Orange Summer School inspires 10 young tech engineers

28 August 2024

The Orange Summer School, a key initiative of the Tech Academy by Orange, offers tech students, trainees and young graduates in engineering a unique opportunity to engage in a practical, personalized learning journey during the month of July. Just like last year, this edition was eye-opening for 10 young tech enthusiasts, but also a refreshing experience for our Orange team. Let’s find out how participants Killian, Anne-Marie, and Cedric experienced it.

The Orange Summer School provides numerous practical learning opportunities that connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. Through hands-on projects, immersive tech site visits, and collaborative brainstorming, participants deepen their understanding of the telecom industry. They also gain valuable insights in the corporate world and pick up essential tips & tricks for their future careers.

Anne-Marie Kourieh, a trainee and 2^nd-year master’s student in Computer Science at UCL, was particularly impressed by the datacenter visit. "Seeing the datacenter in real life, with its immense data processing capabilities, was fascinating. It was great to discover and learn things we aren’t taught in school."

On July 1^st, we welcomed young graduate Killian Thys, who holds a master’s in Computer Science & Civil Engineering from ULB, to our team as a Junior Project Manager in Cybersecurity. His highlight? The 5G lab, where he and the other future tech experts explored groundbreaking applications of 5G, such as controlling robots and drones and using high-resolution cameras – far beyond faster network speeds for consumers. Cedric Kouamou Djampo, a master’s student in Civil Computer Engineering at ULB, adds: “I found it fascinating to discover the immense possibilities of 5G and  how for instance this  technology enables real-time interventions in industries.”

The Orange Summer school is all about real-world experience and making connections. Students, trainees and young graduates learn directly from industry experts, work on hands-on projects, and have the opportunity to network with professionals across the company. “It’s also a fantastic opportunity to engage with other young graduates and recruiters to improve your CV”, says Anne-Marie. “I loved applying university knowledge to real-life situations and gaining insights into business operations in general, like how partnerships and projects are managed, and the company’s organizational structure.”

So, what makes the telecom industry so fascinating for these young talents? Killian finds inspiration in the impact of their work on daily lives: "The most inspiring aspect is knowing that the work we produce contributes to the daily lives of many people. When considering the scale of data in transit, the number of antennas operating to provide service, and all the other resources deployed to deliver the service, I find it both exciting and impressive." For Anne-Marie and Cedric, it is the constant evolution and innovation in the industry, its impact on every aspect of modern life, and the close connection with clients that make it so intriguing. This reflects Orange Belgium's commitment to customer experience excellence, where creating meaningful, personalized interactions is at the heart of every service we offer.

We were very happy and proud to learn that the aspiring engineers got to experience firsthand how much we care about the growth and well-being of our employees. This positive and supportive environment ensured that they felt valued and supported in every aspect of their work, leading to the best possible learning experience. As Anne-Marie shared: "The workplace felt homely, safe, flexible, and diverse. Everyone was kind and patient, which made it easier for us to learn and integrate."

The Orange Summer School proved to be a win-win: we equipped participants with practical skills, industry insights, and a clearer vision for their future careers. And for us? It was a learning experience too. We love to keep learning and adapting, and the young talents provided us with valuable futureproof insights. #ProudToBeOrange

Can’t wait to start your own personalized learning adventure? Discover the Orange Summer School and our other initiatives within the Tech Academy by Orange at techacademybyorange.be

Want to experience the supportive work environment and join our innovative team? Check out our job openings at proudtobeorange.be