What does your job entail?
As the manager of the Content Team, I lead a team of six colleagues. We refer to ourselves as "creatives." Together, we provide content for the social media channels of the Netherlands Red Cross, with the aim to inform and inspire the general public about the work of the Red Cross. Additionally, I ensure that each team member feels good and develops professionally, I manage the team's budget, and I am part of the management team of the Communications cluster.
How did you end up joining the Red Cross?
I saw a vacancy on Facebook. A friend of mine was on the board of the Red Cross Student Desk in The Hague. It seemed like a fun activity alongside my studies, so I decided to apply. I started in 2018 as a board member, first as treasurer and then as president. After those two years, I got a trainee position in the communications department at the head office. I had the opportunity to grow from an internal and corporate communications employee to a communications advisor and now manager.
What do you enjoy most about the job, and what would you like to tell a new colleague?
The best part of my job is that I get to work with other communication colleagues to determine how we, as an organization, structure our communication. How do we want people to perceive the Red Cross, and what do we need to do to achieve that? Being able to use my creativity in strategic issues gives me a lot of satisfaction. The most beautiful part of my job is that I can combine my passion for helping with my skills and experiences to help others. I may not be the one handing out grocery cards or guiding residents at a shelter, but I ensure that we give visibility to the work of the Red Cross, enabling us to reach those who need our help the most. This is what I want to convey to a new colleague: you can make a difference in your own way.
Can you say something about your development at the Red Cross?
When I started as an employee at the Red Cross during the COVID period in 2020, I didn't expect to become a manager in just over three years. It's still quite surreal and wonderful to be the youngest manager in the entire organization. I can represent the voice of the younger generation. I make an impact in my own way while building my career. Over the past few years, I've seen, learned, and experienced a lot at the Red Cross. All these experiences help you grow as a professional and as a person.
Are you, like Chris, driven to use your experience in the field of communication, marketing or fundraising to help others?