“Because I have worked for so many different organizations, I am an added value to this project”

For over 25 years, we have been connecting organizations with the best marketing, communication, and content professionals. We find suitable assignments or positions for junior, medior, and senior professionals. In Spot On, we would like to introduce them to you. This time, Spot On: Astrid ter Borgh, Communications Advisor Energy Transition ai at the municipalities of Wassenaar and Voorschoten.

“I think it is very special that Babbage wanted me to do this assignment.”

Ilse and Vicky Puls are sisters and coincidentally they both work via Babbage. Ilse is an interim Communications Advisor at the Corridor-oriented Operation and Guidance (CBB) program of Rijkswaterstaat. Vicky is an interim Communications Advisor at the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK) and at the State Supervision of Mines. They are happy to tell you what their projects entail.

Experience with energy transition

By the end of 2021, all municipalities must have a plan on how to switch from natural gas to a sustainable energy source for heating homes and other buildings by 2050. The municipalities in the region are also working together to see how they can generate energy via sun and wind. 

Astrid ter Borgh is assisting the municipalities of Wassenaar and Voorschoten with this project as a communications advisor for Energy Transition: “The most important thing in this assignment is the connection with the residents.” With her extensive experience, she is both strategic and hands-on in this role.

'I couldn't choose, so I chose Journalism

Astrid studied at the Academy for Journalism in Kampen. “I could never choose what I wanted to do because I find so many different subjects interesting. I am particularly interested in what drives people. That is why I chose the communication direction at the Academy for Journalism. That way I got the broadest possible basis.”

Focused on Government Communication

“Within the communication side, I chose the study direction Policy and Administration. That direction focuses mainly on Government Communication, which I found interesting at the time. In my third year, I did an internship at Gasunie in Groningen. When someone from Gasunie gave a guest lecture at our school the following year, he asked me if I wanted to work at Gasunie. At first, I didn’t take it that seriously, but it turned out he did! I worked there for four years.”

From Gasunie to energy transition

“Since then I have worked freelance for many different clients: from municipalities, provinces, the government, and water boards, to patient associations, higher education, energy companies, social organizations, and also a renovation and maintenance company. In recent years I have mainly been involved in the energy transition; the switch to sustainable energy sources. The opposite of what I started with at Gasunie.”

Knowledge from previous assignments

“Because I have worked for so many different organisations and governments, I am an added value to this project. For example, I have benefited greatly from the knowledge and experiences I previously gained at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). In fact, I even use my knowledge of Gasunie quite often.” 

Seeking connections with residents

“The most important thing in this assignment is the connection with the residents. The municipality asks them, on behalf of the government, to switch to another heat source without them choosing to do so themselves. That takes some getting used to for them. It is therefore very important that the residents trust the government. That is why you as a municipality must communicate openly and honestly with the residents. And they must be able to find you if necessary.”

Get in touch

“We used all kinds of media to get in touch with residents. From inserts in the local newspaper, social media to residents’ evenings. The contact with residents is quite direct. I got to know residents of both municipalities – despite the corona measures. I really like that.”

Early on in the eye

“This is my first assignment for Babbage. Celine had my eye on me when I was still working at RVO via another agency. She thought Babbage and I would be a good match. She said she would call as soon as my contract expired. And she did! 

Celine suggested we have a chat. My contract with RVO expired at the end of November and she immediately had this assignment for me, which started at the beginning of December 2020. I thought it would work out fine... but everything was arranged immediately and I did get the assignment right away!”

Do what you like

"I think it's very special that Babbage, in the person of Celine, really wanted me and did her best for me. Even though I was somewhere else. I'm very happy now because I'm doing something I really like. When you do things you like, that also reflects on other people."

Are you also looking for a new challenge? We would love to talk to you and find your next step together.