Atmosphere was a determining factor to stay

Every year, there are several trainees at Arxus who are subsequently offered a permanent contract. This was also the case with Ailko Claeys and Thomas Ghys. An important factor in that choice? The atmosphere at the office. They explain below why it is so special to them.  

Both Ailko and Thomas got to know Arxus at an event where students look for internships. Both immediately had a great click after the first introduction to Arxus, and are finishing their internships there. Ailko will join the Customer Operations team, Thomas will work as a front-end web developer.  

Great atmosphere

Thomas initially started his internship quite pragmatically. He was not concerned with the workplace itself, but more with how the internship would fit into his education. That soon changed once he was in the office. "For me, that atmosphere in the office was a determining factor for me to stay," says Thomas. "I personally find it important that it clicks with my colleagues, and I had that feeling here from day one. A good conversation in between is fine and laughter is already allowed." 

Ailko also immediately got that feeling: "That atmosphere is one of the reasons why I eventually chose to stay here. It's hard to explain to an outsider, but it's just nice to go to the office and be among these people. In addition, you have an excellent safety net here and you can go to anyone with your questions."  

Own voice

For Arxus, that safety net is an important part of their culture. Trainees are given a huge amount of freedom there, but with that also a lot of responsibilities. During daily stand-up moments, there is room for new people to raise issues within their project or share their progress. This allows some more experienced colleagues to offer help. But the opinions of trainees like Ailko and Thomas are also picked up. Something Thomas in particular attaches great importance to. 

"For me, it's important to have my own voice, and that sits very well at Arxus. Even if you are just new, they make time to listen to you or substantiate their criticism if they disagree with your work. You learn a lot more here than at school. Like many peers, I want to be regarded as a person at work, not just a number. Even our Managing Partner Erlend Schenkels knows who I am, sometimes sits with me at our table, and asks questions. To me, that says a huge amount about what Arxus is like as a company."  

Ailko couldn't agree more. "If there are tasks you want to delve into, you just have to pull up to your team lead and ask the question. Together you then see what the possibilities are, and how you can master them. Even in the future, I know there is room to learn and take additional training." 

Events

Another way Arxus tries to foster team spirit is through internal events. In the past year, for instance, events such as a quiz, BBQ, VR gaming, paintball and a weekend away passed by. "I think that variety between different types of events just makes it fun for everyone," says Ailko. "And if something is less your thing anyway, you can feel free to skip a time." 

"My favourite events are the Tribe events. During such a moment, you only go out with the people from the team you work with. Especially if you're still relatively new, it's a good way to get to know everyone quickly. And it doesn't always have to be about work either, which is extra nice," says Thomas.

Recommended

Meanwhile, Ailko and Thomas have been employed at Arxus for several months and are building their careers. For Ailko, that means a switch from the Customer Operations team towards a job as a Cloud Engineer with the tribe of open source and automation where his heart lies. Thomas is working as a Cloud Developer and wants to focus on full stack development for now.  They would immediately choose their internship at Arxus again. 

 "I had a very pleasant internship and would therefore immediately recommend Arxus to other students," lets Ailko know. "The support from your colleagues ensures that you learn a lot here in a short time, and lay a good foundation for your future. If you like a lot of freedom and want to show what you can do, then Arxus is definitely the right place for you." 

Thomas agrees: "An internship is of course something personal, it also has to click with the colleagues and your job. For me, that was perfectly fine. In addition, as an intern at Arxus you have to dare to take responsibility, and have the guts to ask questions. If you want, you get all the opportunities here to do what you like to do, and that is something special after all." 

If you are interested in an internship at Arxus yourself, please send an email to hr@arxus.eu.