Every assignment brings new challenges, insights, and encounters. For Venturn Young Professional Robert Roosen, his time at Nextlogic was a great example of this. In this blog, he explains in his own words how he experienced this assignment and the lessons he is taking with him for the future.
An unexpected start
Sometimes the best assignments come about in ways you never see coming. In my case, it all started through my own network. At fairly short notice, I joined one of Nextlogic’s monthly padel evenings. There, I got chatting to a few staff members, which led to an introductory coffee meeting. During that conversation, it quickly became clear that there was a mutual connection as well as an interesting challenge on the table. Even before there was any talk of an official assignment, we were already brainstorming possible solutions.
That challenge eventually led me to Nextlogic: a relatively small organisation with around fifteen staff members working on something that is unique worldwide. Nextlogic develops and manages a system that uses an algorithm to create an optimised port-wide planning schedule every ten minutes for inland container shipping in the Port of Rotterdam. Behind that system lies a complex puzzle in which terminals, inland shipping operators, depots and other parties continuously provide information while also depending on each other’s decisions.
What struck me immediately was the combination of technology and human dynamics. On the one hand, there are many data and software specialists with a tremendous passion for innovation. On the other hand, NextLogic operates in an environment where different parties have varying interests and change does not always come naturally. It was precisely this combination that made the assignment so interesting.
From need to a new discipline
From November 2025 until June 2026, I held the role of Community & Communication Lead, a role that did not yet exist within Nextlogic. Although various activities were already taking place that could retrospectively be described as community management, such as newsletters and governance meetings, there was no clear vision, structure or owner. My assignment was therefore to turn a need into a concrete discipline.
To determine where to start, I began by listening. What was happening within the organisation? How did users view Nextlogic? Where were the opportunities to strengthen relationships and improve collaboration? To answer these questions, I carried out extensive market research and spoke with users, customers and colleagues. Based on these conversations, an increasingly clear picture emerged of what was needed.
A key aspect turned out to be professionalisation. This included restructuring governance meetings, improving the organisation of information sharing and defining responsibilities more clearly. At the same time, engagement was central. How do you ensure that users feel heard, contribute to the development of the platform and understand how their own behaviour affects the collective outcome?
Staying close to real-world practice
One of the initiatives I particularly enjoyed working on was the users’ visits. Every Wednesday, we welcomed a user to our office to give them a behind-the-scenes look at Nextlogic. This provided valuable insights for both sides. Users gained a better understanding of the challenges faced by Nextlogic, while we learned more about their day-to-day work
I also found it interesting to get out and about from time to time. I visited several companies and gained an insight into the lives of inland shipping skippers. One visit that has stayed with me was meeting skipper Joannes. It gave me a much greater appreciation of both the life and the passion of an inland shipping skipper.
Personal growth
At the same time, this assignment was also valuable for my personal development. I enjoy achieving tangible results, working with short lines of communication and making quick decisions. However, Nextlogic operates in an environment where a great deal of alignment is required and where change sometimes can take time. That called for patience.
I learned to think more conceptually and strategically. Part of that involved translating a long-term vision into practical actions for today. It turned out to be a skill that I had more aptitude for than I had expected beforehand.
Perhaps that is the greatest strength of an assignment like this. You not only develop new professional knowledge but also discover which way of working suits you best.
Passing on the baton
In June, Sofie, also a Venturn Young Professional, joined Nextlogic to prepare for the handover. The first few weeks were entirely focused on transferring knowledge, after which she gradually took on more responsibilities independently. Those were enjoyable weeks. It is wonderful to train someone new and, at the same time, see the work you’ve set up being carried on.
Looking back on this period, I am most proud of the fact that what started as an abstract idea has grown into a fully established department with a clear role within the organisation. What began as a long-discussed need has now found its place within Nextlogic. In fact, the work has become so well established that a new position has been created to continue building on it.
I also hope that I have left behind some of my entrepreneurial energy. The mindset of simply trying things, turning ideas into reality and not spending too much time talking before taking action. That is also the feedback I regularly received from colleagues: enthusiasm is contagious.
Looking back and looking ahead
Looking back, I mainly take with me the personal lessons, the great colleagues and a much deeper understanding of the port industry. Perhaps the most important insight is that sometimes an assignment helps you discover not only what suits you, but also what does not suit you. This assignment showed me that I am stronger at strategic and conceptual thinking than I had realised, while also confirming that I thrive in environments where the pace is high and decisions are made quickly.
And all of that thanks to a spontaneous visit to a padel evening.
Development within the Venturn Young Professionals programme
Robert’s story shows how an assignment can become much more than a temporary role. By taking responsibility, showing initiative and working together with different stakeholders, he was given the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to Nextlogic while continuing to develop himself.
Within the Venturn Young Professionals programme, trainees work on challenging assignments within the maritime supply chain. At the same time, they follow a two-year development programme focused on personal growth, leadership and professional development.
Are you curious about what it is like to make an impact as a Young Professional in the maritime sector? Get in touch with us and discover what the VYP programme could mean for you.
