‘I work behind the scenes, but I know exactly what’s going on’

A management assistant at the IND often wears many heads. This is especially true at the Information Services (IV) Department, which oversees digital services and innovation. Lianne supports the IV department in a variety of ways: she manages calendars, handles administrative and facility-related matters, and makes sure that important documents reach the right people on time. 

Thinking on your feet

‘Basically, I’m the hub that connects all the spokes,’ Lianne laughs. ‘I keep track of everything that’s going on, and I know exactly where to go to resolve any issues. So, I’m often the first person the IV department turns to, also when it comes to practical matters like scheduling emergency meetings, arranging catering or making sure visitors can enter the building. I like working behind the scenes, keeping everything on track so that my colleagues can focus on their own work.’
Every working day brings new surprises, Lianne says. ‘I do have my regular tasks, of course, but the department I work for is quite dynamic. A quiet morning can be turned upside down within the space of five minutes, with all sorts of last-minute questions coming in and Outlook calendars to juggle. There’s lots of variety in my work, so I have to be able to think on my feet, which I love.’

Everything in order

As a management assistant, it is important to be meticulous and reliable, Lianne believes. ‘I use lots of different systems in my work, so it’s important that I’m accurate, and that I handle information with integrity. I see to it that procurements are properly recorded in our financial administration, and I make sure that new colleagues have all the equipment they need. For me, it’s important that everything is as it should be. I always double-check documents, because mistakes can cause delays or affect other people. My work isn’t finished until I know that everything is in order, and that my colleagues have nothing to worry about.’

From the social domain to the IND

Lianne wants her career to benefit society. Before joining the IND, she worked as an administrative assistant at a municipality, within the social domain. ‘Indirectly, the processes I worked on there did have an impact on people’s lives. It was valuable work, but after a while I realised that I didn’t feel challenged.’
‘I wanted to do something that was more aligned with my social engagement,’ Lianne continues. ‘That’s why I’m happy to work for the IND, where you feel a very strong sense of social responsibility. Even though I’m not in direct contact with applicants, I know that my work contributes to the help and guidance they receive. Employees also have access to a wide range of courses, which allows me to work on my professional development.’

Meaningful work

Lianne could not be happier with her job at the IND, as she is able to combine professional and people-oriented work. ‘People trust me to do my job, and I have a lot of freedom when it comes to how I carry out my tasks,’ she explains. ‘The organisational culture is pleasant and supportive. We look out for each other, and we appreciate the work everyone does. I’ve noticed that some of my colleagues also do various things behind the scenes to contribute to a fairer, more humane society.’
‘I really don’t need to be in the spotlight,’ Lianne concludes, laughing. ‘But I do want to know that I matter, and that my work has meaning. At the IND, I feel that every day. If I do my job well, my colleagues can do important work that benefits society. That’s what drives me.’