The Start Smart weekend: A unique and eye-opening experience

There are people who already know what they want to do when they’re five years old, others still don’t know at eighteen when it’s time to make a decision. Jens Verelst leaned more towards that second category. Luckily, he found Projective Talent right before he graduated at 23, who are supporting him on this journey – starting with an interesting and eye-opening Start Smart Weekend.

Jens Verelst (23) has lived and studied in Antwerp his whole life. In his free time, he enjoys going for drinks with his friends, playing the guitar and playing mainly strategy games. Jens joined Projective Talent after graduating as an Industrial Engineer earlier this year. Let’s check in on how his first job is going…

I chose Industrial Engineering, specialising in Electronics and ICT. The engineer part meant that I still enjoyed a broad education, while the ICT part was very much in line with my interests.

“I never really knew what I wanted to do for work, so I always kept as many options open as I could. In high school, I studied Maths & Science because I could still go in many different directions from there. After high school, I needed to make a more targeted decision. Since I already spent a lot of time behind my computer, I figured I would explore that direction,” says Jens. “I chose Industrial Engineering, specialising in Electronics and ICT. The engineer part meant that I still enjoyed a broad education, while the ICT part was very much in line with my interests.”

A little guidance

Jens first heard about Projective Talent at university. First, during a guest lecture on communicating using Insights for his management class, and later again at a job fair organised by the Engineers of Tomorrow – an organisation of engineers at the University of Antwerp. The rest is history.

“The thing that particularly attracted me, is the fact that Projective Talent guides you and helps you find the opportunities that align with your personality, ambitions and interests. I still didn’t really know what I wanted to do, I knew nothing about the job market, and I was trained very broadly as an engineer – so I could really use some guidance,” Jens explains. “The promised training and coaching made the Projective Talent offer extra appealing.”

The thing that particularly attracted me, is the fact that Projective Talent guides you and helps you find the opportunities that align with your personality, ambitions and interests.

First time’s a charm

Jens found a match with the first company we suggested and started working as a development consultant at Ferranti. Ferranti is an organisation that makes software to help utility companies manage their business, from contracts to invoices. Jens works internally on MECOMS, Ferranti’s core product. A few months ago, he joined the customised track that Projective Talent designed in partnership with Ferranti.

“I was off to a great start at Ferranti, with a one-month start-up programme. After having spent the summer working hard to finish my master’s thesis, it was nice to ease into work life. I didn’t have to get down to the nitty-gritty right away, I could start by sitting in a classroom, a setting I was already quite familiar with. Afterwards I joined my team, building up my responsibilities bit by bit. It was a very nice way to transition from school to work,” says Jens.

A one-month start-up programme was a very nice way to transition from school to work life.

Start Smart

So far, Jens has already completed a few functional trainings at Ferranti, getting to know the main products. But there was also the Start Smart Weekend with Projective Group, which was a unique experience for him. “At first, I was worried about that weekend,” he says. “I’d heard there were a lot of physical exercises. I have scoliosis, which means my back is set and I am very limited physically. But my fears were unnecessary, because everyone was very kind and respectful of my condition.”

The Start Smart weekend is a three-day experience in the Belgian Ardennes, where starting Projective Talent trainees get together to bond and learn – and have fun. “The first day was an introduction. Before lunch, we got to know each other through some ice breaking games. In the afternoon, we had an introduction to Insights – a four-colour model that helps people understand their key personality preferences and associated behaviours. In the evening, we played board games and got to know each other even better. We had a lot of fun and laughs, which really improved the group dynamic,” Jens recalls.

Feedback training

The second day started off with part two of the Insights training. “Through a group exercise, we learned more about the different personalities. Afterwards we received an analysis of our own profile and discussed it among the group,” Jens says.

After lunch, the feedback training facilitated by Outward Bound began – this was the part that Jens was worried about. “I was quickly put at ease, because the first thing we did was fill out a medical questionnaire. Diederd, the instructor, immediately came over to ask questions about what was possible for me and what wasn’t. I explained my condition and he reassured me that I wouldn’t have to do anything beyond my capabilities.

All my life, I’ve had people pushing my boundaries, not placing a lot of belief in my physical restrictions. During this training, I felt very respected.

Feeling that level of respect towards himself and his scoliosis was very healing for Jens. “All my life, I’ve had people pushing my boundaries, not placing a lot of belief in my physical restrictions. During this training, I felt very respected. Everybody took my condition seriously, which really increased my trust in the group.”

After action comes reflection

After every activity followed a moment of reflection, where every participant was encouraged to speak. “Going through these exercises together and then taking a moment to reflect on what we learned and connect with each other was very valuable,” Jens remembers. “It taught us a lot about ourselves and how we deal with feedback, in a personal and professional context. We got some practical tips as well to improve our communication skills and get better results.”

Going through these exercises together and then taking a moment to reflect on what we learned was very valuable. It taught us a lot about ourselves and how we deal with feedback, in a personal and professional context.

On the last day, the group did an altitude course to deepen their learnings and insights. At first, Jens didn’t think he would strap in, but in the end, he also got an inclusive role where he could be a valuable member of the team without being put in a dangerous or uncomfortable position. “I really appreciated how our trainers managed to include me in the exercises. They helped me understand that, despite my scoliosis, I could still be useful and have a determining role in the group.

Key takeaways

There are three important learnings that Jens has taken from the Start Smart weekend. “First of all, I learned that when somebody gives you feedback, they are pointing one finger at you and three at themselves – meaning that you shouldn’t immediately get defensive, but instead you should listen. Don’t deflect, but ask yourself: where is this feedback coming from?”

“A second important learning for me personally, was the fact that I can be valuable to the team – even when it comes to physical things where I’m in fact completely useless. And third, I learned to be more mindful of feedback. When people give positive or negative feedback, that means it’s necessary. I’m also more conscious of how I say things when I give feedback or compliments. I make sure to say it calmly and provide context, so that the receiving party can place my comment more easily.”

Conclusion

Being an emerging professional in IT can be overwhelming, especially when you’re not quite sure where you want to go yet, like Jens. At Projective Talent, he gets the guidance he needs, along with trainings and coaching to help him navigate the first determining years of his career. Being guided and respected has taught Jens valuable lessons about himself and improved his self-confidence in only a few months.

Feel like starting a similar journey? Get in touch!

About Projective Talent

As part of Projective Group, Projective Talent connects ambitious professionals with leading financial services companies, opening doors to career-defining opportunities. Whether through traineeships that transition into long-term roles with our clients, or missions that offer flexible assignments, we ensure the right fit for both candidates and businesses.

With access to A+ clients, expert coaching, and a strong professional network, we help talent and companies grow together - fuelling careers, innovation, and long-term success.