Name: Stephan Dierckx
Position: Customer Engagement Consultant
Worked at Orange Business since: January 2023
Based: Brussels, Belgium

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first came in contact with Orange Business?
My journey with Orange Business (formerly Business & Decision) began when I was exploring opportunities in the tech industry that lined up with my interests in digital solutions and my background in business consultancy. I learned about the company through a networking event organized by Le Wagon, a coding school where I had completed an intensive web development bootcamp.

What caught my eye was the company's reputation for fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment, as well as its commitment to personal and professional development. Additionally, I was also invited to an Orange afterwork with colleagues and customers before joining which gave me a glimpse into the company’s culture and values. Being invited before even joining the company allowed me to feel the welcoming atmosphere and the team’s enthusiasm and kindness from the very beginning.

Can you tell us about your position as a Customer Engagement Consultant, what does it entail and what are your responsibilities?
As a Customer Engagement Consultant, my role is changing and multifaceted. I'm responsible for helping our clients to deliver a consistent and personalized experience at every stage of their customer’s journey, using Customer Data Platforms. My daily tasks are a mix of data and business analysis, technical implementation, and project management, ensuring that each project is tailored to meet our clients' needs. I work extensively with technologies such as Adobe Experience Platform, Adobe Journey Optimizer, and Azure solutions. The nature of my work varies with each project, depending on the requirements and objectives of our clients. My workload is split with internal initiatives, where I commit to foster a dynamic knowledge-sharing environment among our consultants, as a Knowledge Manager. This variability means that I need to be adaptable and have a deep understanding of the platforms we implement. 

Can you tell us a bit about your current mission?
Currently, I am involved in a project focusing on the development and implementation of a Customer Data Platform (CDP) for a banking sector client. It involves close collaboration with the implementation team where we work together to improve the customer experience on the bank’s app and website. It is a project that allows me to apply my technical expertise effectively while meeting our client’s needs.

What do you enjoy the most about your work?
What I enjoy most about my position is the opportunity to blend technical skills with business and customer engagement skills. It is fascinating to work on projects where I can apply cutting-edge technologies to solve real-world business challenges. The dynamic nature of the job, where no two projects are the same, keeps me motivated and continuously learning.

What education and background do you have to be able to do this job?
My journey to my current role at Orange Business has consisted of a mix of academics and hands-on technical training. With a bachelor's degree in Business Management from ICHEC Brussels Management School and a master's in European Business and E-business from LSM (Louvain School of Management), I've built a strong academic foundation in business and technology. Studying abroad in Lisbon and Vienna gave me a broader perspective and valuable international experience. More recently, I attended the Le Wagon bootcamp, which sharpened my technical skills in data and web development.

Continuing my commitment to professional growth, I've obtained certifications like Fundamentals AZ-900 and I am pursuing Adobe certifications, which are essential in maintaining the relevance and sharpness of my skills in a rapidly evolving industry.

What is the latest training you have done?
The most recent highlight in my professional development was a training session on Adobe Experience Platform in Paris. I had the opportunity to attend this 4-day training right in the heart of Paris, where we delved into how to approach any project by first understanding the foundational architecture of the tools. It was an enriching experience that combined cultural, technical, and business insights!

What do you personally enjoy the most about working at Orange Business, the Digital Services business line?
Working at Digital Services, a business line of Orange Business stands out for its commitment to growth and learning. It was clear from the start when I joined that this was a place where I would be able to grow and challenge myself. The rebranding from Business & Decision to Orange Business in November 2023 has opened new avenues for us to explore, all while keeping the core culture and values intact. We tackle complex systems and enjoy the collaborative spirit of skilled colleagues who are just as excited about tech as I am. This blend of innovation, team spirit, and a welcoming environment makes working here rewarding for me.