Oscar van der Vaart’s journey with Arcadis spans over 13 years, during which he spent 8 years dedicated to business. Starting as Senior Program & Project Manager, Oscar is currently the Program Director for Global Transformation and Integration at Arcadis, based in the Netherlands. Throughout this period, he participated in several Lovinklaan programs, including Quest and our former programs, Global Shapers and Global Share Plan.
In this compelling Impact Story, Oscar shares how the programs broadened his horizon and significantly strengthened his connection with Arcadis.
Transformative Experiences through Lovinklaan
Oscar’s participation in the Quest program was a turning point in his career. This program offered him a fresh perspective on professional asset management, a burgeoning field in the Dutch water sector. The Quest program provided him with the unique opportunity to visit London and Anglian Water, the largest water and wastewater utility company in the United Kingdom, where he gained insights into their asset management organizations. Oscar recalls this experience, saying, “When it was my turn to give some knowledge back, I unveiled our risk assessment approach for hydraulic structure. This helped me make connections which I still make use of.”
In 2013, Oscar joined our former program, Global Shapers, which left an indelible mark on the trajectory of his career. The program exposed him to the boundless energy and collaborative spirit of young professionals from diverse backgrounds. Oscar reflects, “The energy and willingness of the young workforce to collaborate – no matter which country or background – inspired me to take a different route in my career.”
Breaking Down Boundaries
Oscar’s participation in Lovinklaan-sponsored programs fuelled his desire to globalize Arcadis’ business. He recognized that leveraging specific engineering knowledge worldwide towards clients in a more permanent way starts with fundamental changes in technology, processes, mindset, and behaviour. In the last 5 years, he played a pivotal role in transforming the operation model by standardizing the way of working, breaking down organizational boundaries and instigating a comprehensive change program aimed at reshaping the mindset and behaviours of Arcadians. “I’m proud of where we stand as an organisation; a fully operational global model, where we collaborate more within and across business areas and reinvent the wheel less”.
He emphasizes the importance of embracing global experiences in our business even if they are not immediately client-facing, “Having the opportunity to work abroad more often – with different design principles and regulations – and including these experiences in your professional development is key to developing yourself as an absolute authority in your field of work.”
Key Learnings
One of the invaluable skills that Oscar acquired through the Global Shapers program was the ability to navigate difficult conversations, especially when dealing with cultural differences. This skill became crucial in his commitment to delivering the best outcomes for Arcadis and facilitating alignment among team members.
Oscar recalls the profound impact Lovinklaan programs had on his network and the broader Arcadis community. He remembers engaging in after-work conversations that laid the foundation for meaningful professional connections and collaborations. “Making professional connections and commitments to create that ripple effect in our organizations started here. I am glad Lovinklaan has supported such remarkable programs, from which many continue to reap daily benefits.”
Vision for the Lovinklaan Programs
As Oscar reflects on the enduring impact of Lovinklaan programs, he envisions a promising future. He believes that Lovinklaan will continue to incubate a new portfolio of programs that foster personal and professional connections. He emphasizes the importance of knowledge-sharing, a fundamental pillar of growth in the industry, and expresses confidence that the programs will generate a community of proud Arcadians who are eager to contribute to the company’s growth and improvement.
