as a major advantage. “I really like having a sort of intermediary alongside my client. At Babbage, I can always turn to them with questions or problems that you wouldn't be as likely to discuss with a manager.”

And the traineeship? She recommends it to everyone. “You start with a group of like-minded people and you can discuss everything with each other. The guidance from Babbage is great, because there is always someone who checks in with you to see how you are doing.”

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.

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