Why Jip makes time for exercise: “I simply feel better because of it”

Striving to be the healthiest employer

According to Jip, sports are not only good for your health, they are also a great way to build connections. “Many of my colleagues are passionate about some form of sport. Cycling, running, padel, fitness. It doesn’t really matter what you do. It immediately creates a sense of connection.” Rabobank’s commitment to sport goes far beyond encouraging employees to stay active. The bank aims to become the healthiest employer, creating an environment where people can work with energy, maintain their mental wellbeing, and feel supported in taking care of themselves.

In addition to facilitating sports activities, Rabobank offers initiatives that help employees stay mentally fit, such as the mental wellbeing platform OpenUp. Employees have free access to services including dietary and nutritional advice, sleep improvement guidance, and one-on-one coaching sessions with psychologists and lifestyle experts. Jip regularly uses the sports facilities at Rabobank’s offices. “It’s great that these opportunities are available. Sometimes I work out during my lunch break, and sometimes after

A high-performance mindset

Sport has been a constant throughout Jip’s life. During his student years, competitive rowing played a major role. At the peak of his rowing career, he trained eleven to twelve times a week alongside his studies.

“You learn how to deal with discipline, setbacks, and teamwork. In a rowing crew, you experience great moments together, but you also experience losses. That teaches you how differently people respond to challenges and what you can contribute to a team yourself. You learn a lot about both yourself and others.”

Jip still applies that high-performance mentality in his work today. Not by constantly pushing harder, but by consciously prioritizing recovery, routine, and balance.

Pressure of endless opportunities

Many young professionals experience performance pressure, and Jip recognizes this within his generation as well. “You’re constantly aware of all the possibilities out there. All the jobs, career paths, and opportunities available to you. Sometimes that makes it difficult to be satisfied with where you are right now.” Still, his experience has been different from what many people might expect.

“To be honest, I expected to end up in an environment with an extremely high workload. In reality, that wasn’t the case at all. There is a strong focus on balance and wellbeing.” That does not mean there is no room for ambition. “I have plenty of energy to grow and try new things. But it helps that you can do that in an environment where everything doesn’t always have to be faster or more intense.”

An employer that looks beyond the CV

When Jip was exploring options for his first employer, he expected most conversations to focus on knowledge, experience, and performance. At Rabobank, things turned out differently. Through a former trainee in his network, he connected with the organization. What started as an exploratory conversation quickly developed into genuine interest. “After that conversation, I immediately felt that it could be a great fit. We didn’t just talk about roles or career opportunities. We talked about people and culture.”

During the recruitment process, he was also struck by the attention given to the person behind the résumé.“I noticed that it was much less about having the perfect CV and much more about who you are. What matters to you, what gives you energy, and how you relate to others.” According to Jip, this provided an accurate picture of the culture he would later experience within the organization.

Jip as a Trainee

As a trainee, Jip was given the unique opportunity to explore four different departments over the course of eighteen months, while receiving extensive training, coaching, and support. “It’s a real privilege to have so much invested in you while you’re still discovering what you want to do.” During his first three rotations, he moved from direct client service within Private Banking to sustainable product development, and then to strategy for business clients.

“With each rotation, the work became a little more strategic, which suits me well. Ultimately, I’d love to work in a position where I can gain insight into decision-making within the bank as an institution, really getting a look inside the engine room.” Within his assignments, he is given significant responsibility from day one and works as a fully integrated member of the team. “The bank is also a fantastic place to build your network, and the title of ‘trainee’ opens many doors.” Another major advantage is the trainee community itself. Jip started the programme alongside around thirty other trainees.

“They’re all ambitious people with completely different backgrounds, academic disciplines, and nationalities. You experience a lot together, from training weekends and challenging assignments to HYROX events and festivals.”

Growing by helping others grow

Looking ahead, Jip does not necessarily see himself working in one specific field. What appeals to him most is combining strategic work with working closely with people. “In the long term, I’d like to explore whether a management role would suit me.” That interest first emerged during his year on a student board. “That’s when I discovered how much energy I get from helping people grow. From listening, coaching, and working together towards a common goal.” According to Jip, these qualities are sometimes underestimated. “When people talk about development, they often think about knowledge or experience. But being able to listen well, showing genuine interest, and helping others succeed are just as important.”

If he eventually becomes a manager, Jip believes wellbeing and vitality will be an essential part of his leadership approach. After all, when people feel their best, they are able to bring out the best in themselves and in those around them.