Martijn Hop - Management trainee

After studying for an MSc Business Economics in Real Estate Finance at the University of Amsterdam, it took me quite some time to figure out whether I wanted to work in consultancy, equities or real estate. Because of the diversity and the combination of theory and practice, I decided to go for real estate.

My traineeship

I spent the first eight months of my traineeship working on commercial property finance at Corporate Clients and then International Property Finance, including two weeks in Milan, Italy. For the last three months, I supported risk managers within Credit Analysis.

Then I joined Development, first in the Netherlands, where I worked for four months on the tender for the Zuidas Amsterdam project. I spent the month of September at the ING International Graduate Programme – an in-depth learning event for recently hired graduates from around the world. The programme gives you a global view of the company and the skills you need to advance your career. Right now, I’m working on entry strategies for Sweden and Turkey at Development International.

No day is the same

During my traineeship, no day is the same. One day I’m working on the entry strategy for Sweden, the next day I’m assisting the country manager for Romania (from my desk in The Hague) in the morning and in the afternoon I’m hosting a Master class at the University of Rotterdam. The next day I could have a training day and who knows what the day after will bring?

I’m very fortunate with my colleagues, the (international) opportunities I get and the work ethic in general. Naturally, during the first years of your career, you won’t be sent abroad extensively, but your daily work brings you into contact with numerous countries and cultures. Finally, ING Real Estate is not an investment bank. Although we work hard, spending 40-50 hours at the office, there’s plenty of time for your private life.

Open culture

The culture within ING Real Estate is very open. Your opinion is appreciated, and every one’s door is open. If you’re good at your job, the company offers you a lot of opportunities, responsibilities and freedom.

You have to be flexible, willing to take responsibility and a team player.  ING Real Estate is one of the best employers in the business. I believe that there’s no other corporation that can offer you a better all-round package. And that’s exactly why I’m working here!