Meet Ruben, graduate of Applied Computer Science

Read this interview in which Ruben explains:

• How he chose his current role
• His transition from student to working life
• How he knew he was ready to start work – the skills and mindset

Plus – get Ruben's advice for future Applied Computer Science students.

Ruben, how did you get your current job?

I discovered the opportunity at KPMG through a Job Fair held at Antwerp Expo. At the event, I was initially introduced to their Cybersecurity team. Following this introduction, I was subsequently redirected to Lighthouse, the department within which I am presently employed.

Did you apply to other companies?

Yes. I received three offers ranging from a start-up business to a company of the size of KPMG.

Why did you choose this role at KPMG?

I looked for the flexibility of working across various projects. My enthusiasm for acquiring new knowledge and experiences drew me to the Intelligent Automation & New Technologies (IANT) competence within Lighthouse. This position seemed to promise exposure to diverse clientele, the use of a wide spectrum of technologies and methodologies, all while having the support of a large organization.

Additionally, the opportunity for learning (continuous professional development is mandatory) and the social benefits inherent in a Big4 consulting firm were particularly appealing. Each year, the firm welcomes approximately 60 new graduates into the advisory sector alone. The average age of our staff, encompassing junior advisors and managers, ranges between 25 and 35 years. This demographic contributes to a dynamic and engaging work environment.

How did you prepare for your career search?

I focused on the projects that I was most passionate about, along with the technologies I liked to work with. Given my status as a candidate without prior work experience, I had to demonstrate my interests and expertise. This way potential employers could determine if my career aspirations and my compatibility would fit their organizational needs.

What was the transition like from student to working life?

It was smooth. The firm's commitment to work-life balance has been a significant benefit. At KPMG, the management team ensures that deadlines are reasonable and workloads are evenly distributed. More importantly, in instances where challenges arise, there is a robust support system in place, including access to managers, senior managers, directors, performance coaches, HR, among others, all of whom are available and willing to provide guidance and assistance.

In what ways did KdG prepare you best for your chosen career?

Exposing me to a broad spectrum of potential career paths within the technology sector. This comprehensive overview played a key role in helping me identify my areas of interest and where I believed I would find the most satisfaction. KdG gave me the confidence to try new technologies.

Additionally, the soft skills developed during ‘the company’ and integration courses have proven invaluable, not only throughout the recruitment process but also in my current role, particularly during project meetings and follow-ups. Learning how to deal with clients and working interculturally have been essential.

What are you working on now?

A variety of projects, both internal and client-facing. A common thread among all these projects is their focus on Data and AI, which are fundamental to our operations here at KPMG Lighthouse. This is reflected in our motto: 'Embed Data and AI in everything we do.'

Most of my projects are centered around AI and Generative AI. There's a significant demand for these types of projects and products, yet there is a noticeable shortage of developers equipped with the necessary skills and interest in this field.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The opportunity to collaborate with a wide array of professionals, each an expert in their respective fields. Engaging in various projects that require diverse solutions and originate from different backgrounds allows me to absorb a wealth of knowledge in a relatively short period. This aspect of continuous learning and variety is what I find most fulfilling about my job.

What knowledge or personal characteristics are important for you to do your job well?

To excel in my role, it is imperative to have strong social skills and as I mentioned, KdG really helped me to develop those.

And being recognized for one's specific expertise is vital. While it may seem daunting to commit to specializing in a particular technology or tech stack, fearing the potential loss of other opportunities, I noticed that individuals with a broad but shallow knowledge base are less likely to achieve as much as those who are deeply knowledgeable in a specific area.

What’s next for you?

Advancing to an advisory role and later to a managerial position. In the short term, I am looking forward to working with new clients, delving into new technologies and frameworks, and applying them in a professional setting. Also important to me are the social engagements organized by KPMG, such as the annual ski trip and the advisory day, which I'm greatly looking forward to.

What advice would you give to new students before they start their career search?

Identify a profession that aligns with your personal interests and passions. If you choose a career path that you would do as a hobby or during your free time, you're more likely to enjoy your work.

Examples: if you have a keen interest in automating processes through technologies like Generative AI, Intelligent Document Processing (IDP), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), etc., I highly recommend exploring opportunities within the Intelligent Automation & New Technologies (IANT) team at KPMG.

Here's my advice for ACS students starting out:

Year 1 – See what you enjoy. Be proactive in class. Pass your exams!

Year 2 – Start to discover more about the world of ICT. You will find that there are many events you can attend. Network!

Year 3 – Find an internship doing what you enjoy. Make the most of your work experience. Develop your network. Fine-tune your career interests.

A final word on your career choice

I decided to stay in Belgium for personal reasons. My girlfriend is here. But I know I have international opportunities with a company like KPMG. That said, Belgium has a lot of vacancies for graduates with technical profiles.

On 6th March 2024 Ruben attended the same job fair at Antwerp Expo as he himself attended last year. Only this time he was representing KPMG and helping to recruit new talent.

The network of Applied Computer Science alumni starts here. It will only grow.