Experience before joining Aurai

As a Solution Architect, I was at the forefront of designing complex systems, ensuring they were both innovative and practical. This naturally led me to take on the role of Lead Engineer, where I guided teams to bring these designs to life, navigating the intricacies of each project.

Simultaneously, I served as a Technical Consultant, deep diving into the technical aspects and advising clients on cutting-edge solutions. This consulting experience was complemented by my work as an Implementation Consultant, where I took those technical solutions and integrated them seamlessly into client environments.

Working at a large international consultancy IT firm exposed me to a world of big clients, including enterprises and multinational public organisations. However, the sheer size of the firm came with its own unique set of challenges. While it was exciting to work on projects for such high-profile clients, the enormity of the organisation sometimes resulted in less agility. It often meant longer lead times before we could get initiatives off the ground, which required a great deal of patience and strategic planning.

Choosing a start-up

After 7 years Casper decided to join Aurai, and help us further build our company and portfolio.

Transitioning to this new environment brought a refreshing change of pace and allowed me to make a more significant impact. The positive culture and vibe at the office were immediately noticeable, fostering a sense of enthusiasm and camaraderie. I appreciated the increased flexibility and the strong sense of team spirit, which made every project feel collaborative and rewarding.

The short communication lines and the opportunity to work with smaller customers allows us to be more agile and responsive. Being part of a young, dynamic team is invigorating, and it is exciting to contribute to the company’s growth and help elevate it to a higher level. Sharing my knowledge and lessons learned from previous experiences continues to add to my job satisfaction, as it makes me feel like I am making a tangible difference every day.

Innovation as a driving force

During my first meetings at Aurai, we had elaborate discussions about the challenges faced in various projects and how to implement the strategy planned for the coming years. These talks resonated deeply with my own experiences in building teams of engineers, scientists, architects, and organisational consultants.

What truly excited me was the potential to make a direct impact on the company as a whole, drawing from the experience I’ve gained over the years. The prospect of having the freedom to apply my skills where they could make the most significant impact was incredibly appealing, promising both personal and professional fulfilment. I understood that some processes might not be as established or refined as they are in larger corporate settings. To navigate this, I proactively engaged in open conversations with various people throughout the organisation. This approach helped me gain a clearer understanding of practical processes like timewriting, mobility planning, and cost reimbursement, ensuring a smoother integration and fostering a collaborative spirit.

Previously, much of my time as a Solution Architect was dedicated to the sales process—designing, scoping, and planning projects. At Aurai however, my focus shifted significantly towards the quality of delivery and implementation as well as the reusability of what we have developed. This change allowed me to dive deeper into the execution phase and ensure our solutions were robust and sustainable.

Moreover, I’ve had significantly more time to allocate to training and certification. With fewer parallel projects and sales engagements, and a greater focus on existing customers, I’ve been able to enhance my skills and knowledge, which has been incredibly rewarding.

Impactful projects

In addition to helping build and implement our strategy, Casper also has an active role with several of our projects and clients.

One of the standout projects for me to get started with was the accelerated implementation of the data platform for BIJ12 Nationale Databank Flora and Fauna (NDFF). This initiative was crucial in helping them prepare for open data initiatives and its importance was publicly highlighted by the client. It was incredibly rewarding to contribute to such a high-profile project with significant political implications. For me the project underscored the importance of data accessibility and transparency in environmental conservation.

Currently, I’m working on an exciting research project for a large Dutch public organisation. We’re exploring the application of semantic web technologies to demonstrate their value in providing better oversight and control over the organisation’s extensive array of IT applications and data sources. This proof of value aims to highlight how these technologies can streamline data management and enhance the integration of diverse systems, ultimately leading to more efficient and effective operations.

Working in smaller, more dynamic teams has significantly changed my approach to problem-solving. The shorter communication lines and the combination of responsibility and mandate to execute proposed solutions have fostered a more direct management style. This environment encourages proactive and pragmatic approaches over traditional methods, allowing us to address issues swiftly and effectively. It’s been refreshing to experience this agile and hands-on way of working.

The size and stage of growth at Aurai have greatly enhanced my ability to effect change. Being part of a scale-up means that there are fewer bureaucratic hurdles and more opportunities to innovate and implement new ideas. This environment fosters a more hands-on approach to problem-solving and allows for rapid iteration and improvement.

 

Do you want to know more about Aurai, its vision, its career opportunities or do you see opportunities to work together with us? Feel free to reach out to Casper at casper@aurai.com