As an AI & Data Engineer, I work on the smart side of data. I help clients unlock their source systems and model data structures within our Intelligenthive®. I also keep myself busy with the latest developments in the field of AI. Together with my colleague Max, I translate those innovations into concrete applications in our Intelligenthive®, so that both data engineers and customers can work faster and easier. AI is not hype to me, but a practical tool that really makes a difference. That is why I keep up to date with everything that is going on in our field.
Wake up
The morning starts early in Heerlen. At 7 a.m. the alarm clock rings. After a quick shower and a cup of coffee, I make sandwiches for my ten-year-old daughter and seven-year-old son. While they get ready, I briefly check what’s on the schedule. Then I take them to school by bike or car – depending on the weather or what time we left.
Day start with the team
We start the work day with a stand-up. I usually work from home, so I log in through Teams. We discuss what we are working on, if there are any bottlenecks, and how we can help each other.
Data modeling at customer sites
Then I start unlocking source systems or modeling data structures within our Intelligenthive®. Above all, clients want to get good management information from their data. I contribute to that by organizing their data streams in a smart and clear way. Sometimes it is a technical puzzle, but that is exactly what makes the work so much fun.
“How can we use technology to really make our users’ jobs easier?”
AI in practice
Together with my colleague Max, I am working on the AI roadmap. What are new features we can apply within Intelligenthive®? I break down bigger ideas into smaller user stories, so Max and I can work on them in a focused way. AI is not a goal in itself, but it can really be an accelerator in our development process and for the customer. Think of automatic detection of data structures or help with data modeling.
Lunch and fresh air
Time for a break. I take a walk around the neighborhood and eat a sandwich at the kitchen table.
That variety helps me get back to work afterward.
Developing and learning
The afternoon is all about building and improving. Sometimes I dive into a new feature, sometimes I test something Max has created. In between, I follow the latest AI news and experiment with practical applications. How can we use technology to really make our users’ jobs easier?
Joining the table
Today I don’t have to pick up the kids and there is already cooking. Ideal. We eat together and talk about our day.
Let go on the wall
My daughter Sophie has climbing training, so I drive to the bouldering hall with her. While she trains, I climb a few routes myself. It’s great to be physically active, to get out of my head and into my body. Sometimes in the evening I dive into nature with my bellyboat to fish – but that might be tomorrow.
Board game or construction project
When the kids are asleep, things often come up. I build my own keyboards, racing drones and even 3D printers. Being creative, making something that works, that suits me.
What makes my workday successful?
When I have built or tested something new that others can use immediately. For example, an AI feature that takes work off the hands of data engineers. Then I know: today I added something.
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