"It remains interesting to constantly engage with new technology."

  • Gerhard - Principal Engineer and Product Owner

Testimonial

A long history of technological innovation and team leadership.

"There are still quite a few changes ahead. We're far from done."

A long history of technological innovation and team leadership.

Since when have you been working at KPN and how did you join the team?

"I officially returned to permanent employment in 2016. Previously, I worked here as a freelancer, and before that, I was also an employee. Overall, quite a long history with KPN. I've been in software development since the nineties."

Why did you choose KPN?

"I could program, and KPN was looking for people with those skills. It was the time of the nerds sitting behind the computer. I love technology and found the telecom sector more interesting than, for example, retail."

"We can really make a difference for the entire KPN."

 

What makes your work interesting?

"It remains interesting to constantly engage with new technology, even after such a long time. Java programming started to get boring, so I delved into new technologies like cloud computing and data streaming. Nowadays, as a product owner, I think about the roadmap of our product and I'm the point of contact for various stakeholders. That keeps me sharp."

What are you proud of?

"Our team. We can really make a difference for the entire KPN."

How do you continue to develop in your field?

"It's mainly learning on the job. I find that it also helps to occasionally bring new people into the team. I am closely involved in the hiring process. There are quite a few people who want to work in our team, but we don't just hire anyone. I have to remain critical; good chemistry in the team is very important."

What’s next?

"I'm enjoying myself a lot, and I expect to still be here in a few years. The work of our team is far from over, especially with all the new developments in cloud and AI, and so on. There are still quite a few changes ahead. We're far from done."