We are talking to Data Analytics Consultant Dinja Sanders.
At the moment, I am focused on learning a lot. I joined Scamander — part of Enable U — not too long ago. I am taking courses and earning relevant certifications. For example, I am now a Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP via DAMA NL). But above all, I learn through hands-on experience — by joining colleagues on projects and taking on parts of the client assignments they are working on. Gaining knowledge in this way ensures that you quickly master the subject matter. For example, I help my colleague Marieke bij Gemeente Almere. at the Municipality of Almere. After advising on and helping develop their Data Governance strategy, we are now wrapping things up by embedding the required activities. It is very instructive to help translate plans into concrete actions — like setting up a Data Governance Council and appointing a Chief Data Officer.
Another example is setting up DataHub for the Municipality of ’s-Hertogenbosch. DataHub is a tool used to build a data catalog and is part of the larger project at ‘s-Hertogenbosch. As the person ultimately responsible for that part, I made sure everything ran smoothly — from defining the desired outcomes to monitoring progress, and sparring with different stakeholders on both technical and organizational levels.
I started on January 1st of this year, a little over six months ago now.
I have a background in Chemistry. During my studies, I dove deep into research — partly theoretical, mainly computational, with a small amount of practical lab work. I quickly realized the lab was not really for me. It is mostly repetitive tasks and little to do with conceptual thinking about what is really happening chemically.
I loved the computational side, though. I ran many simulations of chemical processes — how they actually work. I then applied different analyses to the data that came out of those simulations. So continuing my career in the data field felt like a natural next step.
But I also worked as a high school teacher. After my lab experience, I felt the need for more interaction. During my studies, I had already done some tutoring work on the side, so I choose teaching. I did a one-year internship and then spent a year teaching Chemistry. I taught junior-level HAVO students — what you then teach is called NASK, a combined subject of Physics and Chemistry — and senior-level VWO students. I also taught a subject called “Science Orientation.” The nice thing about this is that you also teach students the context of the subject matter, like ‘Why is research and science important?’ and ‘What does it matter in your future life?’ As a teacher you also play a key role in helping students develop general knowledge and citizenship. That is why I joined several school trips, like sailing excursions and a study trip to Berlin. Once you are outside the classroom setting, I believe the interaction with students becomes more equal. You step into more of a coaching role, talking about things like personal talents and choosing a field of study.
I actually enjoy two extremes. On the one hand, the abstract puzzle of working with data and information. On the other, the interaction — connecting with people and engaging in meaningful conversations. What I love most is bringing those two together. That is when I am at my best. And I combine the skills from my studies: solving puzzles and recognizing patterns and my experience in education — coaching and sharing knowledge. Then one plus one equals three!
On the more abstract, puzzle-solving side, I find data modeling a really exciting challenge. That way of abstract thinking really fits with how my brain works. It sometimes feels like solving the story sums we used to get in math class — you have to distill the real information from someone’s story and discover the patterns. It is amazing when it all clicks.
At the moment, mostly learning. By working with colleagues, brainstorming with them, and attending webinars they recommend. I am also a big podcast fan. For instance, I am currently following the podcast Dataloog. It features stories from organizations that have started working on their Data Management. I recently listened to an episode about PicNic — very insightful and completely aligned with my field of expertise. What I really love about experience-based stories is that they help connect the different “islands” of knowledge in our profession.
I started working at the ‘Data Enabler’ branch of Enable U, formerly known as Scamander. What stood out to me right away was the welcoming atmosphere. I felt at home and comfortable from the start, which made it easy to ask for help. Colleagues are very open and immediately involve you as a new team member. It is a small, close-knit group with lots of personal contact.
Enable U as a whole is bigger, so I do not know everyone yet. But what is great to experience is that the type of people is the same: highly knowledgeable and very approachable.
I love variety. I have lots of different hobbies, but I do not like doing any one of them for too long at a time. Bouldering, inline skating, hiking — even a few pole dancing classes with a friend — all super fun. I also have several friends from university who live abroad, and I often visit them for a weekend trip. I love the adventure.
And I have been infected by my boyfriend’s passion for classic cars. Recently, we drove to Paris in his Jaguar XJ-Coupe. Everything went smoothly — until the final stretch, when we had to let it cool down for a bit. But that unpredictability is part of the fun. He is also working on restoring a Jaguar Series 1, so who knows — maybe we will be able to take in on the road soon.
This fall, we have got a trip to Thailand planned. My boyfriend grew up in Asia and spent the first seven years of his life there. For me, it will be my first time in that part of the world — something really exciting to look forward to.
You are a wonderful group of people. I truly feel welcome here. What really stands out is how everyone is willing to help — that is something special. Hold on to that!
