What’s it really like to start your career in IT? In this series, Harvest students and alumni share their experiences of learning, growing, and finding their place at Essent IT. From first-day nerves to career-defining moments, each story offers a glimpse into their unique journey.
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Robin already had the technical skills. What he needed was direction on how to turn them into real value.
A strong start, missing direction
After completing his Master’s at TU/e, Robin knew he could do the work. "I felt like I had the technical baggage from university to be a good developer," he says. "But does that translate to being valuable to a company? Are companies even looking for university graduates, or do they want someone with more practical experience?" Like many graduates, he found himself in that in-between space: capable, but not fully convinced of it yet.
Harvest helped bridge that gap.
Learning the unwritten rules
For Robin, the combination of starting at Essent while being supported by the Harvest Masterclasses was exactly what he needed. It allowed him to directly gain practical experience and build his confidence, while learning the dynamics of a professional environment and reflecting on those experiences in the Harvest Masterclasses.
“How do you position yourself in meetings? When do you speak up, and when do you listen?” He describes it as learning to adapt, almost like a chameleon. This does not mean changing who you are, but understanding what the situation needs from you.
The moment it clicked
During a Harvest Masterclass about team dynamics and leadership, something shifted. "The masterclass had some simple group assignments, but it was up to us how we divided the roles and formulated a plan.
Among the other participants, I naturally stepped forward and guided the team. I got a lot of positive feedback about this from my peers and the coaches," he reflects. Through calm leadership, steady guidance, and a positive mindset, he made the rest of the group comfortable. "That gave me a huge confidence boost."
Growing into the role
At Essent IT, Robin made a conscious effort to step forward. That meant:
● Taking the initiative to build new features
● Trusting his own judgment to challenge ideas
● Honing his communication skills with stakeholders
Over time, he moved from observing to actively shaping conversations and decisions.
Beyond the day-to-day
Today, his role goes beyond team delivery. Robin is an active contributor in the Typescript Backend Community, broadening his impact across the wider IT landscape. "I enjoy collaborating and connecting with developers from different departments. The communities within Essent provide a great opportunity to learn from each other and keep improving every day."
His impact was recognised with his selection for Craft Heroes, a personal development program where engineers take charge of their own growth. "We already got to visit QCon London, a software architecture conference. I’m looking forward to what the rest of the program will bring!"
His advice?
“If you have the technical foundation but aren’t yet sure how to turn it into real impact, Harvest helps you bridge that gap and take the next step with confidence.”