Ditiosi speaking: Jordan Langenberg
Jordan, can you briefly introduce yourself?
I am Jordan, 26 years old. From my study Technical Business Administration in Delft I got involved in Project Management. In my spare time I play badminton at BV DEO in Nootdorp, of which I am also the chairman. Nice fact is that Ditio is now the main sponsor of BV DEO, another common ground. Besides badminton I can be found on my racing bike or walking around the golf course whenever time permits.
What did you do before joining Ditio?
For over three years I was a Project Leader in the waste sector. As it was a relatively small organization with a small project organization, the tasks within the role of project leader included being a work planner, planning and budget monitoring. I knew Rick Ardts (General Manager) privately. Through him I eventually transferred to Ditio to continue to grow. With Ditio's clients, the projects are usually more complex and more specific roles are defined. Each role has its own responsibility to ultimately contribute to the project result. That's a nice dynamic to go through projects with.
Can you briefly tell what your position is and what it entails?
Ultimately, the maritime industry is where I would like to work, but how do you get there from the waste sector as a project manager? The step seemed too big. Talking to several industry connections eventually revealed that an intermediate step as a project controller was the right step. The responsibilities of a project controller are quite diverse, from scope control to monitoring budgets. With the intermediate step of project controller, I am investing in knowledge and skills to eventually roll back into the role of project manager. From this role I currently have a lot of influence and added value, but I am not ultimately responsible. You operate in the shadow of the project manager and are the sparring partner in terms of planning, scope and other assigned management aspects.
Why did you choose Ditio?
As a young professional, relative to seniors, you possess proportionally less or a different set of experiences. You are able to absorb a lot of knowledge in a short time that will shape you for the rest of your career. For this reason, I primarily chose Ditio. With a wide range of clients, I saw opportunities to not be tied to one firm. Being significant at multiple companies allows you to gain a lot of experience in a relatively short period of time.
What do you think of the traineeship at Ditio?
The traineeship is mainly aimed at colleagues who are actually just out of school, or have no professional experience yet. I already had a head start through my work experience. We adapted the training structure slightly to prepare me for my first customer. This involved two weeks of training in which we went back to the basics of how to create a schedule. In addition, we studied the prescribed working methods of the first client so that I became familiar with their way of working.
Can you tell something about the project you are working on now?
I am currently lead controller of a work unit, serving as project controller there. Within that role, I manage aspects such as time, money, scope and risk. In coordination with the project team, we are constantly working to keep these deliverables up to date, and updated. I currently have six projects under my management. The company I work for is active in the steel industry.
How is your connection to the other Ditiosi?
Ditio regularly organizes events outside of regular work. I try to join in as much as possible to get to know colleagues in a different setting. In practice it comes down to an event once every 1 or 2 months. Always nice moments, and often a moment to exchange knowledge. At the client where I am now, there are also other Ditiosi at work. We meet regularly to share knowledge or have lunch together.
Do you experience coming to your fellow Ditiosi with questions?
One of the core values is Honest. On a daily basis, I experience a nice environment where I can mirror my thoughts with colleagues, even directly with my manager. Openness of business is very important, and I value this. I experience this constantly! A lot can be discussed at Ditio, as long as it is done in a realistic and respectful way.
How do you envision the future with Ditio?
Serving beautiful clients with my expertise as project controller initially and eventually I want to return to the role of project manager. This division is not explicitly there yet within Ditio, but may be created in the future, I may have a role in that. On a daily basis, I want to keep the variety between paper work, but also field work by going into the factory, for example. For now, I experience enough challenge in having a defined span of control as a project controller.
What is a memorable moment within your career at Ditio?
In such a short time, there are already quite a few at Ditio. The events are always successful! If I have to mention one, it is an evening of go-karting in Halfweg with all PCM colleagues. I was not even employed yet, but was immediately warmly welcomed and introduced. That shows how hospitable and collegial everyone is.
Like Jordan, do you want to realize your ambitions? Then feel free to contact us. We would love to have a cup of coffee with you! Curious about our current vacancies? Check ditio.nl/vacancies.