"I tell them that I’m helping to build ANVA 6, a future-proof product for a company that’s been around for fifty years. We’re innovating within an organization that has an incredible amount of knowledge and experience. I help combine that knowledge with the power of AI.” And she loves doing it! Connecting teams and bringing knowledge together is exactly what energizes Michelle.
For Michelle, ANVA actually felt familiar even before she started working there. “Insurance runs in my family, so the name ANVA came up regularly at the dinner table. I’d also already had some experience with ANVA as a user during my previous job.” When the opportunity arose to work not just with, but actually at ANVA as an engineer, she jumped at it right away.
Michelle started out as a data engineer. Together with her colleagues, she worked on laying a solid foundation for ANVA 6. “A robust, future-proof database that will eventually make it possible to use AI effectively and responsibly.” She quickly made the transition to AI engineer and is now contributing to the development of AI solutions that will eventually become part of the platform.
In addition to developing AI solutions, knowledge sharing plays an important role in Michelle’s work. Thanks to her master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, she not only understands the technology behind AI, but also knows how to convey that knowledge in an accessible way. In this way, she helps her colleagues better understand the possibilities of AI and apply them in their daily work.
She does this, among other things, through the AI Champions network within ANVA. “As coordinator of the AI Champions—ANVA colleagues who are enthusiastic about AI—I make sure this process runs smoothly. The Champions are spread throughout ANVA, so I ensure that we meet regularly to exchange knowledge and stay connected.”
According to Michelle, ANVA’s strength lies not only in its technology, but above all in its people. She describes the organization as committed, approachable, and people-oriented. “The freedom, the trust, the pleasant atmosphere, the willingness to contribute ideas, and the genuine interest in one another make me feel truly at home here.” That feeling actually began even before her first day on the job.
“The weekend before I started, I received a handwritten card from my new team saying they were looking forward to my arrival. I’ve never experienced anything like that before.” Even now, she notices every day just how committed her colleagues are. While walking the Nijmegen Four Days Marches, she had more contact with her colleagues than with her own friends!
When Michelle looks back on her first stint at ANVA, one project stands out to her: the new ANVA 6 platform. She is proud to have been able to contribute, from the very beginning, to laying the foundation for a platform that is ready for the future and offers opportunities for innovative AI applications.
Her own professional development hasn’t stood still either. “I’ve already attended several conferences to stay up to date on the latest technologies. I’ve also had the opportunity to take various courses.” She has shared the knowledge she gained there with her colleagues, and it is now being incorporated into the development of ANVA 6.
Michelle doesn’t sit still even outside of work hours. For example, she’s been walking the Nijmegen Four Days March for thirteen years. As a true Volendam native, she also volunteers as a hostess at FC Volendam. Both activities help her let go of stress, persevere, adapt quickly, and look at challenges with a fresh perspective—skills she also puts to use in her work at ANVA.
For Michelle, a good day at work doesn’t have to be complicated. “If I’ve finished my work for the day, the people around me are happy, and we’ve shared a few laughs together, my day has been a success.” The combination of professional challenges, a strong sense of teamwork, and a friendly atmosphere ensures that Michelle looks forward to going to work every day.
At ANVA, we help drive the insurance industry forward with smart software and innovative technology. Collaboration, professional development, and job satisfaction are at the heart of what we do. Would you like to help shape the future—just like Michelle—and reach your full potential? Come join our team!
