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What were your responsibilities as a junior?
Initially, as a junior, I was responsible for small components within a project. This involved tasks such as conducting literature research or analysing quantitative data (such as portfolio or administrative data). I always had guidance from more experienced colleagues. As I spent more time at Dialogic, I was given more responsibilities. For instance, I started conducting interviews, writing a chapter in a report, and performing statistical analyses myself. Dialogic provides room for taking on more responsibility and actively encourages it.
How was the transition to mid-level, and what new responsibilities did you undertake?
The transition from junior to mid-level was challenging and exciting at first. As a mid-level employee, I had to act as a project manager in smaller projects, making me responsible for the end result and the primary contact for the client. This was quite an adjustment for me initially. It was reassuring that at Dialogic, you receive support from your colleagues and can always seek help from them. After leading a few projects as a project manager, I quickly got used to it, and project management often (but not always) became easier.
As a mid-level employee, I also took on more responsibility in securing new projects. Winning new projects can involve various methods, from meeting potential clients to attending conferences and networking events and preparing proposals. Personally, I preferred (and still do) to be involved in writing proposals.
How was the transition to senior level?
For me personally, the transition from mid-level to senior was easier than from junior to mid-level. As a senior, I primarily do the same work as a mid-level employee, but on a larger scale. The projects I lead now are significantly bigger (although I still supervise smaller projects), and there is an expectation for me to secure more new projects.
During my time at Dialogic, I have developed specific expertise, which has made me more recognisable to colleagues and clients. This expertise includes projects related to the connection between education and the job market, evaluations of tax schemes, and working with CBS microdata. I have chosen to specialise in various areas because I enjoy the variety in my work.
What educational courses have you been able to take?
At Dialogic, I have been given ample opportunities to develop myself, using methods that suit me best. I chose to take a course in econometrics to enhance my quantitative skills. Other colleagues opted to enrol in courses related to project management. When it comes to attending conferences, I have the freedom to choose where to go. For example, in late 2023, I attended the Human Capital Festival in Dordrecht, where I provided an explanation of one of our projects on the connection between education and the job market alongside a client.
