Debora is an experienced professional with impressive achievements in product development. In this testimonial, we dive into her professional growth as an Industrial and Mechanical Engineer and her unwavering passion for innovation. Let’s embark together on her journey of exciting projects and thrilling challenges in a world of constant change.
Can a career spanning over three decades truly be summarized?
“Sure. I see my career mainly divided into two parts.
For 20 years of my career, I was an all-around product developer and mechanical engineer for Promocenter, a former POS company. Despite the frequent deadlines, it was an exciting job that led to numerous achievements and innovations such as anti-theft cigarette dispensers, vending machines, and shop-in-shop. After an acquisition and due to the aftermath of the financial crisis of 2008, the company was struggling. My ambition was to keep realizing various technically challenging projects and it was time for me to switch careers to the industry branch.
After 3 years as a product design engineer in the branch of cash degradation systems at 3SI Security Systems, the innovation project I was hired for entered its final phase. My goal was to keep innovating and this role was not likely to be continued at 3SI. I took my chances to emerge as a consultant for TEN, both on-site and in-office. The Verhaert Group then acquired TEN, and that signed my start as a member of Verhaert On-site Consulting.”
What was your biggest stepping stone during on-site Consultancy?
“At CommScope, I was the technical project lead of 3 high-risk technology projects in fiber optics for 5 years. The international environment was perfect for my language and communication skills to grow. The fiber optics made me experience the world of physics and lab analysis. At the same time, I could bring my creative mindset to the R&D team.”
What was your most recent assignment?
“It was the one I carried out in the branch of life sciences at Ovizio Imaging Systems. Starting with a given project charter, I brought several concepts to the table, even cardboard demos to investigate the user interface and to picture the project design vision. In a limited timeframe, I developed the selected concept and delivered a detailed 3D CAD model of a next-gen microscopic device.”
What keeps you inspired and driven in your job?
“I’m passionate about innovation: its challenging circle of iterations and continuous adaptations and improvements, tackling the ‘fuzzy front of development’ one day and diving deep into a mechanical issue on a micrometer scale the next day.”
What aspect of your role as a consultant do you find most intriguing?
“Each assignment is a step further on both your personal and professional growth track. You work with several professionals, you learn from diverse production environments, and you will always bring your updated expertise to the next client. It’s a win-win: as a consultant you grow in expertise quite fast and the client gets a smooth knowledge transfer and project transition by having you on board.”
How do you feel about working on-site?
“Adapting to new environments and assignments is exciting and scary at the same time. This stepping out of your comfort zone makes you grow incredibly as a person and a professional. This flexibility works like a muscle you keep training in a world of constant change.”
What do you like most about working for Verhaert On-site Consulting?
“As a Verhaert consultant, you are supported by a team of experienced business coaches who provide guidance and assistance throughout your assignments. On top of that, I can identify myself with the Verhaert values of RICE – Reliability, Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship – and aim to embody these values in my work on-site.”
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