Portrait: Jens De Coninck

We are interviewing Jens De Coninck, at 23 years old the youngest Aucxis team member. Jens started on February 6, 2023, as a project manager in the RFID business unit after obtaining a bachelor’s degree in SME Management and a short experience as an HR recruiter.

A range of skills

Just a year into the job, Jens has already left a positive mark in his role. It’s not so obvious for a recent graduate to successfully take on the role of a project manager, is it? “The SME Management program is very broad,” Jens explains. “You acquire important skills in various fields: entrepreneurship, marketing, business strategy, HR management, operational management, finance, communication, innovation, and more. The education provides perfect preparation for the role of a project manager which involves versatile tasks: planning, coordinating, evaluating and adjusting, monitoring quality and budget, and thoughtful communication with colleagues and clients. I am very happy that Aucxis has given me the opportunity to prove and further develop my skills.”

Getting acquainted with RFID

Jens was not familiar with the technological aspect of the job. Under the guidance of colleague project manager Emmanuel, he has since acquired substantial knowledge about RFID. “I am really interested in technology,” Jens declares. “I enjoy gaining knowledge ‘on the job,’ and I am very well guided in doing so. The challenge started with small projects, and today I am allowed to share responsibility for the large, innovative project at the Antwerp football club: the introduction of STAR, the concept designed by Aucxis for the lending and return of reusable cups.”

Challenging enough? Satisfied? Absolutely!

Jens feels comfortable at Aucxis and thrives in his role. He refers to the pleasant team spirit, the versatile aspects of the job, the variety in projects, the responsibility, and the trust he enjoys. “An underestimated challenge in the job lies in correctly interpreting human communication,” Jens believes. “It is extremely important that there is clarity in what people expect from each other. Misunderstandings can lead to conflicts between supplier and customer, among colleagues. I think that being able to read people, as I call it, is one of my strongest qualities.”

Sustainability Working Group

When a call was made for interested individuals to join a new working group that would focus on further promoting sustainability within the company, Jens did not hesitate for a moment. “I am not necessarily an environmentalist, but I do realize that sustainability must play an essential role in all facets of society. Brainstorming about how we can implement this in our business activities seemed like an interesting and educational activity, complementing my other tasks.”

Soccer above all

Jens is highly active in his free time, and his hobby demands significant dedication. Since childhood, he has played football, and to this day, he spends most of his free time on the field, both indoors and outdoors. He enjoys the competition, teamwork, and physical activity. When asked about a life motto, he responds: “Live and let live. Being able to do your own thing and respecting the differences of others.” A motto that undoubtedly aligns with this young and wise colleague!”