Looking back on two years of VYP traineeship

How do you find your place in a complex, dynamic sector such as the maritime supply chain? For Joris van Diermen, the answer to that question began two years ago when he started his traineeship at Venturn.  “After graduating, I was not sure what I wanted to do, what I was good at, or where my professional passions lay. The traineeship offered me the perfect opportunity to discover that and gain valuable experience at the same time.” 

Joris’ experience with the traineeship 

For Joris, the traineeship felt like a safe yet challenging first step in his career. “The traineeship allows you to experience different roles and companies in a brief period. You discover what suits you and are constantly challenged to develop new skills.”  

An important part of the program is the educational component: training courses that not only hone your professional skills but also stimulate your personal development. “The Lumina sessions really opened my eyes. I learned to better understand my own personality and character, which now allows me to make much more conscious choices in how I communicate and collaborate.”  

In addition, there is something else that you do not immediately read in the brochure: the group of trainees around you. “You are all in the same phase, with the same questions and challenges. That creates a bond. Together you learn, work, and, not unimportantly, celebrate successes!”  

Highlights for Joris over the past two years included the winter sports trips, the Friday afternoon drinks, and the collaboration with the Royal Dutch Rescue Society (KNRM), to which Venturn has been a long-time donor. 

His assignments within the supply chain 

Van der Reijt
Joris started as Supply Chain Project Lead at Van de Reijt (part of Fertiberia), which had just undergone a takeover. There, he mapped out processes, led improvement projects, and worked on IT updates to streamline operations.  

“The dynamics were enormous: every day was different, with a lot of freedom, but also a lot of unrest. Focus was crucial. The assignment required flexibility, perseverance, and the ability to switch quickly between operational details and strategic issues. It was an environment in which you could only be successful if you understood how processes interlocked. That made it extra interesting for me.” 

APM Terminals Maasvlakte II
Joris then moved to APM Terminals Maasvlakte II. “I was given the opportunity to combine my analytical skills with project management in a commercial context.” The project focused on improving supply chain efficiency through data-driven collaboration with hinterland partners. Hinterland partners are parties that arrange container transport in the hinterland. They ensure that containers are transported from the terminal to the right location in the hinterland.  

“The highlight was the Expected Discharge project, which allowed me to look at the supply chain as a whole and get to know many external parties. The aim of this project is to improve collaboration based on data, so that we can be more efficient as a whole chain. My curiosity came in handy here: how do processes work together, where are the bottlenecks, and how can you create value with data and collaboration?” 

Advanced Analytics
Joris then had the opportunity to further pursue his passion for research and mathematics within the Advanced Analytics department. There, he researched truck processes at the terminal, optimized data flows, and developed dashboards to support decision-making.  

“It gave me a whole new perspective on how data can be the key to operational improvements. It felt like detective work: discovering patterns, testing hypotheses, and translating insights into concrete improvements.” 

Key Lessons Learned 

When Joris started, he wanted to develop his skills in project management and stakeholder management. He soon discovered that these two areas are interrelated—and that a third element is needed: planning.  

“It works like this: if you are clear about what you are doing, why, and how, you can think ahead and plan better. With a relevant story and solid planning, you can get stakeholders on board. And if you get stakeholders on board, you can realize your plans and achieve your goals.” 

This insight changed the way he worked and made him aware of the importance of continuing to develop this combination of skills. 

Advice for future trainees 

“My advice? Keep the learning pit in mind: real learning can be tough sometimes. It can feel like you are not making any progress but look back every now and then—you will see how much you have already achieved.  

Also, go to every social gathering: it is fun, educational, and above all enjoyable. And be open about what is going well and what is not. Everyone has challenges. By being honest, you’re not only helping yourself, but also others.” 

My future: leading from the content

Now that the traineeship is over, Joris will remain at Venturn as a consultant.
“In the long term, I want a permanent role in the maritime supply chain, where I can contribute to optimizing operations and logistics. What have I discovered? My passion for research, data, and analysis has remained. I believe that the strongest form of leadership comes from substantive expertise—almost scientific precision. Leading from content, which is my ambition.”  

In conclusion

“The traineeship at Venturn not only helped me find my place but also sharpened my ambition.” 

Are you curious about a career in which you can discover, learn, and grow? Contact Venturn and take your first step.