I work for a Dutch insurance company, where I mainly focus on investment policy of the DC proposition and communication on this matter with our advisors and customers. Before I started at this company, I did my Masters in Finance and worked for several years as a financial analyst and pension advisor.

In order to be able to communicate on the same level with the Asset Management department in my company, I felt it would be good to pick up on my investment knowledge. That's why I initially enrolled in two modules of the RBA program: Advanced Asset Allocation (module 3) and Balance Sheet Management (module 4). I enjoyed studying those 2 modules so much that I wanted to continue with the rest of the program. Fortunately, my employer supported me.

At this moment I am still following classes. Despite the challenge of a busy schedule that comes with studying alongside a full-time job, I'm really enjoying being a student again. What appeals to me is the practical side of the studies. The things that I learn and come across during classes are immediately applicable in my job. Setting up an investment category, investing in sustainability and long-term investing, these are things I can immediately use in the discussions I have at work. It feels that I’m really growing in my job.

Part of the course was online, but now we are back to lectures on location, which really stimulates the interaction within the group. This interaction was an important reason for me to choose for this course. The discussions with fellow students, the different perspectives that come along are very valuable. In class, that discussion gets even more going than online. A topic that often comes up, for example, is the Dutch pension agreement. I personally look at this mainly from a DC proposition perspective. But there are also many participants who work for pension funds, who look at it from a different angle. I find those different perspectives very interesting.

Due to the modular structure, you can choose in which order you want to follow the modules. As a result of these different moments of enrollment, the composition of the group changes. This means that you regularly meet new participants. Overall participants quickly find their place and are naturally included in the group. It provides variation and new angles in the discussions you have with each other.

The RBA program is a modular program for the experienced investment professional. Module 1: ‘Understanding clients and behaviors’ starts in September 2022. More information