Jo Wouters
SAP consultant
"After 11 months I'm not disappointed and I'm convinced that Capgemini gave me everything I expected from my first job."
Capgemini and I started our journey in September 2006 after I obtained my Masters degree in IT. I was looking for a dynamic and flexible job that would offer me plenty of opportunities for learning and professional growth. That's why I was attracted to a career in consulting. I felt that Capgemini offered better than average opportunities for young starters to develop their strengths and was very happy to be able to join them.
Together with my boss we decided to look for a future in the world of SAP. After 2 months of courses and training I started as a SAP ABAP developer. In my second project I was involved in an application management team working for 2 different clients. And for the moment I'm working on the start-up phase of an important outsourcing project for one of the big retailers on the Belgian market. Due to the complexity and the size of the project this is not an easy job. But my colleagues and I are working well as a team and are enjoying our collaboration with the client. All in all a very interesting start to my career.
The next step will be to further increase my SAP knowledge and assume more responsibility in my project work. When I started with Capgemini a dedicated people manager was assigned to me. Together we created a development action plan: a detailed plan on how to grow within the company. We meet and talk on a regular basis. I'm very glad he helped me find my way in the big world of Capgemini. I feel Capgemini really understands how to invest in people: they give you every possible opportunity to grow and learn.
Because of the size of Capgemini you would think it lacks personality. But after a short period I could already feel the typical Capgemini culture based on the 7 key values (honesty, boldness, trust, freedom, solidarity, modesty and fun) we all try to live by. During the recruitment process every candidate is screened against these values.
In a consultancy company it's not always easy to stay in touch with all of your colleagues. That's why I enjoy the Capgemini cafés. These are informal internal events where you can meet everybody and have some fun.
After my working hours I do a lot of youth work. So my schedule is very busy. In the beginning I thought about quitting some of my activities but then I decided to wait and see. After 11 months I still manage. I get enough freedom to do my own planning and organize my activities as I like best.