Maarten Bekaert, Solution Architect Dynamics 365 CE
In this interview, Maarten Bekaert, Business Solution Architect and Lead Expert at Cegeka, shares his career path and the challenges in his current role. From his beginnings in communication and business development to his growth in the CRM world, Maarten talks about his experiences and what drives him in his work. He explains why he chose Cegeka and offers valuable tips for people who are unsure about their career choice.
Cegeka offers unique opportunities as a Dynamics 365 Inner Circle Partner: we are part of the Fast Track program and have direct access to the latest developments within CRM.
Maarten Bekaert, Solution Architect Dynamics 365 CE
Can you walk us through your career path?
"My career began with a degree in Communication Management and International Business Policy. After my first job in lead generation and business development, my interest in CRM systems grew. I wanted to align not just marketing and sales, but also gain more control over the processes behind CRM. Through a contact at my previous employer, I got into the CRM world as an implementer of Siebel CRM, which was the market leader at the time."
What made you decide to grow into a lead/expert role?
"Over the years, I’ve had various customer-facing roles, from functional consultant to project manager. At my previous employer, I had to quickly adapt when Siebel lost market share, and we switched to Microsoft Dynamics CRM. Without an IT background, I led projects with a technology that was new to everyone, which gave me the chance to prove myself. This, combined with experience in complex projects and team management, gave me the confidence to grow into an expert role."
Why did you choose Cegeka?
Maarten: "The culture at Cegeka is one of the major advantages. It’s a professional, yet down-to-earth team where humor plays an important role. Everyone is ready to help each other, and that makes working here very enjoyable. Additionally, Cegeka offers unique opportunities as a Dynamics 365 Inner Circle Partner: we are part of the Fast Track program and have direct access to the latest developments within CRM."
How did you end up at Cegeka?
"In the CRM industry, it's a small world. Through a former client contact, I got in touch with Cegeka, a company known as an ERP player but also growing within CRM. The challenge of working in a smaller, yet very experienced CRM team on large projects really appealed to me. I’ve been working here for six years now and have grown into the role of Solution Architect."
What are the biggest challenges in your role?
"The biggest challenge in my role is the variety and dynamics of the work. I’m involved in presales, ongoing projects, and implementations. Sometimes, presales processes take longer than expected, which adds time pressure. But that’s what makes it exciting. My approach? Always think from the client’s perspective: what do they really want to achieve? Additionally, I need to stay up to date with technological advancements, especially with the frequent updates within Microsoft Dynamics. This requires extra research, but that’s exactly what keeps the job interesting."
What do you find most appealing about your current role?
"The variety of projects and clients keeps my work challenging and dynamic. Sometimes I work full-time on one large project, while other times the pace changes more quickly. Additionally, I enjoy sharing knowledge and training new colleagues. Within our team, we divide our expertise: I primarily focus on sales & marketing, while others concentrate more on customer service. This way, we stay efficient and continuously learn from each other."
Do you have any tips for people unsure about their career choice?
"Don’t be afraid to seize opportunities, even if a sector or company is new to you. A role as a Solution Architect is perfect for those who like switching between client interactions and technology. If you enjoy dynamism and challenges, this is definitely a path worth considering."
