Meet Francisco – Mechanical Engineer at Akkodis

Hi Francisco, nice to see you! For those who don’t know you, could you please briefly introduce yourself?
Yes of course! So my name is Francisco and I am Portuguese. I have been working at Akkodis Belgium since October 2017 and I am a Mechanical/Motorsport Engineer.

Tell us, how did you end up at Akkodis?
My first contact with Akkodis came actually very early, still during my studies. I was finishing up my master’s degree in Motorsport in the UK and I was contacted by Akkodis to join their team! They thought that I would be a good fit for the company because of my interest in powertrain design, among other things. So, I joined Akkodis, moved to Belgium and started a mission in engine design… and I’ve been here ever since!

And how has your career evolved since then?
My first role was in engine design, and I was working as an Akkodis Tech Expert for a big automotive client. Since then, I have stayed on project at the same client but in a different role. I am now working with hydrogen fuel cell modules, also in design. You could consider that my main role: mechanical engineering Tech Expert. But next to that I took on some extra roles at Akkodis, we call them Success Maker Roles. They allow you to get even more involved and help shape Akkodis’ culture. Me, I am a Site Leader at my client, meaning that I am the main point of contact for the Tech Experts at my site and that I also organize events for them etc. Next to that I am also one of the Competency Club Leaders of our Mobility & Defense Club, which is a club that meets regularly to discuss technical topics and I am a member of the Sports Committee!

Wow, so you are really involved in what goes on at Akkodis! Would you say that you are following your passion?
This has always been my passion! I always knew I wanted to be an engineer, even early on. I knew that I wanted to be involved in the automotive industry. And it was Akkodis that opened the doors for me to pursue that passion. For me, my interest in the automotive sector and motorsports has always been something that’s a bit in between job and a hobby. And I’ve always had hobbies connected to motorsport because I’ve always loved automotive! So, when I saw this opportunity to come to Belgium, a which is a country that I love and had visited before coming to live here, to do something in automotive, and even at the time in engines, which is something that I did my master’s thesis on, I thought it was a perfect fit. So, I joined Akkodis and it has been a great collaboration ever since. So yes, definitely, I am living my passion both through the engineering and the automotive world, and I get to do all of this thanks to Akkodis.

Apart from Akkodis giving you the opportunity to follow your dream, was there something else that attracted you? Is there something that makes Akkodis specifically a great place to work?Well, I think that’s an easy one and maybe it sounds cliche, but it’s really not. For me where Akkodis stands out is in the relationships between everyone in the company. Between Tech Experts, but also between the internal staff that supports us. You can always find the help or the support you need. I can reach out to my Business Manager, to my HR Business Partner or to anyone really. Everyone is ready to listen and to help. If I have an issue, I can get it fixed easily. And I get the support that I need very quickly.

Also, and this is my experience, but I think other people feel the same, so far, I’ve worked with people that are genuinely kind! And being kind is often, in my opinion, underrated. I think that’s what makes the difference at Akkodis. That the people are genuine and really helpful with each other.

And next to that I’ve also always had very good times outside of work. Like going go-karting with my colleagues, after works, laser tag. We always get together and have fun and I think that’s really important!

So there’s like a real community?
Yes! For other companies I can only see how they operate from the outside of course, but I never felt like the spirit was the same. So, I think it’s a great advantage for Akkodis.

Do you want to share some memorable Akkodis moments or any achievements that you are really proud of?
Well, I have a lot of memorable moments. Definitely. When I first came from the UK to Belgium, everything went so fast. One week I was finishing my master’s thesis and the next I was getting on the train with everything I own on my way to Belgium. I was changing countries, I was changing my home and starting my very first job… That was a big change. But I vividly remember how everybody received me very well and helped me a lot. They were super welcoming.

