Written by: Jeroen Schmidt, Sales Engineer
From In-Office to Field Work
Some careers don't follow a straight path. Jeroen Schmidt knows this all too well. He is now back at KLINGER, having previously worked there from 2016 to 2018.
After a brief stint elsewhere, he returned to KLINGER four years ago, where he began working in the fluid control equipment department as an in-house technical sales representative. After four years in this in-house sales role, Jeroen was ready for a new challenge. Since January, he has been working in the field sales team to see if this role is a good fit for him. He’s really enjoying it. Starting in September 2026, he will transition to the role of Sales Engineer for the South Holland region.
In the coming period, Jeroen will take on a hybrid role. In this role, he will combine his experience in technical sales with fieldwork. This will allow him to apply his technical knowledge to his new role and continue to develop as a sales engineer.
“After nearly 20 years in various office-based roles, this is the perfect time for me to further my career in the field.”
What appeals to him most? Interacting with customers, seeing what actually happens on the shop floor, and helping customers improve their processes. As a Sales Engineer, he also has the freedom to identify opportunities on his own, build relationships, and find new markets.
No two days are the same. One day, Jeroen is up early, wearing his work overalls and on the job at a facility; the next day, he’s sitting across the table from a client. It’s precisely that variety that makes his new role so interesting.
Rolling up his sleeves
The culture at KLINGER also suits him well. Jeroen describes it as typically Rotterdam: hard work, rolling up your sleeves, and still leaving room for a little fun. And when there’s something to celebrate, that naturally calls for a croquette sandwich or some snacks. But perhaps even more important to Jeroen is the family-like atmosphere at KLINGER. It’s precisely during tough times—whether in his personal life or at work—that he notices how much his colleagues are there for one another.
His story is a great example of how career development at KLINGER can take many different forms. Sometimes it means advancing to a different role, taking on new responsibilities, or discovering where your ambitions lie. And sometimes, after a brief detour, you simply return to a place that’s a good fit for you.
His advice to someone considering applying for a job at KLINGER ?
“I’d say: go for it. At KLINGER , you’ll have the opportunity to grow and take new steps in your career. I’m a great example of that myself.”
Are you also looking for a new challenge? Then take a look at our vacancies.
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