Trainee Commercial B2B
Discover Trainee Commercial B2B
Works in Utrecht and from home
Lives in Rotterdam
At VodafoneZiggo since March 2025
Discover Trainee Customer Operations
Works in Utrecht and from home
Lives in Utrecht
At VodafoneZiggo since March 2025
When trainees really match with VodafoneZiggo, when they discover and develop themselves, and when they connect with colleagues and fellow trainees, it’s clear that everything clicks. Joëlle Verboom and Fiona Pesser know all about this, even though they’re only halfway through their traineeship.
Fiona and Joëlle started their Discover Traineeship at the same time. Right away they recognised something in each other. Exactly what that was, they discovered later. To begin with, they asked themselves the same questions: Who am I as a professional? And where do I want to go? Joëlle explains, "The traineeship challenges you to really dive into that. What you enjoy is important. But only when you understand why, can you figure out the direction you want to take."
Joëlle and Fiona are currently working on their out-of-comfort projects: an assignment in a different business unit. Surprisingly, both projects align well with their interests and ambitions. Fiona is working in Employer Branding within HR on a renewed employer story. "I’m researching our Employer Value Proposition (EVP). How do we deliver value as an employer and how do we communicate it effectively to attract talent." Besides her project, Fiona takes an active role in the team. "I write content, organize photoshoots, and collaborate with creative agencies. It's fun, hands-on, and diverse! I’ve always been drawn to marketing, and this experience is helping me build a solid foundation in the field. Additionally, I learned to think strategically: conducting research, combining insights, and translating outcomes into directions that will lead to a sharper and up-to-date EVP. I’ll definitely take those skills and insights with me back to B2B."
Joëlle is working within B2B Marketing on the rebranding of Ziggo Zakelijk, where she leads the go-to-market strategy. She’s responsible for both the planning and the execution needed to successfully launch the new brand in the market. "It’s a large and creative project, and the result will be soon visible throughout the Netherlands." She’s working with many colleagues and external partners on the rollout: "I engage all internal stakeholders, brief agencies, create schedules, and ensure everyone is aligned." She’s noticed how much she enjoys this type of work. "Working outside my comfort zone really gives me energy."
Their first projects were broad and strategic, with plenty of room for their own input. Fiona says, "It was challenging, because we both actually thrive on structure, deadlines and clear frameworks." They quickly realized they could support and help each other. During an MBTI training focused on personality types, they discovered why that was: they share the exact same profile. Their shared traits and energy quickly created a strong bond. Fiona adds: "We seek each other out a lot. To work together, but also to have lunch and organise fun activities for our cohort."
Positive connections: their traineeship is full of them. Every trainee is paired with a buddy. Fiona shares, "Someone who has recently completed the traineeship and understands exactly what you’re going through. Sharing your doubts, choices, and successes gives you peace of mind and confidence." Within their cohort, Fiona and Joëlle also feel strongly connected. During deep dives, which involve two days at a hotel, they get to know each other better and hold up mirrors to one another. Joëlle explains, "By reflecting on and challenging each other, we take big steps and grow incredibly quickly."
Fiona and Joëlle do everything they can to figure out the direction they want to take within VodafoneZiggo. They seize opportunities, approach colleagues, and shape projects themselves. In fact, Fiona proactively looked for her second project. "If you want to discover what suits you, you need to really get to know an organization,"she explains. "After seven months at VodafoneZiggo I’ve already spoken to hundreds of colleagues. That network is worth its weight in gold. " Joëlle adds: "That’s only true if you use it actively, of course. You’re given all the space here, but it’s up to you to get the most out of it."
