Skip de Mönnink (25) started as a Young Executive at ConQuaestor on January 1. With a background in business administration and media and a specialization in digital innovation, finance was not an obvious choice. Yet he found in consultancy the perfect combination of analytical issues and people-oriented dynamics. "I knew I wanted to see a lot of companies and work with people. But I was also looking for an environment where there is room for my own ideas and entrepreneurship."
During his two master's degrees, Skip immersed himself in digital innovation and social issues surrounding new technologies. He started working as a research assistant during graduate school, but quickly found that an academic career did not suit him. "I'm too social and broadly interested to focus on pure research," he explains. "I wanted to put my analytical skills to practical use, in a role with impact."
Through recruiter Imke he came in contact with ConQuaestor. Skip: "I never expected to end up in finance. But the content of the assignments is mainly about achieving results for our clients along the lines of change management and content. The atmosphere and way of working here also appealed to me immediately. Not a hierarchical stronghold, but a place where smart, entrepreneurial people come together and where you can have influence from day one."
Start at ConQuaestor
Skip began his first project at a large Dutch University, which is in the midst of a major ERP transition. "Together with two colleagues from ConQuaestor, I mapped financial and procurement processes to make them future-proof," he says. "We examined how processes run, where optimization is possible and how the organization can better prepare for the transition to a new system."
Working in a dynamic environment with experienced consultants is a learning experience. "What strikes me is how relaxed and accessible the cooperation is. Colleagues are inspiring, coaching and always willing to help," says Skip.
Growth and development
As a participant in the Young Executive Program (YEP). Skip is following an intensive development path with other start-up consultants. "It's great to take the same journey with a group of driven people. Not only do we learn a lot of content, but we also grow as young professionals by sparring together and sharing experiences."
Although Skip does not yet have a defined career path in mind, he knows he is in the right place at ConQuaestor: "I want to see as many companies and sectors as possible, gain experience and grow step by step. Consultancy offers plenty of room for that."
His advice to others considering consulting? "If you are ambitious and like a dynamic environment, but prefer not to work in a rigid, hierarchical organization, ConQuaestor is a great place. You get opportunities here that you don't easily get elsewhere."