Alex Van Cauwenbergh graduated from Electronic Engineering in 1996. As is regularly the case, he had by that time already signed a contract with the IT department at Proctor & Gamble.
Job hopping
"At the time, it didn’t really seem to be my thing, so a year and a half later I moved to DHL and then on to Computer Task Force. There I came across software system tests for the first time. Gradually, they began to fascinate me." He became Service Unit Manager and soon had 50 employees who reported to him.
Anything you can do...
The French group Oresys offered Alex the opportunity to start up a consultancy department in Belgium specialized in testing. "But the contract didn’t seem as attractive as when originally proposed, so together with two partners I decided to set up our own consultancy company, Quasus. The objective was clear from the first day: earning profit immediately and generating stability as regards clients, banks, and employees." It was successful, also thanks to Alex having so many contacts in the world of testing. Quasus closed that year with profit.
A consultant's profile
“Our consultants are practical, analytical, communicative, and results oriented. Moreover, they have extensive knowledge. This is indeed necessary, because one day they may be working at a bank and the next at a telecom business,” explains Alex.
Management subjects
According to the Group T alumnus, the education he had at the university college taught him a great deal about venturing out on one’s own, especially the management subjects. “But practice is naturally the best teacher. Because you learn to enter into dialogues, react empathetically, listen, show understanding, debate, persuade, and kindle enthusiasm. Crucial qualities for any consultant.”
