Meet our Magenta squad: Leonie Van Renterghem, Technical Consultant

DATE

March 9, 2023

Gone are the days when developing was seen as a job exclusively for men. Just ask Leonie. After obtaining her Master’s degree in Information Engineering Technology, she joined our company in September 2021 as a Technical Consultant.

Time to catch up with her and listen to how she has experienced her journey so far.
Curious about her story? Then be sure to read on!

Hi Leonie. Glad you could spare some time for us. Let’s start with a flashback to a few years ago. How did you actually get in touch with Itineris?

It was through a friend, Yasmine, who works in Itineris’ L&D department, that I got to know the company. At the time, I was still a student, and while playing soccer together, Yasmine made a brilliant pitch for Itineris. I never forgot that conversation. Two years later, I reached out to Yasmine again. Coincidentally, Itineris was hosting their annual Mix & Mingle Night around that time. That’s an event where students can get to know the company in an informal way and get a taste of the atmosphere. I decided to attend and really enjoyed the evening. That set the wheels in motion.

Sounds like fun! What in particular stood out to you about our company?

Well, I was drawn to Itineris for several reasons. Firstly, the company places a strong emphasis on teamwork and team bonding which I really liked. To give just one example: there’s a dedicated team of volunteers, Diablo, who organize various activities to bring colleagues together. That team-focused approach sounded very good to me. Additionally, the development opportunities for technical profiles are impressive here, offering a lot of opportunities for professional growth. Lastly, I always wanted to work for a company that develops its own software solution. I was really intrigued by UMAX, Itineris’ software solution. It has so many facets, allowing you to always discover and learn something new. That made the picture complete.

And so that’s how you ended up here. Can you tell us what a typical day looks like for you?

Of course! We kick off each day with a stand-up meeting with all 8 members of the product team I am part of, a good mix of technical and functional profiles. During that meeting, we review our daily planning to ensure everyone knows what they need to work on. If someone encounters an issue, we discuss it together to find a solution. After the meeting, we have a clear understanding of what we need to accomplish and can get started with our work.

“I like to learn new things, and Itineris provides ample opportunities for me to do so. It’s really remarkable how many features our UMAX solution has, and I find it fascinating to see how it keeps evolving. That is also a reason why I chose the IT sector, it is constantly changing, making it an exciting field that never gets dull!”

Leonie Van Renterghem, Technical Consultant, Itineris

Do you feel that you were well guided during your start here?

Yes, definitely! Itineris has a really comprehensive onboarding program for new hires, and also after that, my team has provided me with excellent support. There’s a real sense of collaboration here, and I know I can always reach out to my colleagues for assistance when I need it. That’s one of the things I appreciate most about working at Itineris.

Great to hear that! How do you experience the general atmosphere in the company?

There’s a very friendly atmosphere. At the end of last year, for example, all kinds of activities were organized during De Warmste Week. We could enjoy different kinds of lunch at noon, and to top it all off, a Christmas market was held towards the end of the week. That was really nice, and you also get to know a lot of people that way. I am also very close with the colleagues who started with me; we have become real friends.

What do you think of the work-life balance at Itineris?

That’s really good. Itineris provides a lot of flexibility, including the option to work from home. Personally I like coming to the office, because of the atmosphere here and because it is sometimes easier to discuss things.

I’m an active person, so when I finish work, I like to engage in physical activities. In my spare time, I am playing mini soccer, soccer, padel, and if there’s a sports activity organized at work they can count me in too. As a fun fact, I used to play Sepak takraw in the past, which is an Asian sport. It’s very much like volleyball but you can only use your feet, and it takes place on a badminton court. Definitely worth trying! 😊

What do you like most about your job?

I like to learn new things, and Itineris provides ample opportunities for me to do so. It’s really remarkable how many features our UMAX solution has, and I find it fascinating to see how it keeps evolving. That is also why I chose the IT sector, it is constantly changing, making it an exciting field that never gets dull.

Have you been able to apply the knowledge you gained during your studies here?

Yes, I have, although I have also learned a lot on the job. The programming language I use here, for example, X++.That language is very similar to C#, so I quickly mastered it, and it’s a nice addition to my resume.

Good to hear that. Last but not least, do you have any particular tips for college graduates?

Yes, definitely! Job interviews can be quite stressful at times, but you grow into it. So, don’t be afraid to join interviews at different companies. If it ends up being nothing, see it as a sign that it should be that way. Also, don’t start something if you don’t feel 100% comfortable with it. I would say: don’t let fear hold you back, believe in yourself and take the leap!