Jeroen Gilissen
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ECM Consultant bij X-Center
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Jeroen Gilissen
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ECM Consultant
Jeroen did not follow a conventional path into IT. After working in a bakery for more than ten years, he decided it was time for a change. Night and weekend shifts made way for a work-study programme in which he gains hands-on experience at X-Center four days a week and attends school one day a week. In his story, Jeroen shares his experience of this transition, the intensive guidance he receives, and why hard work and continuous learning feel natural here.
From craftsmanship in the bakery to a future in IT
For ten years, Jeroen worked in a bakery, an environment where discipline, precision, and perseverance are essential. But the physical demands, irregular hours, and missing out on holidays made him reflect on his future. That search led him back to something that had long been part of his life: computers. In his spare time, he enjoyed tinkering with them, helping family members solve technical issues, and exploring how systems work.
Choosing to retrain in IT was not an impulsive decision, but a conscious one. Jeroen first followed courses and then sought a work-study position to gain real-world practical experience. Through his education, he found his way to X-Center. From the very first conversation, it felt like a place where he was not just “tagging along,” but where there was serious investment in people who want to learn and are willing to put in the effort.
Intensive guidance as the foundation for growth
The first months at X-Center were entirely focused on learning. Jeroen was not thrown in at the deep end, but received intensive guidance from experienced colleagues. Senior specialists took the time to share their knowledge, explain processes, and walk through complex topics step by step. At times, it felt almost like being back in the classroom, but right in the middle of real-world practice.
Together, they made notes, worked through cases, and Jeroen carried out tasks independently to truly understand them. That combination of explanation, repetition, and hands-on work ensured that the knowledge stuck. According to Jeroen, this approach is essential when retraining. You don’t just learn what to do, but especially why you do it. That builds confidence and accelerates development.
Jeroen Gilissen
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ECM Consultant
I’m given the space to learn and grow here, while truly feeling like part of the team.
Learning by doing, with room for feedback
After the initial intensive period, Jeroen was given increasing independence to work. He now handles customer questions, looks for solutions in manuals and existing documentation, and applies what he has already learned. Making mistakes is part of the process. What makes the difference for him is that mistakes are seen as learning moments, not as something to be judged.
Feedback plays a significant role in this. Positive feedback when things go well, and clear explanations when something can be improved. That approach drives growth and shows that effort is noticed and appreciated. According to Jeroen, this is incredibly motivating, especially when you are studying alongside your job. It is hard work, but you see progress every day.
A team that supports and involves you
Beyond the professional guidance, Jeroen truly feels part of the team. Colleagues support one another, knowledge is shared, and successes are celebrated together. From shared lunches to Friday evening dinners and team activities, these moments create real connection. Not because they are mandatory, but because they fit naturally within the culture.
For Jeroen, that sense of involvement makes all the difference. You are not just a number here; you are someone who contributes and truly matters. That feeling, combined with trust and opportunities for development, makes X-Center the right place for him to grow in IT and build his future.
Personal advice
If Jeroen could give one piece of advice to anyone unsure about their direction, it would be simple: “Do what you enjoy and go for it.”
According to him, IT is much broader than just programming or game design. It plays a role in almost every field and application. That versatility is precisely what makes it such an interesting area to grow in.