While the ‘About Me’ page offers a brief glimpse, it barely scratches the surface. People often ask how I transitioned from social work to IT, so here’s my story. It all began at the Altena Institute in Kontich – and yes, I recently visited their website. To my surprise, some of the teachers are still there, just a bit older. I see you, meester Roel. Like everyone else, my early years in kindergarten and primary school provided no hints about my future career. After nine years, I moved on to Sint-Rita. Their website doesn’t have as many photos, but I still recognize a few familiar names.

Despite studying Latin for two years, Modern Languages-Math for two years, and Modern Languages-Sciences for two years, no one really asks about my experiences from 1998 to 2004. People are more interested in what happened afterwards. My passion for computers led me to consider it as a field of study, alongside biology and teaching. Ultimately, I graduated as a Social Worker from Karel de Grote University College. Not ready to enter the workforce immediately, I pursued a master’s degree in EU studies in Ghent. My first job, however, was in the social sector.

Assisting job seekers in finding employment didn’t quite resonate with me, and after three years, I was eager for a new challenge. Although it wasn’t simple, I am thankful for the opportunity I received. With no prior experience, I joined Belfius in the electronic banking division. My time there was incredibly educational, expanding my knowledge not only in technology but also in understanding how various processes integrate.

Following a short tenure at Objectway, I transitioned to Axxes seven years ago, which has proven to be a good choice.

I’ve always had a passion for IT. Did I make a poor choice in my field of study at eighteen? It’s difficult to determine. Nevertheless, as a successful IT professional, I consistently leverage my background in social work. This education has offered me unique strengths that I might have missed otherwise. Therefore, when people comment, “What an unconventional career journey you’ve had!” I can sincerely say it has shaped me into who I am today.

This concludes part one of my introduction. If you have any questions about me, please feel free to reach out!