Get to know our Analyst Mark

This year we celebrate Orchard Finance’s 20th anniversary! A great opportunity for a chat with one of our analysts. Mark van Keller started at Orchard Finance at the beginning of this year. Are you curious what it’s like to get started at Orchard? Then read on quickly.

Who are you and can you tell us a little about your background? 

I started at Orchard Finance in February and I look back on these first months with great pleasure. I have been living in Amsterdam for eight years now, but am originally from Haarlem. I did both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Amsterdam. I am inquisitive, enthusiastic and a big sports fanatic.

How did you experience the first weeks at Orchard Finance?

Those first weeks were of course a lot of fun! They were all about “getting up and running”. Through many conversations and meetings, I got to know my new colleagues at a rapid pace and became familiar with the working methods and ongoing projects. During these weeks, I was also fortunate enough to immediately celebrate Orchard Finance’s 20th anniversary with all of my colleagues. 

Can you tell that you are already going through a certain learning curve? 

Yes, at a rapid pace I am expanding and developing my complete range of hard and soft skills. For example, I have taken my first steps towards a specialization within Debt Advisory and Treasury. The knowledge gained in the learning curve is undoubtedly just the beginning of a big slope and that’s one of the things I really enjoy.

What part of your job do you get the most satisfaction from?

As a (starting) analyst, projects naturally involve a lot of specific tasks that are often a small part of the whole picture. I get the most satisfaction from my work when I notice how these parts add to the whole and when important decisions are made based on these contributions. 

What do you get energy from in your free time? 

In my free time, I am a big sports fanatic. Besides enjoying watching the professionals, I also enjoy playing a lot of sports myself. I can regularly be found in the gym and, when the weather permits, on the golf course. I also enjoy being in the kitchen and playing board games in good company.

What is the most interesting thing about you that is not on your resume?

I am extremely fanatical in everything I do. With a bad 18 holes on the golf course, you will see me balking for the rest of the week when asked about this. When playing a board game, I will always go all out to win. 

Thanks for the interview Mark! Did Mark’s story pique your interest? Click here for all open positions and who knows, maybe we’ll see you in our office!