Connected to the chain #23 | Willemijn Bergen

Willemijn Bergen is 25 years old and currently works as an International Trainee in the Supply Chain Management (SCM) department. With a diverse academic background that includes a Bachelor's degree in Technical Mathematics, a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a Master's degree in Econometrics and Operations Research, she brings a valuable mix of analytical skills and economic understanding to her role.

In addition to her professional passion, Willemijn enjoys gardening, cooking and running in her spare time. These hobbies reflect her wide-ranging interests and her enthusiasm for an active and balanced life.

What made you decide to work for TenneT?

I wanted to find a job where I felt like I was making a positive difference in the world. My interest in the energy transition, with its complex challenges and opportunities, further guided my decision. TenneT appealed to me as a major European player, offering the chance to work on innovative, sustainable solutions to shape a greener and more sustainable future.

How does a regular week look like as an SCM Trainee?

A large part of my week is spent working on my strategic material management assignment. I often meet with experts to obtain valuable information and support. I also take time to work out this information independently and incorporate it into my tasks. There are also regular meetings with other trainees. These are used for personal development as well as for organising tasks and projects as part of the traineeship. My weekly schedule is roughly divided into three areas: 70% of my time is dedicated to my assignment′s, 20% to trainee activities, such as visits to, other TSOs, consulting projects for trainees and site visits within TenneT. The remaining 10% is used for personal development sessions.

What have you achieved during your first assignment?

I identified opportunities to clean up our material master data and developed ideas for organizing future processes. The traineeship′s trainings enhanced my counselling, communication, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, working closely with in different departments provided valuable insights into TenneT's operations, giving me a comprehensive understanding of the company and its processes.

What do you think will be the biggest challenge for SCM in the future?

In my opinion, the biggest challenge for SCM in the future will be coping with long delivery times and switching to a seller's market. This will be a major challenge in the coming years. Added to this is the energy transition, which will put renewed pressure on the grids and mean that TenneT will have to organise the system differently than it has in the last 20 years. SCM must therefore also adapt and purchase differently. Partnerships and long-term contracts are becoming increasingly important to ensure security of supply and efficiency in this changing landscape.

What is your vision and how does this connects to the goals of TenneT?

Without a strong SCM, it is not possible to operate the network as we would like it to be. It is at the heart of the maintenance and development of the grid as it is responsible for the procurement of all necessary materials. It acts as a link to our (supply) partners and ensures that we have the equipment we need when we need it. Anything to do with new equipment requires the involvement of SCM. This department provides the necessary security and reliability to deliver the materials on time and thus support and advance TenneT's goals.

Fun Fact: Are there things about working at TenneT that are different than expected?

One interesting aspect of working at TenneT is that it is much less hierarchical here than I had previously thought. It's easy to get in touch with everyone, regardless of their position in the company. You are also given a lot of freedom to make the most of your job. This freedom at work allows you to really develop and be creative. The office is also a highlight. It's right next to Mariendal Park, which is perfect if you want to take a walk during a break. This always gives me energy to tackle the complex problems ahead.

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