Anne-Marij Lock is an advisor at Ochtendmensen, part of TwynstraGudde. The young professionals of Ochtendmensen are committed to various clients within the major social themes of the present and the future. Their own development is also central. A great match with Refugee Talent Hub.

Please note: this article was translated using a translator app

“Ochtendmensen is a truly inspiring group of people,” says Anne-Marij. “No one who works here believes that they are alone in the world for themselves. And through our work we are also immersed in all kinds of social issues. That is really very valuable. One time you do a project at Natuurmonumenten, the next day you are in a community center to share your expertise. It is incredibly diverse and it introduces you to different aspects of society.”

 In addition to the assignments they do for organizations, the young professionals can be found in the office with each other on Fridays. That is the day for training and internal tasks: they run Ochtendmensen together. Everyone has their own role. “Ochtendmensen started a Social Project last year to make an impact beyond paid assignments. We were looking for even more great projects, so I suggested to Ochtendmensen that we organize a mentor program for people with a refugee background.”

If you enjoy your work, that is your home

 The collaboration with Refugee Talent Hub was an obvious choice for Anne-Marij: “Last year I wrote my Master's thesis at Refugee Talent Hub, entitled ' If you enjoy working, that is your home '. And that title doesn't just apply to newcomers; it also fits in very well with Morning People. As young professionals, we are all still searching; what are we going to do after our time at Ochtendmensen? What do I actually want to get out of my work? What makes me happy and in what environment do I thrive?”

 Ochtendmensen and Refugee Talent Hub fit well together in several areas. Anne-Marij: “We as highly educated people in the Netherlands are so privileged. I think it is only normal that you help others, for example with a buddy program or homework guidance. And because we are also learners, we have opted for a mentor program. Our young professionals also learn a lot from this!”

 The enthusiasm and energy generated by the mentoring project proved to Anne-Marij that it was a double-edged sword. “The atmosphere that is created in a room is so beautiful to see! All people together who are looking for connection and find it very quickly. Everyone does their best. You just feel the warmth.”

Impact for tomorrow

 When asked how she herself experienced the process, Anne-Marij says: “It was actually all-in-one: it was a learning environment, warm and inspiring for mentors and mentees. Very beautiful and valuable. What I found difficult myself is that you also feel a lot of powerlessness. You see that the world is unfair, that not everyone gets the same opportunities. That can make me really angry and sad.” You can tell that it affects her.

 Anne-Marij continues: “I strongly believe that we must make an impact on the world of tomorrow. That we must all keep the world livable and want to build what the future can look like for everyone.”

How?

 As an organization, do you think: we also want to contribute, but how should I do that? Anne-Marij has a few tips:

•  Talk to organizations that are already doing it and be inspired
•  Learn from others; you don't have to reinvent the wheel yourself
•  Invite someone from Refugee Talent Hub for an afternoon session
•  Combine your feelings, your personal conviction and the added value for the business into a 'case'. And perhaps most importantly: ask yourself why you think this is important. If you know this, you can start a conversation within your organization based on your own convictions. This is how you get things moving!”