Starting a consulting journey across languages with Louis

Our ‘Bruxellois’ graduate hire, Louis, went from the universal language of applied mathematics to solving business challenges in French, Dutch and English for international clients. Why did he choose to apply his engineering degree to consulting? We sat down with Louis to hear him share his personal journey and motivation.

Louis’ initial choice of a study program in civil engineering was largely driven by his many interests, he explains. “I’d always been drawn to applying technical knowledge to real-world problems, which is why I specialised in applied mathematics with a minor in computer science. This allowed me to explore new fields, such as AI, machine learning, algorithmics and game theory. I loved this approach, as it gave me a glimpse into different industries and helped me better understand how the real world operates.”

Unlike most of his fellow students, who pursued PhDs or other academic endeavours, Louis sought a career rooted in the business world that would also involve social interaction. “Throughout my studies, I developed the idea that consulting would be the best way to learn about different industries and companies,” he continues. At the same time, Louis valued having space for his personal interests alongside his professional growth. “I was eager to give my best at work while also continuing to pursue the projects I’m passionate about. A role that challenged me and allowed room for development seemed ideal.”

In his final year, Louis was contacted by Joyce from Addestino’s HR team: “The way she presented the company in our initial conversation made Addestino stand out as the ideal place to tackle complex challenges while growing both professionally and personally. However, I wanted deeper insight, so I requested to speak with a senior consultant with a civil engineering background. Flor’s sharp mind, wit and ambition convinced me that Addestino was exactly the kind of environment I was looking for. My follow-up interviews with Addestino co-founders Stefan and Dominique confirmed this. As someone born and raised in Brussels, I also knew that my native French, Dutch and English would be valuable in making a difference across the cross-language and cross-cultural teams of the business microcosm.”

Louis recalls his first few weeks at Addestino. “My onboarding was swift,” he says. “By the second day, I was already on-site at a client’s office, sitting in on meetings conducted in a mix of languages with some of their top executives. Fortunately, I was paired with one of our principal consultants.”

His first project involved developing a Proof of Concept (PoC) for a mobile app. “This required me to quickly learn the Power Apps software framework from scratch,” he says, “and delivering my first real business contribution under time pressure was a challenge. Ultimately, things turned out well, and I saw the results of my work implemented – even leading to a contract extension for our assignment. This was my first taste of the real impact I could have as a consultant.”

“After my first project, I realised that I wanted to focus on more than just software implementation,” Louis explained. “Soon after, I started in a data steward role at a financial institution. A deep dive in their technical data shed light on the business reality behind the scenes. From this position, we launched a full transformation project, taking ownership from concepting to execution. The client changed their entire reporting structure to integrate a new technology that would improve insights and subsequent decision-making. It’s great to be able to shape data priorities within such a large organisation, applying my technical expertise to business strategy and innovation. This is exactly what I’d been looking for when I first graduated. I feel that I’m now fully realising the ideas and aspirations I had when I first joined, progressing on a fast growth track.”

When asked for advice for engineering graduates who are undecided about a career in consulting, Louis has an answer ready. “For those with a background in engineering or applied sciences who want to make a tangible impact, Addestino is the perfect fit,” he says. “We operate at the intersection of business and IT, making our environment ideal for civil engineers and technical professionals looking to apply their expertise in a broader business context. Addestino provides space to grow – not just within projects, but also in shaping the organisation’s own future. From day one, you’re encouraged to contribute meaningfully with practical solutions that can be implemented immediately.”