Dirk Vercruysse
Java Expert
What is your current role?
I started as development team leader on the INGAuto project in May 2006 to build a car insurance application. At the peak of that project, there were more than 10 developers involved. Now that we’ve arrived at the transition phase of the project, I’m combining my tasks as a development leader with the project’s management on the Capgemini side.
Why did you choose for Capgemini?
A friend of mine who was working at Capgemini introduced me to the company. I immediately liked the relaxed atmosphere and informal way of communication.
What kind of projects have you been doing?
In the beginning I did a lot of solo projects, meaning I was responsible for everything from requirements to implementation.
Over the last couple of years, I have had the opportunity to work in larger projects, which is more pleasant. My recent experiences as team leader were very rewarding, so I decided to steer my career in the direction of project management.
How would you sell Capgemini to future colleagues?
As a company where everyone is treated as an equal meaning that you don’t need to be senior to be heard. If you invest in the company, the company will give you the opportunity to choose your own destiny. We advocate an open culture, with a lot of communication and consensus on all levels. Our way of doing consultancy is one of serving the client and not imposing our own ideas and truths. We help the customer grow at his own pace.
How do you feel about the support you have been given so far?
At Capgemini, there a lot of people you can turn to. Everybody has a counselor, a kind of mentor who can help you throughout your career. Then there’s the domain manager, who tries to strike a balance between your aspirations and the market demands. You can also always contact your practice manager. And of course I can’t fail to mention our terrific secretary!
What about the learning opportunities?
For someone working in ICT, learning is of vital importance. At Capgemini we have this online tool called MyLearning, offering both online and classroom trainings. It also contains a library giving access to thousands of books on various topics.
We also have this gorgeous training facility in Paris called Capgemini University - Les Fontaines. When you go there you meet people from all over the world.
How do you feel about your work/life balance?
I have a little girl and I love to put her to bed, and that’s really not a problem. Everyone is free to invest some of his spare time and often it enriches your professional life. Like contributing to a community for instance.
What are the benefits of working with Java?
Java is a great language and applicable in almost every domain and on every piece of hardware but our most important asset is our freedom. We’ll continue to build great frameworks and tools and shape the future with them.
Any passion you want to share with us outside of your professional life?
I’m a real music freak and used to play guitar in a few bands.
So if you’d like to discuss late seventies Fender guitar amplifiers, I’m your man!