Jade, V.I.E. program, Netherlands

What does your job involve? What skills do you need?

I'm mainly working on process safety issues, such as drawing up safety files for the site's processes, updating the site's risk analyses, and implementing and monitoring the resulting action plan. I'm also responsible for a number of energy-related issues, with a view to finding ways of reducing the site's energy consumption in the current climate.
 
As far as skills are concerned, I'd say that first of all you need to have good communication skills, so that you can easily discuss any site-related issues with your colleagues. You also need knowledge of chemistry and the polymerization process. You also need to be able to synthesize data and make proposals for new solutions or improvements. Finally, as far as language is concerned, everyone speaks English very well, so exchanges are pretty easy.
 

How did your recruitment and integration go?

I was looking for a V.I.E. contract to follow on from my internship, in particular to gain experience abroad. That's when I learned that a position had just been created at one of the Group's sites in the Netherlands. So I applied and had 2 interviews, one with HR and one by phone with the site manager. I knew very quickly that I had been selected and started my assignment 4 months later, at the end of my internship in France.
 
Before arriving on site, it wasn't easy to find accommodation, as the Netherlands has few offers compared with the number of requests. But I was well supported by the local site manager and my colleagues. I'd also been lucky enough to make a first move during my internship, so I already knew a bit about the site and the employees. I was very well received and integrated, even if first contacts are always a little stressful.
 

What were your first impressions when you started your mission?

First of all, I was impressed by the fact that all the employees speak English, and that this is not a problem for anyone. As the site is small, it means that I can quickly talk to all the employees and be integrated more quickly.
 
The most difficult part of the job was finding accommodation, which meant that the start of my assignment had to be postponed for a month. But once that was sorted out, the first challenge was to adapt to a new country with its own way of doing things and the habits of the locals. This wasn't too difficult, however, given that the Dutch are a very open and friendly people, who like to get together in the evenings and go out. In fact, they describe themselves as bon vivants!
 

How would you sum up your VIE at Arkema in 3 words?

Enriching. Both professionally and personally, the V.I.E. has enabled me to acquire a wide range of skills.
 
Challenging. Of course, I had to embark on this new adventure, which was a bit scary at first, but definitely worth it.
 
Encounters. The V.I.E. enabled me to meet many people with completely different profiles, and to discover a new culture.
 

What advice would you give to those who would like to do a V.I.E at Arkema?

I highly recommend the V.I.E program at Arkema. It's a unique experience that will bring you a lot, both professionally and personally.
 
You're well surrounded and supported to make the most of your assignment and ensure that it's beneficial for both parties. It's an excellent way to gain experience abroad and open up your field of possibilities.
 
So my advice is quite simply: don't wait any longer and go for it!