Maria Goltermann
Getting out of my comfort zone has really made me grow
Maria Goltermann is the first candidate on the ‘Space’ programme. She is currently “on loan” in Dakvenster, where she is helping implement various IT systems and digital platforms as part of Dakvenster’s transition into the VELUX group.
Maria had been in VELUX less than a year, when her manager approached her with an exciting opportunity: a six-month posting in Dakvenster in the Netherlands as Executive Assistant to Managing Director Martin Knippenberg. “They were looking for someone from Products with e-commerce experience, and my manager thought I had the right profile. I felt it was a great opportunity, so I didn’t have to think about it very long before I applied,” says Maria. She had an interview with Martin and Vincenzo Maggio to learn more about the job and find out if she was the right match. Then things picked up speed. Maria had to hand over her usual tasks to other colleagues, while she was away, and she also needed to get all the practicalities in place, including finding a place to stay in the Netherlands. “I have lived abroad before, and I know it is easier to build a network in big cities, so I decided to live in Amsterdam and commute to Middenmeer, where Dakvenster’s office is located. It is a 45-50 minute drive each way, but I am really happy with the decision.”
The short-term exchange is a great concept. You really have to dive in, when you only have six months.
Great concept With only 6 months in Dakvenster, Maria is kept busy. She has had to adjust to new ways of working, new colleagues and a new culture in record time. “The most challenging has been the different way of working. I am used to team work and sparring, but here I am on my own a lot. It is not a bad thing, but it has been a surprisingly big change. I feel like I am just starting to get the hang of things and now my time here is almost up.” According to Maria, time has just flown by, and though she could have stayed longer, she is also ready to go back home in February. “The short-term exchange is a great concept. You really have to dive in, when you only have six months. Being part of Space has given me a lot both professionally and personally. Getting out of my comfort zone has really made me grow. So I would definitely do it again, if given the chance.”