From physiotherapist to IT: the common thread in Maik's career

Every step in his career has given him something he uses in his work today. And although his CV might suggest otherwise, the choices he made along the way were anything but random. "There's a lot more thought behind it than people realize when they first look at my LinkedIn or CV."

Where people, entrepreneurship and IT come together

Maik earned his first diploma by the age of twenty. But sitting still wasn't for him. He decided to keep studying and chose to train as a physiotherapist. In that profession, he not only learned how to help people, but also discovered how much energy he gets from personal contact, working together and finding solutions. Over time, though, he felt a growing desire to build something of his own.

Together with two former classmates, he took the step into entrepreneurship and built his own company. During that period, he learned a lot about running a business, and he also discovered where his interests and strengths lay. He was drawn to anything involving systems, processes and customer contact. That combination of technology and people suited him well and further sparked his interest in IT.

What started as an interest alongside his day-to-day work eventually grew into a new direction in his career. Looking back, the move into IT was a logical next step. "The IT side and working with people. I see that combination in everything I've done since."

The power of the Microsoft ecosystem

At a large IT organization offering a Microsoft solution for the healthcare sector, Maik discovered his enthusiasm for the Microsoft ecosystem. He was particularly drawn to the versatility and coherence of the different solutions. From smarter collaboration to process automation: Microsoft enables organizations to work more efficiently, securely and with an eye on the future. And Maik knew exactly how to translate those benefits for the customer. "Microsoft really captures my imagination. They tell a very clear story, and that's easy to get across to the customer."

After two years, Maik realized he performs best in an organization with short lines of communication, where you can move quickly and stay close to the customer. Through a friend, he got in touch with the sales director at Axelio. That introduction opened the door to the next step in his career.

One day shadowing, an instant good feeling

When Maik first met with Axelio, he chose an open approach. "I told them what gives me energy, what I'm good at and what I enjoy less. After that, it was up to them to see whether they had a role for that."

To experience the atmosphere for himself, he asked if he could spend a day shadowing the team. At Axelio, that was no problem at all. "The fact that it was that easy really did it for me. I saw short lines of communication and people who are very positive towards each other." That openness and involvement were the deciding factors for him.

"We do it together and we support each other. You really feel that mentality here."

Connecting, understanding and helping people move forward

As Service Delivery Manager, Maik is the dedicated point of contact for Axelio's key clients in Veenendaal. It's a new role, and he actively shapes it himself. "I work very closely with the customer. I know what's going on and who I need to talk to. I'm really going for a lasting relationship."

Maik's strength lies in connecting people and understanding their needs. He sees a clear link with his background as a physiotherapist. "You work with people, whether that's in a treatment room or a meeting room. You have to listen carefully to the problem and genuinely want to help the other person move forward. There's much more overlap than people often realize."

Building Axelio's future together

The dynamic environment, short lines of communication and entrepreneurial way of working at Axelio suit Maik well. The organization's growth gives him plenty of opportunities to share ideas and contribute to its further development. "If we set up the service organization properly now, we'll reap the benefits five or ten years from now."

He also appreciates the room for innovation and collaboration. Even before he officially started, he joined two AI days with the entire team.

"People are valued and seen here. You're listened to, and if something is bothering you, you just say it."

A career in which you keep growing

What advice would Maik give others? Take a good look at an organization and find out whether the work and company culture suit you. "Spend a few days shadowing and see how people do their work. In the meantime, learn about the company and the subject matter. Do you come back enthusiastic? Then you know enough."

He sums up his first months at Axelio in three words: enthusiastic, approachable and appreciation.

Want to chart your own course at Axelio, just like Maik? View our job openings.