Yannick Palmers obtained his Bachelor's degree in Business Management in 2015 and immediately after, he started working as a Key Account Agent at a maritime company. However, after a year of work experience, he felt that he had more to offer. So he decided to go for his Masters in International Law, which he completed in 2019 at Coventry University in the UK. 

After completing his studies, he came across a vacancy for a traineeship at Special Fruit. The job description contained many elements that appealed to him and seemed exciting. 

 

After a year at Special Fruit, it turned out to be a good match.  Yannick says: "Every day I get the feeling that they are working with me and actively listening to me. I have a good relationship with Erwin (Supply Chain & Operations Manager) and I get more and more autonomy, responsibility and expertise. This is possible because of the flat structure that exists. During the past summer months, there were periods when my closest colleagues were on holiday, which gave me the opportunity to take over some responsibilities and that went quite smoothly. I really enjoy working here, still make progress every day and feel very accepted and appreciated in my work environment. There is also a fortnightly meeting to discuss my progress and a good follow-up. No day is the same, there is a lot of variation in products and tasks. Tasks that regularly require me to get up from my desk chair, which is really important to me. The great variety also means that you never fully learn in this environment. The employees who have been working here for 20 to 25 years are still learning new things every day. "

 

Yannick, can you give some tips to young professionals starting their first months at Special Fruit? 

 

Keep your eyes and ears open and ask questions. Dare to take initiative. Give yourself time to get to know the organisation and talk to colleagues in different departments. See what is going on in the organisation and what is important. Learn what the company actually stands for. Starting somewhere new is never easy because you always feel you have something to prove. Of course you do, but give yourself time to fully integrate, the rest will come naturally. Stay open-minded and interested in new experiences. Your skills and competences will grow by themselves.