“When you start a new job, the first question friends or family usually ask is, ‘What exactly do you do?’ “I usually start by explaining that I work for the leading software provider in the insurance industry,” Sam says. “And my role? I help clients set up and optimize that software.” He laughs. “For most people, that still sounds a bit vague. So I often say: I build insurance products and fix problems when something isn’t working.”
Boring? Not at all. “Precisely because it’s so complex. I’m right in the middle of technology and content, and I’m constantly learning new things. I didn’t have much experience with either—I studied business administration—so those first few months were really a journey of discovery.”
He didn’t start out on his own. Sam began working alongside a number of new consultants. “That makes the beginning much more enjoyable. You’re all in the same boat, facing the same challenges, and helping each other along.”
The first few months were mainly about learning. “You really get the time to master the basics—from the insurance industry to how we work at ANVA. At first, you sometimes wonder, ‘What am I supposed to do with this?’ But eventually, it all comes together; the penny drops, and it helps you understand everything better and work together more easily.”
What strikes him most is the wealth of knowledge at ANVA. “There are so many people here with years of experience. That can be overwhelming at times, but above all, it’s very inspiring.”
And then comes the moment when you get to put what you’ve learned into practice. For Sam, that was at Padmos, an insurance brokerage, where they needed extra help developing products.
Together with his experienced colleague Wilfred, Sam went to Padmos to get a clear understanding of the assignment. “I’d just finished the product development training, so I thought, ‘I’ll recognize this.’ And I was right, but the reality turned out to be a little different.”
The main challenge lay in the configuration and the complexity involved.
Doubt is part of the process, too. “Sometimes you wonder: am I doing this right? But you have to start somewhere. If you just do it, you’ll figure it out.”
What makes looking back on this project especially meaningful for Sam is that it was completed a month ahead of schedule. “That’s because I really dove into it. I figured a lot of things out on my own, tested things, and just kept going. Sometimes you hit a wall, but when you manage to figure it out anyway, it feels amazing.”
What is he most proud of? Sam says proudly, “That I just went ahead and did it. Moving from training to real-world application, and seeing that it actually works. That moment when everything clicks—that’s really cool.”
“Our desire to work more in line with UIV was limited by our time and technical expertise. Sam and his colleague Wilfred visited our office at the start of the project to assess our needs and get to know us. It’s good to know what you’re working on, but it’s even better when you also know who your client really is and what their expectations and needs are. We saw this reflected in the quality of the work delivered.”
— Jodai Padmos, Private and Business Advisor
During those first few months, Sam learned mostly by doing. “ANVA Help, an internal knowledge base, is a really good starting point. And my colleagues are always willing to help. You never have to figure things out on your own.”
The partnership with the ANVA Academy also helps in this regard. “You learn the theory first, and then you put it into practice. That combination helps you make rapid progress.”
Perhaps what has made the biggest impression on him during his first few months is the way people are treated at ANVA. “The focus is truly on the colleague. You’re given freedom, people listen to you, and you’re taken seriously. It’s just a really pleasant working environment.”
And the little things make a difference, too. “The coffee is really good. So is the food. And as a consultant, you visit a lot of companies, so you definitely notice the difference.”
In addition to his work with clients, Sam is also already involved with ANVA 6. “I help with testing, for example during migrations. I make sure everything is going smoothly with the data and processes. It’s really interesting because you get to see how everything comes together.”
His advice for others considering applying to ANVA? “You have to be curious. ANVA 6, in particular, combines both technical skills and subject matter expertise. But if that interests you, this is truly a wonderful place to work.”
What have been the best ANVA moments so far? He laughs. “A few of us colleagues regularly play a game of ping-pong. The best moments? Winning a match! That’s always a great feeling.”
At ANVA, you’ll work on smart software for the insurance industry, but always with a focus on people. You’ll have the opportunity to learn, grow, and make a direct impact… Just like Sam.
Curious about what it’s like to work at an innovative FinTech company where collaboration, fun, and impact go hand in hand?
