"Every project is unique and brings separate challenges. Sometimes I go in depth and work out a design myself. But with multiple projects at the same time, I'm also a lot concerned with coordination, planning and budget. I just like that variety."

Pim Weustenraad completed an internship with VDNDP in 2017 as an engineering student. After graduation, he came right back. He grew from Building engineer to project leader in 8 years.

"From my first day of internship, I felt welcome here. Everyone was interested, wanted to help me and came to chat. 'What do you do, what are your hobbies?' Very convivial. At the work meeting I thought: that won't be for me, I'm just an intern. But someone said, 'You have to join too.' You are immediately a full employee here."

What makes your job as a construction project manager multifaceted?

"With us, there is something to choose from. For example, what type of project manager do you want to be? That depends on your personal interests and qualities. Do you mainly want to manage and do many projects at once? Or do you enjoy working in the BIM model yourself and figuring things out?"

"In addition, each project is unique. Each location makes it specific and brings separate challenges. For example, I am now working on a project where we are thinking along at the front, even before the structural design. That's pretty exceptional. On another project, I keep more of an eye on the schedule and the budget. I make sure colleagues know what their tasks and deadlines are each week."

How did you develop at VDNDP?

"I wanted to move on to a project manager role. I indicated that. Then I was gradually given more responsibilities. First within a project; setting up and monitoring the schedule. Then I was asked to set up a tender. That later became my first project as project leader."

How were you mentored?

"If you show initiative with us and show that you are keen to learn, you will receive guidance. In annual development interviews you can indicate which way you want to go. Then we come up with a plan together. For example, I indicated that I would like to be more involved in the process. That was made possible very quickly."

"The advantage of a relatively small agency is that our partners have visibility into employee development. They also collaborate in projects. They see what someone does and can do. No one is thrown into the deep end. They always look for the limit - just a little more challenging than what you're up to. That's how you keep growing."