Cedric is a MIF Ambassador, born and raised in the Netherlands and lives in Amsterdam. He has 2 children (one aged 8 months and one aged 4 years). He completed his Master in International Finance degree in 2013 and he currently works for the engineering firm Grontmij as a Senior Consultant in Asset Management. He currently applies his skills in (renewable) energy and infrastructure finance with a focus on project finance and financial modelling, asset management and risk management. Besides his full-time job he is actively involved in a non-profit foundation.

Cederik, could you tell us more about your educational and professional background?

My MIF thesis focused on the development of a valuation model for complex and capital intensive projects under uncertainty. The Real Option model is an extension of the Pindyck investment model to the operational phase. The project was done in association with the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Grontmij. I currently apply the methodology on complex investment projects in the energy and utility sector.

I previously completed a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering at the Delft University of Technology in 2002. My major was in Structural and Building Engineering and my thesis focused on the structural design of a new service building for trams.

INGO

I am also interested INGO’s because I find it satisfying to use my professional and non-professional skills for non-commercial purposes. After my studies I went to Nicaragua with a companion to work for an INGO called CICAP Estelí as a Volunteer Construction Engineer. Within 4 months we re-designed a library within strict financial limits. To our great satisfaction the project was completed accordingly in 2005. You might find it interesting to read more about the project HERE.

ABN AMRO - Risk Consultant

After my studies I started my career at FM Global Insurance Company as a Risk Consultant, where I stayed for almost 4 years. It then became clear to me that I wanted to develop more within finance and I applied for a job at ABN AMRO Bank as a New Business Developer within the Risk and Insurance department. Some of my tasks at ABN AMRO included training of sales staff for new business development and client retention, targeting major clients (50 million - 500 million), within the sectors Manufacturing and Building & Construction. I also conducted multiple risk assessments at industrial clients including extensive Business Interruption Analyses. In addition I developed marketing, risk management and insurance related products.

Grontmij - Senior Consultant in Asset Management

I currently work at Grontmij as a Senior Consultant in Asset Management. In this job I can optimize my technical and finance background to a maximum degree while aiming at closing the gap between engineering and finance. I am responsible for due diligence, valuations and planning of investments in infrastructure. I am also the main business developer for the energy transmission and distribution sector.

Why did you decide to pursue your Master in International Finance degree at the Amsterdam Business School?

Around the period when the crisis hit ABN AMRO I decided to take some time to learn more about the academic and theoretical background of finance. As already mentioned, I am interested combining engineering with finance because I strongly believe that this can have great benefits for both worlds. While working in the financial sector I noticed that their perception and definition of risk is very different from the engineers’ perspective. As we know it is all about risk.

The Amsterdam Business School has a good reputation. Prior to my decision to apply I took some time to meet alumni from the program and I joined 2 sample classes. Furthermore, the international aspect of the MIF program was very attractive and inspiring.

Cederik, you currently hold the role of MIF Ambassador. Can you tell us more about it?

I find it important to give something back to the school. The MIF program at Amsterdam Business School has a very good reputation and I would like to spread the awareness about opportunities that this program offers based on my positive experience. As a MIF Ambassador I am actively involved in promotion of the MIF program, while working together with the program management on program improvements, giving workshops on topics related to project finance, communicating with future students and many other interesting activities.

What was the highlight of your studies?

It was definitely the trip to South Africa. It was interesting to learn more about finance in a developing world from a professional as well as a spiritual and cultural point of view. We visited local companies and talked  to investors and startups. The visits to townships and meeting local entrepreneurs made a deep impression.

Who was your favorite professor?

Simon Benninga, a professor from Tel Aviv, teaches Financial Modeling at the ABS and he supervised my thesis project. I enjoyed working with him a lot. But I have to say that other professors were good as well.

Could you tell us more about your current INGO activities?

I am currently involved as a Treasurer in the NGO So-Social. So-Social is a Dutch foundation based in Amsterdam which supports young talents (Bachelor+) to develop themselves personally and professionally. We offer a free, full time talent program of 12 weeks containing a wide range of courses. The program is aimed at enabling unemployed talents with a good academic education to discover and develop their skills in order to improve their career perspective.

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Open-minded, curious and driven.

What are your favorite places?

Amsterdam.

What is your favorite sport?

Cycling.

What is your advice for potential MIF students?

Enjoy the ride!