Back to the Tobian Roots – Frédéric Pirot, Java Developer
Sometimes Tobians take a new external turn in their career. When they rejoin Tobania after a certain period of time, we obviously consider their return extremely satisfying! What exactly made them come back? And how have they grown during their career path? Well, in our column “Back to the Tobian Roots” we ask them why. Featured in this edition: Frédéric Pirot, Java Developer at Tobania.
Can you briefly introduce yourself, Frédéric?
I am Frédéric from the Java development team at Tobania. I spent my childhood in the Belgian Ardennes, where I mainly studied science and mathematics in high school. Since childhood (at the age of 12), I have been engaged in computer programming. I started programming at home in Basic like many at this time and took some classes as an elective organised by my school.
When I turned 18, I hesitated somewhat between chemistry and computer programming, but I finally chose computer programming as the professional market urgently required it. I studied in Liège for three years and got my bachelor’s degree in 1999. Just in time to face the Y2K bug (a non-event at the end).
Which job did you perform at Tobania before taking up another challenge?
I approached several consulting firms, but Tobania was really the one with which I shared the greatest amount of values: entrepreneurship, autonomy, transparency and convergence (working together). I sensed they were not just about words during the recruitment process. So, I joined the company with a customer mission as a Senior Software Engineer. After two years, there was a demand for assistance at another Tobania customer. I took on the challenge and subsequently led a small development team to deliver a highly successful customer satisfaction.
After a while, however, I faced some difficult matters in my personal life and started losing my enthusiasm for practically everything. When I received a proposal from another employer right at that moment, I decided to take up a new challenge.
““The best way I ever found to express my values, was by being a Tobian.””
A while ago, you decided to return to Tobania. Why?
I remembered the good times when I worked for Tobania and accidentally got hold of the notes I took during my job interview. I realised I made a misjudgement and left for the wrong reasons. The best way I ever found to express my values, was by being a Tobian.
““I appreciated that the people I know at Tobania cared about me and expressed confidence in my knowledge, behaviour and technical skills.””
How has it been to reconnect with the Tobania Community?
I was really happy when I was welcomed back with open arms. Also, I appreciated that the people I know at Tobania cared about me and expressed confidence in my knowledge, behaviour and technical skills. Overall, I feel 100% supported and that has been a source of joy.
To conclude, are there things you want to tackle differently after your return? Do you have future goals?
After my return, I want to spend more time on Tobania’s inner initiatives to shine, grow, recruit great people and focus less exclusively on customer operations. Also, I plan to connect more with other Tobians. I am not considering changing career orientation. Understanding people’s needs and developing computing tools to meet those needs remains one of my favourite pastimes.
