📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Graduate Intern - Balancing Growth and Efficiency
🔹 Company: ING
🔹 Location: ACT (Amsterdam - Acanthus), Netherlands
🔹 Job Type: Internship
🔹 Category: Internships
🔹 Date Posted: May 22, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Conducting research on customer service and operational models
- Analyzing customer journeys and identifying improvement opportunities
- Benchmarking industry best practices and developing innovative solutions
- Providing data-driven recommendations to optimize customer contact and operational processes
ASSUMPTION: This internship focuses on strategic and analytical aspects, requiring strong research and data analysis skills.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on current customer service and operational models
✅ Analyze customer journeys and identify pain points and opportunities for improvement
✅ Benchmark best practices in the financial services industry
✅ Develop and evaluate potential solutions (e.g., automation, AI, process redesign)
✅ Provide actionable recommendations supported by data and customer insights
ASSUMPTION: The intern will work closely with various teams to gather and analyze data, and will be expected to present findings and recommendations effectively.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Currently enrolled in a Dutch or EU university
Experience: No specific experience required, but relevant coursework or projects are a plus
Required Skills:
- Strong interest in customer experience, operational strategy, and digital transformation
- Comfortable working with data and conducting interviews or surveys
- Fluent in Dutch and English (preferred)
- Independent, curious, and eager to make an impact
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, Python)
- Knowledge of the financial services industry
- Familiarity with customer experience design or process improvement methodologies
ASSUMPTION: While specific industry experience is not required, a strong foundation in data analysis and customer-centric thinking is essential for success in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The internship allowance is €700 per week, based on a 36-hour workweek.
Benefits:
- Internship allowance of €700 per week
- Your own work laptop
- Hybrid working (blend of home and office work)
- Personal growth and challenging work
- Informal working environment with innovative colleagues
Working Hours: 36 hours per week, with flexible hours and the option to work remotely some days.
ASSUMPTION: The salary and benefits package is competitive for internship positions in the Netherlands, but may vary depending on individual circumstances and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: ING is a global financial institution with a strong presence in the Netherlands, offering a wide range of banking, investment, and insurance services.
Company Size: ING is a large organization with over 50,000 employees worldwide, providing ample opportunities for growth and development.
Founded: ING was founded in 1991 and has since grown into a leading global financial institution.
Company Description:
- ING is committed to empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business
- The company focuses on sustainability and responsible banking practices
- ING offers a wide range of financial products and services to both individual customers and businesses
Company Specialties:
- Retail and wholesale banking
- Investment banking and asset management
- Insurance services
Company Website: http://www.ingwb.com
ASSUMPTION: ING's focus on sustainability and responsible banking provides an opportunity for interns to contribute to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on society.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This internship is designed for students seeking to gain practical experience in a professional setting, with the potential for full-time employment upon completion.
Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to the thesis supervisor and work closely with various teams within the organization.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid position, with a blend of home and office work. The exact work arrangement will be determined based on the intern's needs and the project's requirements.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for full-time employment upon completion of the internship
- Opportunity to work on high-impact projects and gain valuable experience
- Exposure to various teams and departments within the organization
ASSUMPTION: Successful completion of the internship may lead to a full-time position or entry into ING's International Talent Programme (traineeship).
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: ING's Amsterdam office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity.
Office Location(s): ACT (Amsterdam - Acanthus), Netherlands
Geographic Context:
- The Netherlands is a small, densely populated country with a strong economy and a high standard of living
- Amsterdam is the capital and largest city in the Netherlands, known for its vibrant culture, historic architecture, and diverse population
- The Netherlands is a multicultural society with a strong focus on work-life balance and sustainability
Work Schedule: The intern will work a 36-hour week, with flexible hours and the option to work remotely some days.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at ING is informal and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on innovation and continuous learning.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or video interview with the thesis supervisor and relevant team members
- Background check and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Data analysis and research skills
- Customer-centric mindset and problem-solving abilities
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and motivation
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
- Demonstrate your understanding of ING's mission and values
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and customer-centric mindset
ATS Keywords: Customer experience, operational strategy, digital transformation, data analysis, research, internship, ING
ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the specific needs of the project and the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, Python)
- Customer experience design and process improvement methodologies
- Collaboration and project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Slack, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this internship will depend on the project's needs and the intern's skillset.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business
- Creating a positive impact on society
- Fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment
Work Style:
- Collaborative and innovative
- Customer-centric and data-driven
- Focused on continuous learning and improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you approach balancing customer needs with operational efficiency?
- Can you describe a time when you used data to drive a decision or improve a process?
- How do you stay curious and continue learning in a fast-paced environment?
ASSUMPTION: ING values diversity and inclusion, and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and priorities
- Working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Adapting to a new work culture and team dynamics
- Balancing academic responsibilities with internship commitments
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong time management skills, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and grow.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This internship focuses on strategic and analytical aspects, rather than tactical or operational tasks
- ING's internship program offers a wide range of projects and opportunities for growth and development
- Successful completion of the internship may lead to full-time employment or entry into ING's International Talent Programme
ASSUMPTION: This internship provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience in a global financial institution, with the potential for long-term career growth.
📝 Sample Projects
- Conducting a customer segmentation analysis to identify opportunities for personalized communication and service
- Developing a chatbot to improve customer self-service and reduce operational costs
- Analyzing customer feedback data to identify trends and inform product development and improvement
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects assigned to the intern will depend on the organization's needs and the intern's skillset and interests.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this internship, and how will success be measured?
- How does this internship fit into ING's broader strategy and goals?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development during and after the internship?
- How does ING support work-life balance and employee well-being?
- What is the typical career path for someone in this role, and what are the opportunities for advancement?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and customer-centric mindset
- Follow up with the recruiter attached to the advertisement if you have any questions
- If selected, complete the onboarding process and start your internship
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
