"Once a Kayaker, always a Kayaker"

"As a graduate of the HBO program Business Administration, the possibilities for starting a career are very extensive. That sounds ideal at first, but the many possibilities are also the problem. What kind of position suits me? Are there good opportunities for career development? What kind of company culture suits me? I have asked myself these questions several times. 

My journey with Kayak started in February 2021. Due to my internship, a preference had developed for the financial sector. After searching the internet, I stumbled upon Kayak. Starting as a trainee KYC Analyst at ABN-AMRO and also making use of the ‘Live your potential-program’ could be an ideal combination. After the initial conversations with Kayak, the enthusiasm remained. Fortunately, it turned out to be mutual. 

As a 'newbie', I started at ABN-AMRO in February 2021. During the one and a half years there, I have tested myself several times on professional and personal level. During these learning moments, I could always count on support from Kayak. Through regular conversations with my field manager, coaching sessions, training, and events, I can look back on a great career start. 

After a year and a half, I informed Kayak that I wanted to explore opportunities with another employer. Despite the positive experiences, I was looking for a company culture that better suited my personality. Leveraging the Kayak network quickly presented the opportunity to start as a CDD Analyst at Adyen. In a great collaboration with Kayak and Adyen, I started here on July 1, 2022.

I have been working internally within Adyen since July 1, 2023. Unfortunately, this means that I had to leave Kayak. However, I can honestly admit that without Kayak, I would not have reached this point. As a seconded employee within Kayak, the ‘Live your potential-program’ provides tools to grow on both a personal and professional level. The only thing you, as a seconded employee, need to bring in is the motivation to achieve certain goals together. The 'ideal' career start may not exist, but through Kayak, I have almost had this. 

I would also say: "Once a Kayaker, always a Kayaker"!"