A Day in the Life of Kobe: From breakfast to breakthroughs at Sopra Steria

Meet Kobe Van Baekel, a dedicated Business Consultant and Business Analyst at Sopra Steria Next. Since joining us as a Young Professional in September 2023, Kobe has embraced the dynamic nature of his role.

What are your roles and responsibilities?

I’m a Business Consultant / Business Analyst within the Consulting unit of Sopra Steria Next. And what I really enjoy is the variety in my role. There’s no “typical” day. I might organize a workshop to map out a business process one day and refine the Rights & Roles model the next. I’m part of a large, evolving project, constantly adapting to new challenges and opportunities, which keeps my work stimulating and rewarding.

What does your typical day look like?

I wake up in my apartment in the city center of Antwerp around 6:40 AM. After a quick shower and breakfast with my girlfriend, I leave for work at my client’s site, arriving at my desk by 7:30 AM. The quiet early hours at the office are perfect for catching up on emails and scheduling meetings. I also take a moment to grab a coffee with colleagues and chat with people I don’t work with directly.

Around noon, my team and I enjoy lunch together, followed by a short walk to refresh before heading back to our desks. Afternoons are dynamic, filled with project work, meetings, and problem-solving sessions. I wrap up my day by reviewing my to-do list, updating documentation, and planning for the next day. Evenings often include a trip to the gym, which helps me unwind and clear my head. This is then followed by dinner and a nice show or a relaxing walk.

What's the most interesting or quirky task you do regularly that others might not know about?

A task that’s interesting to me and can sometimes be quirky is how much time I spend digging for information. Whether it’s preparing for a workshop, analysing a process, or supporting a decision, I often find myself piecing together insights from a wide range of sources.

What's the most unusual or unexpected skill you've developed in your role? 

The most notable skill I've developed is the ability to quickly learn and adapt. As a consultant, I'm constantly exposed to new environments, tools, and challenges. This fast-paced learning curve, though daunting at first, has become one of my greatest assets. It accelerates professional growth and boosts self-confidence. Stepping out of my comfort zone and succeeding has been incredibly empowering, helping me realize my capabilities. That mindset has been one of the most empowering aspects of my journey so far.

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