Troy Biesterveld is a well-known nuclear trainer. He started his career in 2006 when he joined the U.S Navy. Over the years, he has grown his skills and has served multiple organizations as a nuclear trainer. Currently, Biesterveld is the senior evaluator at the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. He also has other engagements all related to nuclear training. Biesterveld’s success has a lot to do with a love for what he does. This love motivated him to pursue higher education and has made him a better human resource manager and trainer. Among the credentials, he has acquired while on the job include a degree in Human resource management and a Master’s degree in executive leadership. Besides his excellence at work, Biesterveld is also big on philanthropy. He is a big advocate of animal rights and has been donating to the Humane Society for years. This is a non-profit that concerns itself with saving animals from cruelty. He recently doubled his contribution to the Humane Society to help with saving 4000 dogs from testing facilities. He is a person who is excelling not just in the world of nuclear but also in making the world a better place for animals to live in dignity.
How did you get started as a nuclear trainer?
I got started back in 1996 when I joined the U.S Navy. There I was assigned the role of nuclear trainer and grew with it over time. Since the role entailed managing people daily, I enrolled for a degree in human resource management. It was a move that gave me a boost and anchored my career as a high-demand nuclear trainer.
How do you make money?
I take a salary from the companies where I offer my services. However, I also earn a consultancy fee from companies that need my training services on a short-term basis. That’s pretty much how I make my money.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
Well, I made money from the first day I started working. Unlike a business where you are never sure of how much you will sell at any given time, with a salary and consultancy fees, the amount is usually pre-determined.
When you were starting, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
I have never doubted that I would succeed at what I am doing. From the first day I landed a nuclear trainer job at the U.S Navy, I knew I had found my forte. This love for my job led me to seek skills that could make me even better at the job. I have always believed that success comes from loving what you do. If you ever find yourself doubting your business or career path and not finding happiness in it, that could be a sign that you are doing something that is not in line with your passion. It increases the risk of failure.
How did you get your first job?
I simply applied for it and was picked. From there, I worked on myself, including growing my skills and made myself marketable. That’s why I am where I am today.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
My strategy has always been to do a job that beats expectations. It has worked for me over the years and made me one of the most marketable nuclear trainers around. I intend to keep upgrading my skills to give even better results on my assignments.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
I can’t recall any particular decision I have made recently that I would consider tough. Maybe I am just lucky, but it could also be because I always plan ahead. This helps me avoid situations where I may be forced to make tough and possibly unfavorable decisions under pressure.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I believe it’s my philosophy of always giving the best in whatever job I take. Since I started my career in 1996, I have always aimed for excellence. That’s why I went back to school for a bachelor’s degree in human resource management and a master’s degree in executive leadership. This has allowed me to become a trainer of repute and one of the most sought-after in the industry.
What has been your most satisfying moment in your career?
That would be when I enrolled for a master’s degree in executive leadership. It was such a good time because, besides studying, I also doubled up as a supplemental tutor. Leveraging my work experience to help students internalize class concepts was gratifying. It also helped me better appreciate the experience I had garnered since I became a nuclear trainer back in 2006.
What does the future hold for your career? What are you most excited about?
The future is bright. The world is grappling with the impact of climate change due to the use of fossil fuels. Nuclear energy is one of the solutions to clean energy, which means demand will likely grow going into the future. As a trainer, I am most excited about advances in augmented reality and virtual reality technologies. These technologies will likely make nuclear training fun and more enriching for learners.
What business books have inspired you?
Of the many business books I have read, one of the best ones is, The innovator’s solution: Creating and sustaining successful growth by Clayton Christensen and Michael Raynor. It’s a book that gives me many ideas on how to stay on the cutting edge of innovation.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I can’t recall any particular decision I have made recently that I would consider tough. Maybe I am just lucky, but it could also be because I always plan ahead. This helps me avoid situations where I may be forced to make tough and possibly unfavorable decisions under pressure.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If so, how should someone contact you?
Yes, but not right now. I have so many engagements at the moment and may not give an outside trainee the time they need. However, one can always reach me via LinkedIn, and I can give them a few rough ideas on how to become an effective leader in whatever field they are in.