“I'm Bart, a partner at EY in strategy and transaction practice. We help customers with strategic issues and investigate transactions, both financially and operationally.” His path began in 2010, right after his studies. He worked at EY for nine years, partly in Australia, made a small trip outside EY and is now back for three years. Why? “The people,” he says. “The collaboration, the click and the culture made me come back.” In addition, Bart states that he was really surprised how much knowledge and expertise there is actually at EY. “There is always someone who can help you out. You never have to do it alone here.”

“Preferably not too much about work, but if necessary: I do book research and advise clients on mergers and acquisitions. We provide insight into what they buy, what risks there are and how to deal with them.” Bart states that people often don't know that, in addition to the technical side of his profession, there is also a major human aspect. “Not only do you need to understand numbers, but you also need to be able to tell a story, convince customers, and motivate your team.”

“Our work is output-driven. You can organize your day and shape your career. Do you want to go abroad? Take that chance. I myself spent two years in Sydney building a team.” Bart states that EY offers many options, but that you have to take control yourself. “The more you express yourself, the more opportunities there are. Express your ambitions, that's step one. EY gives you confidence by offering space for this.”

The most challenging

“Stakeholder Management. You work with customers, internal teams and various workflows (finance, operations, tax). Bringing everything together into one advice requires flexibility and communication.”

Fatherhood changes your perspective, says Bart. For me, it's important to take my kids to school and eat together. EY offers that flexibility. What do I take from being a father to work? Patience and the awareness that learning is not a straight line.”