As a 29-year-old from Eindhoven, Maxime already has a well-filled backpack of experience. "I used to work as an HR consultant for a very diverse group of clients. From notaries and production companies to construction companies. I provided HR advice in the broadest sense of the word: small HR issues, absenteeism guidance, but also major improvement projects.
Some organizations had been operating in the same way for 30 years and were really in need of a complete policy renewal.
Other clients had a development request for an employee or for an entire team. I came in as an HR consultant as a foundation builder to ensure that an organization really went to the next level.
I really want to get the best out of people and organizations. Now I do that completely within DPA for the engineering business unit. By connecting with our professionals, so that they are in the right place and grow in their development."
Top Technological Clients
Within the engineering team, she works closely with business unit manager Faissal Belkasmi. "Our business unit focuses on highly educated engineers. Especially mechanical and electrical engineers at the HBO and university level. We work with a very diverse group of professionals. From the region, but also expatriates who move to North Brabant. The clients our business unit works with are high-level, technically innovative organizations in the Brainport region.
Ranging from SMEs with a team of twenty engineers to large international players. This diversity makes it very challenging for an engineer to work at DPA. Every organization has its own expectations, culture, and way of working. That's something you as a professional can experience."
Measuring Talent Is Knowing
Maxime has been certified for the Talent Motivation Analysis (TMA) since 2019. The TMA methodology makes visible what the talents, competencies, and motivations of an individual are. Her certification and extensive knowledge make her an enormous asset to the team.
It's the methodology that DPA uses organization-wide to develop talent. "Our job profiles are linked to the TMA methodology. These profiles describe which skills you as a professional must master at each level.
Such as time management at the junior level. Or group-oriented leadership at the senior level. If someone doesn't have these competencies yet, we can work on them together. And what professional growth do you want to achieve? That's ultimately the basis. Some professionals have a good insight into what they want to develop. Others don't. Especially then, it's good to know which talent path you can follow as a professional."
Development Is Customized
We go through this process with every professional. First a TMA, followed by the creation of a development plan with objectives. **In addition, we have a check-in every two months. We really want to make a difference in the personal bond we build. Just to hear how you're doing. Are you still in the right place? Where can we help you? What feedback are you getting from the client? Some professionals appreciate intensive guidance and contact. Others need a little less.
You as a professional make that choice yourself. Because that's talent in control too. Development choices also depend on your stage of life. Are you 25 years old? Then you have very different needs than someone who is 55. From a flying start to your career to a job where you still enjoy working until your retirement. Ultimately, development is truly customized."
Coming into Your Own as a Professional
As someone who has worked as a consultant for several years, Maxime understands very well the added value of interim work at DPA. "You get the opportunity to work with multiple clients. So you can find out what suits you best. You'll also make faster progress in your development. This learning process is a real career accelerator. We sometimes joke at engineering that we can get you to project leader level within three years.
But it's really true. If that's what you as a professional aspire to. We're here to facilitate. You as a professional indicate what works for you. Of course, we're realistic about it. Do you have no work experience at all as a professional? Then we adjust the expectations and first work on your foundation. But we will do everything we can to get you to the right level. By investing in your development, giving attention, and being a safety net throughout your talent path."
More info on the DPA website