Niels Jongen

After secondary school, I went on to study industrial engineering because...

“...I was determined to become an engineer – although I didn’t really know what it involved at the time. A neighbour advised me to choose a professional bachelor’s degree to gain as many hands-on skills as possible. Then I switched to UHasselt. If I had to do it all over again, I would probably go to university from the outset.”

What made studying in Diepenbeek so special...

“...The campus’s small scale and tranquillity. I was a commuter student, meaning I often got to school early. The silence on campus early in the morning was almost meditative. You really had the space to work and be focused.”

My favourite spot on campus was ..

“The standing tables in the canteens of the PXL/UHasselt building for engineers. For three years, that was my preferred spot – before, after and between lectures. As if those tables were reserved for me.”

The teacher who inspired me the most was...

“The maths teacher in my bridging programme. He combined a complex subject with humour, and managed to keep our attention without it feeling forced. I really enjoyed his classes.”

As a student, I was..

“A real nerd and a swot. (laughs) I don’t think I ever missed a single lecture, and I always wanted to get the highest marks. In those days, I used to go skydiving every weekend. I had two jobs to pay for my hobby: I worked as a lifeguard in the pool and a tutor for secondary schoolers. On campus, for me, I had to be efficient. I used every minute I had to study really hard so that I could live life to the full off-campus.”

If there’s one thing I learned at UHasselt, it’s..

“excellent planning skills and clear communication. To meet all your deadlines, you need to start early and leave room for the unexpected. But also: if something didn’t go as expected, you should have the courage to admit it. This honesty is vital - both during my studies, as well as in the workplace.”

How would you describe your job in no more than 5 sentences?

“I am a project manager at SERIS, a company that sells security solutions: cameras, alarm systems, access control... I am the point of contact for two major customers, following up on each stage of every project: from concept to delivery. I manage technical teams, monitor budgets and deadlines, and ensure clear communication between all parties. I am also a public speaking coach. Recently, I also launched my own podcast Jong en Gedreven, in which I interview entrepreneurs who are just starting out about their journey. Using that podcast as a base, I want to build a community where young entrepreneurs can learn from each other’s experiences.” 

What do you find most enjoyable / challenging about your job?

“As a project manager, I get the greatest satisfaction from the trust our customers place in me. When I sense that they feel understood and protected, I know that I’m doing my job right. But I get just as much energy from my podcast and my role as a mentor in public speaking. These projects challenge me on another level: I want to grow them, and am constantly looking for ways to reach a wider audience. Helping others grow by sharing honest, recognisable stories: I find this very energising. These are stories full of guts and vulnerability, which move and inspire people, including me, time and again.”

In my opinion, the key to success lies in...

“daring to take the leap and just do it. Do you have an idea? Go for it. Fail if necessary. But don’t hesitate too long. And don’t be afraid to communicate, even when you find it difficult. What’s more, you don’t have to do it alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask questions, and learn from every experience.”

If you were able/want to do something or give back to your alma mater, what would it be?

“I enjoy giving public speaking workshops for students. Whatever you study, anything from medicine and engineering to law, you need to be able to share your story. Knowing how to get your message across and tailoring it to your audience: that’s a life skill.”