With a background in Computational Science and a passion for web development, Rebecca is a full-stack Developer in our Client Center team. In this Q&A, she shares what inspires her, how she found her place in tech at Van Lanschot Kempen, and why she believes anyone can thrive in this ever-evolving field.
Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your role and responsibilities at Van Lanschot Kempen?
I’m Rebecca, a Full Stack Developer at Van Lanschot Kempen. I started with a background in Computational Science but gradually found my way into web development, which I truly enjoy. Early on, I worked on a variety of projects at different companies, which helped me broaden my perspective. Since 2025, I have been working in the Client Center team, focusing on tools for bankers to work efficiently and ensure seamless communication with their clients. We mostly work in Angular, .NET and Azure, which is my favorite combination.
Why did you choose to work at Van Lanschot Kempen?
A very important thing for me is the culture and people. I immediately loved the entrepreneurial spirit of the people working here. Everyone is very open, and the culture in my department is very international, fast paced, and alive. I also think it’s quite special that Van Lanschot Kempen is almost 300 years old. To me, that says a lot about how seriously the company takes sustainable growth, not only for the business, but also when it comes to building lasting relationships with clients and creating an environment where employees want to stay long term.
What first sparked your interest in technology?
It started with something as ordinary as traffic lights! Back when I spent a lot of time cycling (which I still do), I often wondered about the systems that controlled the lights. Clearly, there wasn’t a person pressing a button each time the light changed, so I became fascinated by how these systems were programmed to work automatically. This led me to explore programming: the world of if-else statements and algorithms.
What is it like working in the Digital Innovation & Analytics (DIA) department? Are there any particular projects you’re especially proud of?
Working in the DIA department has been a really great experience – the team culture is amazing! There’s a strong focus on sharing knowledge and staying connected. Every month our department has a dedicated day where we come together to share knowledge and discuss new ideas, but also relax and bond over activities, often with sushi included! I’m especially proud of how everyone brings different strengths to our projects. Whether we’re delivering new features or improving and refactoring existing ones, it’s rewarding to see how these efforts make a difference in colleagues’ work.
What skills have you developed or strengthened since joining Van Lanschot Kempen?
One area where I’ve grown a lot is business analysis. At Van Lanschot Kempen, technical skills are important, but so is understanding the broader context of our work. For example, we recently worked on a feature that needed to handle all the different asset classes—equities, fixed income, real estate, alternatives, and more. When I just started, I had no idea there were so many asset classes. But by dividing it into specifics, talking to colleagues, and asking questions, I was able to understand the whole flow.
How do you stay inspired in a fast-changing field like tech?
The fast pace and constant change in tech are the reasons why I love this field. There is always a new tool, language, or framework that keeps things interesting. If you have an idea to adopt a new technology, you are encouraged to take initiative – not only by direct managers but also by the board. Our CEO really encourages us to stay up to date, try new things, and adopt the latest technology.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in your career right now?
I’m really excited about how quickly our ways of working are changing, especially with the rise of AI and automation. There’s so much potential to use these new technologies to deliver smarter solutions for our clients and make our own work more efficient and interesting. I also appreciate that I have the freedom to keep exploring different areas and domains in the company. There’s still a lot to learn, and there are many opportunities to grow.
What advice do you have for women who are considering a career in tech?
Choose a workplace where you feel valued and can be yourself. In tech, anyone with passion for it can make an impact – you don’t have to come from a particular background. If you’re curious, driven, and love learning, you will find your place here. Also, seek out mentors or peers who encourage you. At Van Lanschot Kempen, there is a great mentor program initiative that I’m part of.