In terms of achievements, I think the best one for me was the 2020 Awards, during which everybody really supported me when I was one of the nominees with my fuel cell module project. We actually ended up winning one of the prizes! We won the Grand Jury Prize for

Akkodis Belgium which is awarded by the jury. So, I was really happy with that one because it put us on the map, it showed that we can do interesting stuff here in Belgium. It gave me an unforgettable experience because the prize was a visit to NASA in Houston. It was unbelievable… Crazy, absolutely crazy! When we applied for the project with another colleague of mine, we had no idea that we even had a shot at it. And then to win it was just incredible! This is really an experience that I owe to Akkodis because they gave me the opportunity to, first of all, do the project with the client and then to participate to the awards and win. The support from everybody was unbelievable!

Wow, that’s so impressive, congrats! Seems like your colleagues are very supportive… Is there anything else you think is worth mentioning about Akkodis’ company culture?
Yes, well as you say, everyone is always supporting each other. I also think people are very proactive in trying to include everyone. We have a ton of Chief Happiness Officer initiatives, events during the holiday period, our Annual Party obviously… It’s always huge and great and it takes a lot of work and I think that’s also part of our culture… It shows that the company really cares for its collaborators. If you don’t really care you just throw a party, invite everyone and that’s it, but at Akkodis it doesn’t stop there. Our management really puts in the effort to make sure everyone enjoys working here and to make sure that everyone can be great at their job!

Are there certain skills or characteristics you think possible new colleagues should posses to thrive at Akkodis?
I think the most important thing you need to display, and not just at Akkodis, is respect. It’s also one of our values. You have to be respectful with everybody, no matter who you’re talking to, because in the end everybody is there to help and that’s how we move forward.

In terms of their missions, in terms of their jobs, I would say that it’s important that people that join us remain curious and are not to easily content. They shouldn’t be like ‘okay, I’m already good at what I do, or I already know enough, I don’t need to learn anything else’. I think it’s important to stay curious throughout your career, especially in a company like ours, because technology changes every day. So, respect, staying curious and also staying humble. No one knows everything. So, not being scared to ask questions is important. I feel like there’s a natural tendency to stop asking questions once you gain more experience. But I think it’s good to keep asking questions. New technology is emerging all the time, so you have to! Luckily, at Akkodis it’s very easy because we have this network of people with different backgrounds, ready to support you. That’s how we keep improving ourselves!

Wow, that’s so impressive, congrats! Seems like your colleagues are very supportive… Is there anything else you think is worth mentioning about Akkodis’ company culture?

Yes, well as you say, everyone is always supporting each other. I also think people are very proactive in trying to include everyone. We have a ton of Chief Happiness Officer initiatives, events during the

holiday period, our Annual Party obviously… It’s always huge and great and it takes a lot of work and I think that’s also part of our culture… It shows that the company really cares for its collaborators. If you don’t really care you just throw a party, invite everyone and that’s it, but at Akkodis it doesn’t stop there. Our management really puts in the effort to make sure everyone enjoys working here and to make sure that everyone can be great at their job!

You say you like to remain curious, learn new things… Would you say your experience at Akkodis has taught you new things? Things you can also use in your personal life?

I would say that being at Akkodis has definitely made me a more efficient and organized person. That’s something I really try to transfer to my personal life as well. That has really helped me also with the different positions I combine and all the opportunities I have gotten. The Site Leader position has also allowed me to gain some experience in people management which is always a plus. Figuring out how to deal with this additional role is one of the things that has taught me how to manage my time better and how to prioritize. Something that has come handy in my personal life as well. Sometimes if I feel overwhelmed, I go back to this analytical approach that I use at work and it makes things more clear and manageable. Definitely a big help!

Okay, that’s good to hear! Finally, any advice or message you want to share with people considering joining Akkodis?

I would say that if they are looking for a dynamic workplace, where they have great support from the company to experience many kinds of tech jobs, virtually all over the world, in different industries, that they are in the right place. Because I think we are a great company. No matter what background you have, if you’re someone that brings value to the table, someone who always strives to do better, with a passion for technology, I‘m sure you will find your place at Akkodis!