Mies started at SIDN as a DevOps Engineer in July 2022. She's on HAN University's Make IT Work retraining programme, which involves training 40 hours a week as a software engineer for 5 months, then 6 months' work experience at SIDN.
Why did you decide to retrain as a software engineer?
''Originally, I studied graphic design at art school. After graduating, I worked freelance for various clients. Although I enjoyed it, I didn't find it very stimulating. And going freelance without first having a job for a while is hard. I felt that I should be developing my skillset within an organisation, but I couldn't find anything suitable. So I began thinking about ICT. I'd picked up some basic knowledge of HTML and programming on my design course, and fancied taking that further. But a whole new 4-year degree programme didn't really appeal. It felt like going right back to square one. So I did some googling and came across HAN University's retraining programme. I liked the idea of doing something where I could immediately start getting practical experience, but with the backing of a proper academic institution. To get onto the programme, I had to do an admission test, but that went well and they accepted me.''
What do you think of the retraining programme? Would you recommend it?
SIDN and HAN give graduates the chance to retrain as software engineers''The programme has been really useful, and still is. It was quite an abrupt change, from working full-time as a freelancer, to suddenly being back at school 5 days a week, 9 to 5. But, in the 5 months I was doing that, I learnt so much. Everyone on the programme is working towards the same goal, but we all have different backgrounds and come at things from different angles. That diversity, with everyone having their own perspective and their own aims, makes it a lot of fun. So, yes, I would recommend the programme, if it appeals to you and if ICT is something you're interested in or know a bit about. The university provides plenty of information about the programme, so you can get a good idea whether it's right for you before you take the plunge. You have to take an admission test as well, because you do need a certain amount of basic knowledge in order to do the course. And they only take people who already have a higher vocational qualification.''
Why did you choose SIDN for your work experience?
''Before starting the retraining programme, every student was given a list of the partner organisations. There were 12 in total, and everyone had to pick their top 5. When I started, we were still dealing with lockdowns and everything, so each of us had to make a video introducing ourselves to the 5 organisations we'd picked. I think that introductions are now done face-to-face at an employers' fair. SIDN was always my first choice because the organisation's community-oriented ethos really appealed to me. A smooth-running and secure .nl domain is very important for the Netherlands and the wider world. I also liked the idea of a charitable foundation or non-profit organisation more than a commercial enterprise. When I spoke to the people here, we just seemed to hit it off. So the choice was more about what felt right than about the work itself – partly because, of course, I didn't have any experience working in this field.''
How was your first day?
''Thinking back, the main thing I remember was how they welcomed me. I was given plenty of time to instal everything at my own pace, and to get to know everyone. Everything was very new to me, because it was the first time I'd ever really worked inside an organisation. They'd prepared an induction programme for me to follow in the first few weeks. So there was a solid structure, which I found reassuring.''
What do you think of working here, in our ICT Department?
''I'm now feeling quite settled, both within the ICT Department and within the organisation as a whole. I have the sense that I'm putting my knowledge to practical use. I've almost completed my induction programme now, which has taught me a lot. Once that's done, I can focus on deciding my future direction within the team and the department.''
Do you feel that you know SIDN as an organisation yet?
''The team I'm working with is mainly focused on SIDN BrandGuard. I feel I know that product well now. But there are countless other applications that I don't yet know much about. Not that I need to know about everything, of course. For now, my aim is to really get to grips with one field. The other things will follow on naturally. As for the organisation as a whole, yes, I feel I know it quite well now. I understand what we stand for and why we do what we do. I've never regretted choosing SIDN. It's a good place to work. Everyone here is incredibly helpful, and always glad to help.''
Has anything been harder – or more enjoyable – than you expected?
''When I first started, I did feel a bit daunted on account of only having done a short retraining programme, not a full degree in ICT. I was sometimes worried that I might be out of my depth. But, after speaking to a few of my new colleagues, I soon realised that I didn't need to worry: the emphasis was on what I could already do and how I wanted to develop. I was surprised how easy-going the atmosphere was at SIDN and within the team. I'm always given opportunity to learn and ask questions, as well as to put forward my own ideas. In fact, we're all encouraged to do that.''
How do you see your future at SIDN?
''The practical part of my retraining programme at SIDN runs until January 2023. Once I've done the practical placement, I'll have completed the programme. After that, I'm hoping to get a job here at SIDN. Since I've been here, I've learnt loads about front-end ICT, whereas the academic programme is more about the back end. So I'm hoping to stay on here and continue developing my knowledge and skills in both fields. It would be nice to combine the two in my day-to-day work.''
Make IT Work lets you retrain for a higher vocational-level role in IT, even if you don't have a background in the field. You do a full-time software engineering course at HAN, learning how to design, realise and test software systems. Various programming languages and development methods are covered. You also learn about project-based working, with the focus on managing, analysing, advising about, designing and realising software systems.
The programme starts with an online assessment, an information meeting and an employers' fair. You then do a 5-month taught programme, studying 40 hours a week. That's followed by a full-time practical placement lasting at least 6 months, during which you're paid a normal salary.