‘My initial anxiety disappeared when I realized you learn by doing, and you’re never alone’

Mieke's profile:

When Mieke Telders applied for the Graduate Program shortly after completing her applied economics degree, she had a clear goal: finding a structured support system for her transition from university to her first corporate role. Lacking prior experience in port operations or tank storage, she wanted an environment that encouraged learning and growth. Now, a year into her journey, she reflects: "This program constantly empowers you to step outside your comfort zone, knowing there's a warm community backing you at every step."

Small car, massive trucks

Coming from an academic background in economics and modern languages, stepping onto a chemical storage terminal was entirely new territory for Mieke.

"I remember driving my small car onto the terminal for my interview, surrounded by huge trucks, and thinking: What am I doing here?" Mieke laughs.

That initial hesitation quickly transformed into hands-on operational insight. During her first year, she spent three weeks working outside alongside operators, loading trucks, inspecting tanks, and visiting vessels. "It was an unexpected experience that gave me deep familiarity with terminal operations and brought me close to the outside operators," she says. "It built a foundation of trust that you simply can't get from behind a desk."

Eye-opening perspectives in Rotterdam

Beyond local terminal operations, the program offers global exposure and opportunities to connect with international peers. A standout highlight was the graduate business trip to Rotterdam and the Gate Terminal.

"Seeing the massive LNG vessels at Gate Terminal put everything into perspective," Mieke shares. "The vessels were as big as our entire chemical storage terminal back home! It was truly eye-opening."

The trip also bonded the international cohort. "Connecting in person allowed us to build deeper relationships," she adds. "We even joked about meeting 20 years from now at international industry conferences as senior leaders and looking back at our graduate days together. That shared experience lays the groundwork for seamless cross-terminal collaboration in the future."

Juggling time zones and calendar blocks

The journey hasn't been without its challenges. Participating in the global 'Graduate Challenge' required working across broad time zones while balancing day-to-day responsibilities.

"Our team meetings took place at 3:30 p.m. for me in Belgium, which was 6:00 or 7:00 a.m. for my teammates in America," Mieke explains. "Simultaneously managing project deliverables and daily operational duties required strict time management."

Her solution? Proactive scheduling and clear communication. "I created dedicated calendar blocks visible to my colleagues so I could focus on project work without distraction," she says. "Leadership was also incredibly supportive, granting us a deadline extension during team holidays so we could refine and successfully deliver our pitch."

Handling side quests without panicking

Through hands-on projects and cross-functional duties, Mieke has cultivated critical professional skills.

"The most tangible skill I've developed is learning how to schedule and juggle multiple responsibilities within standard working hours without panicking," she reflects. "In this program, you receive exciting 'side quests' alongside your main duties, which accelerates your professional growth much faster than a standard entry-level job."

This experience triggered a fundamental mindset shift. "I started out feeling anxious about everything I didn't know yet," Mieke admits. "Now, I feel secure in myself and the people around me. I know that whenever I face an unfamiliar challenge, I will learn it on the job with the support of my team."

Going for gold: Embracing technical horizons

Looking ahead to her upcoming rotations, Mieke is preparing to step into a more technical field within the organization.

"Stepping into a technical domain feels a bit intimidating at first, but I know it will enrich my skill set and provide a strong foundation for the next 10 to 15 years of my career," she says.

When asked what advice she would offer to prospective graduates considering the program, Mieke doesn't hesitate.

"Even if you don't initially picture yourself working at a port or tank terminal, just go for it!" she encourages. "The supportive culture and community here mean that taking the leap will likely turn out even better than you imagined."