Vitamine R - How employees and employers grow together: great stories of internal mobility

At Realdolmen, we aim to realize the potential of people and organizations. It therefore makes sense to invest in developing employees' talents and encouraging internal mobility. We think it is important that people take control of their own careers. And that they have opportunities to acquire new knowledge, develop new skills and expand their boundaries. If people can move and progress, this not only increases their own capacity and employability, but it also improves their motivation and future prospects. This is not only important for their own enrichment and position in the labor market, but it also strengthens the dynamics and potential of the organization.

As an employee, however, it is not always easy to see what opportunities are available within the company and then have the courage to seize them. For managers too, internal mobility sometimes means letting talent go in order to retain it elsewhere within the company. Structured support from HR is therefore not a luxury you can do without. At Realdolmen, we work hard to create internal career opportunities for our people and a unified corporate vision of personal development: happy employees who like their work and their life. To illustrate this, we would like to share some stories from employees who have dared to take a leap within the company.

Stefano Moi: from Finance Consultant to Industry Customer Executive

'At the end of summer 2013, I started the acADDemICT track at Realdolmen, a program focused on recent graduates. I worked for 2.5 years as a Finance Consultant in the AX team. I was also involved in various presales processes and I developed a taste for the commercial side. Some time later, a colleague pointed out an internal vacancy: 'Junior Customer Executive, is not that something for you?' This set me thinking about my ambitions and my career path. I asked HR for further information. Because I had already worked with the recruiting manager on a number of presales accounts, I found it easy to contact him and ask my questions. After a weekend considering what to do, I took the plunge and decided to accept my new adventure. A short time later, the practical arrangements between the managers concerned, HR and myself were a fait accompli. A training plan was immediately set up and I could get to work straight away.

I got a very warm welcome from the new team. I was immediately given the honor of organizing a team building session, which allowed me to get to know my team members in an informal setting. I can still count on them to help with any questions, advice and feedback. I feel confident in my new role, including the content. I meet new people, am involved in a variety of issues, have new responsibilities and no two weeks are the same.
But also a word of caution. Changing jobs within the same organization is not always easy. For six months, I continued intensively in my old role while I followed sales training one day a week. That took a lot of mental effort, but it makes me even more satisfied with my new full-time role.
Finally, a word of thanks to the HR team for the personal assistance before, during and after the switch. I can only confirm: the HR team at Realdolmen are ready to help!'

Joris Savenberg: from Support Engineer to Service Delivery Manager

Joris Savenberg could be called a prototype of internal mobility. He has already successfully completed a number of internal moves and now holds the position of Service Delivery Manager. 'I started at Dolmen (as it was then called) in 2008. My first role was as Customer Support Engineer at the VRT Call Desk. A number of years and customers later, I had the opportunity to take up the role of System Engineer, and I seized the opportunity with both hands! With my technical background and people skills, I soon progressed to the role of Coordinator. First at the client site, but later in the position of SLA Manager internally at Realdolmen. When the vacancy for a Service Delivery Manager came up, I didn't hesitate for a second, and only a few months later I was making my first client visit! Internal mobility is not just possible, it is actually actively encouraged by management. Career development can be both horizontal and vertical. There are plenty of opportunities. You just need to seize them!'