Danielle Kootstra Sales Engineer

How did you end up at VDL?

I studied Technical Business Administration and after my studies I started looking for a customer-oriented position in a technical environment. I soon came to VDL ETG Almelo for an interview. My first impression of the organization was that it is a very open and flat organization and that it immediately felt like a family business.

What are your duties as a sales engineer?

As a sales engineer, you are the point of contact for the customer and the factory. Questions from both sides go through you. Clear communication is important.This may involve various issues, such as the progress of a delivery, acceptance of offers, or quality/technical issues. There are also a number of administrative tasks, such as processing orders, making well-substantiated quotations and keeping track of performance indicators. A sales engineer is also involved in improvement projects/initiated, both internally and in cooperation with the customer.

What does a workday look like?

I start each day by processing my mail. If there is something urgent, I pick it up first. My days are diverse because it is never entirely certain what issues will arise on any given day. There are, of course, fixed tasks that have to be done. I am in daily contact with the customer about various issues that are relevant at that time. Generally, this contact is by phone or email, but it can also be face-to-face, while supervising a client visit.

Do you work a lot with colleagues? 

As a sales engineer, you come into contact a lot with colleagues from other departments since you are the point of contact between the internal organization, customer and account managers. Not all issues can be answered based on our own knowledge, this requires expertise from other departments. In addition, there are often projects where different disciplines need to work together.

What qualities should a sales engineer have?

Clear communication, accurate work, good planning and flexibility are important qualities for a sales engineer. And even if you do not have much to do with engineering, you must certainly have an affinity with it.

How do you experience working at VDL ETG Almelo?

There is a pleasant atmosphere with a Twente culture, everyone wants to help each other. There are also plenty of development opportunities and challenging improvement projects to get involved in. In addition, of course you are working in a high-tech environment where very cool products are made and you can learn so much here.