Agnes van Driel

Agnes

‘Responsibility with back-up’

Agnes van Driel (25) is a general management trainee at Fokker Aerospace Group.

“My first task as a trainee was also the graduation project for my studies in aerospace engineering at Delft University of Technology. It was an improvement project in Hoogeveen. My second project was for risk management.

All of which means that the projects you work on as a trainee are incredibly varied, and you’re never bored for a second. What appeals to me most is that you really have responsibility during a project. You’re supported by a coach and a project supervisor, so there’s always back-up if you need it. But it’s up to you how you do it; you’re the one who takes the decisions and is in control.

These are very demanding but instructive assignments, in which – with the help of your coach – you get the chance to test your working approach in practice. One of the things I’ve learned a lot about is communication. I’ve improved my skills in holding discussions and resolving conflicts. My next project will again have a new dimension. Then I’ll have a leadership role, in which I’m not only responsible for the product, but also for the people. That’s an extra challenge from which I’m sure I’ll learn a lot.”