My Portfolio

Activities

Cyber Security Challenge BE 2023

Context

I participated in Belgium's premier cybersecurity competition, an annual event that brings together aspiring security professionals from across the country. The challenge is organized by Cyber Security Coalition and supported by major industry partners.

Experience & Learning

During the intensive competition, I worked with my team FSOCIETY to tackle diverse security challenges. I particularly focused on the cryptography and web security tracks, where I learned practical applications of encryption algorithms and common web vulnerabilities. One of my proudest moments was successfully completing a complex SQL injection challenge that required understanding both the technical exploit and its business impact.

Professional Growth

This experience significantly shaped my interest in cybersecurity as a career path. I discovered that I excel at thinking like an attacker while maintaining a defender's mindset - a valuable skill for my aspiration to become a security consultant. The challenge helped me identify gaps in my knowledge, particularly in reverse engineering, which I'm now actively addressing through focused study.

Cyber Security Challenge BE 2024

Context

Building on my previous year's experience, I returned to the challenge with team FSOCIETY. The competition had evolved to include more advanced scenarios reflecting current security threats.

Experience & Learning

I took the lead on binary exploitation challenges, applying my improved understanding of memory management and assembly language. Working under time pressure, I learned to quickly identify attack vectors and develop exploitation strategies. Missing the qualification cutoff by just four places taught me valuable lessons about precision and attention to detail in security work.

Professional Growth

This experience reinforced my commitment to cybersecurity and helped me identify specific areas where I need to grow. I've since started contributing to open-source security tools, applying the practical knowledge gained from the challenge.

Cyber Security Challenge BE 2025

Context

I participated in the latest edition of the cybersecurity challenge with a new team, Vegemite, bringing fresh perspectives to the competition.

Experience & Learning

This year's competition emphasized malware analysis and digital forensics, pushing me to expand my technical capabilities. Working with a new team taught me adaptability and how to quickly establish effective collaboration in high-pressure situations.

Professional Growth

The experience with team Vegemite broadened my network in the cybersecurity community and exposed me to different problem-solving approaches. This has enriched my understanding of team dynamics in security operations.

Ephec Hackathon Sustainability

Context

I participated in a 48-hour hackathon focused on sustainable development, organized by Ephec. The event brought together students from various disciplines to address real-world ecological challenges through technology.

Experience & Learning

I led a team of four in developing a smart waste management solution. I took responsibility for the technical architecture and learned to integrate IoT sensors with a cloud-based analytics platform. The biggest challenge I faced was optimizing our solution for both environmental impact and economic viability.

Professional Growth

This hackathon helped me discover my ability to bridge technical solutions with sustainability concerns - a crucial skill as the tech industry increasingly focuses on environmental impact. I've since incorporated sustainable development principles into my personal projects and career planning.

Ephec Hackathon Retro

Context

I participated in a unique 48-hour hackathon focused on modernizing retro objects through technological innovation.

Experience & Learning

Working with my team, we tackled the challenge of reimagining vintage items with modern technology. This required creative problem-solving and a deep understanding of both historical context and current technological capabilities.

Professional Growth

This experience enhanced my ability to think innovatively while respecting historical design principles. It taught me valuable lessons about user experience and the importance of maintaining familiarity while introducing new functionality.

Printemps des Sciences

Context

I participated in the Printemps des Sciences event, an educational initiative aimed at introducing young people to various scientific fields. My role was to guide a group of students through cybersecurity challenges and CTF (Capture The Flag) exercises.

Experience & Learning

During this event, I had the opportunity to share my passion for cybersecurity with younger students. I designed and facilitated hands-on activities that introduced fundamental IT and security concepts in an engaging way. The challenges were structured to gradually increase in complexity, allowing students to build confidence while learning practical skills.

Professional Growth

This teaching experience helped me develop my ability to explain complex technical concepts in an accessible way. It reinforced my understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals while teaching me valuable communication and mentoring skills. The experience also gave me insights into how to make technical subjects engaging for beginners.

LAN Ephec 2023 Organization

Context

I took on an organizational role for the Ephec LAN gaming event, managing crucial aspects of the tournament structure and logistics.

Experience & Learning

As an organizer, I was responsible for team formations and tournament scheduling. This required careful planning and coordination to ensure fair competition and smooth execution of matches.

Professional Growth

This organizational experience developed my project management and leadership skills, particularly in handling real-time logistics and problem-solving under pressure.

Microsoft Tools and Cloud 2024

Context

I attended this specialized conference led by industry experts K. Keurvels and R. Gielen, focusing on enterprise-level Microsoft technologies and cloud solutions.

Experience & Learning

During the conference, I immersed myself in hands-on workshops with Azure cloud services. I particularly valued learning about cloud security best practices and compliance frameworks. The most impactful session for me was on implementing zero-trust architecture in cloud environments.

Professional Growth

This conference directly aligned with my career goal of becoming a cloud solutions architect. I've since applied these learnings in personal projects, creating cloud-native applications using Azure services. The knowledge gained has also helped me understand enterprise-scale technology decisions.

Student Job

Context

I work as a barista in a high-volume coffee shop, managing complex drink orders while maintaining customer service excellence.

Experience & Learning

In this role, I've developed crucial soft skills that complement my technical background. I've learned to manage stress during peak hours, coordinate with team members in a fast-paced environment, and handle customer feedback constructively. I've also gained experience in inventory management and quality control.

Professional Growth

While seemingly unrelated to tech, this experience has enhanced my project management and communication skills - crucial for any IT professional. The ability to remain calm under pressure and maintain quality standards directly translates to managing technical incidents and client relationships.

PC Building

Context

I've built custom PCs for more than 10 friends, providing comprehensive hardware consultation and assembly services.

Experience & Learning

This hands-on experience has given me deep knowledge of computer hardware components, compatibility requirements, and system optimization. Each build presented unique challenges and requirements, from gaming rigs to workstations.

Professional Growth

This practical experience has strengthened my understanding of computer architecture and hardware interactions, valuable knowledge for any IT professional. It's also developed my client consultation skills and ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical users.

[Evidence & Photos Coming Soon]

React Paris 2024

Context

I attended Europe's largest React conference, featuring industry leaders and innovative companies in the React ecosystem.

Experience & Learning

I focused on sessions about performance optimization and state management patterns. I particularly benefited from workshops on React Server Components and the future of web development. The conference exposed me to real-world applications of React in large-scale projects.

Professional Growth

This experience has directly influenced my approach to front-end development. I've implemented learned patterns in my projects and shared knowledge with my study group. It's helped shape my specialization in modern web development frameworks.

React Brussels 2024

Context

I attended this one-day intensive React conference in Brussels, focusing on advanced React patterns and ecosystem developments.

Experience & Learning

The conference provided deep dives into state management solutions and performance optimization techniques. I participated in workshops on modern React patterns and learned about the latest developments in the React ecosystem.

Professional Growth

This local conference helped me connect with the Belgian React community and gain insights into how companies in our region are implementing React solutions.

React Paris 2025

Context

I attended the two-day extended version of Europe's premier React conference, which included additional focus on AI integration and accessibility.

Experience & Learning

The extended format allowed for more in-depth exploration of emerging technologies and their integration with React. I particularly focused on sessions about AI integration in React applications and implementing web accessibility standards.

Professional Growth

This comprehensive conference experience has broadened my understanding of React's future direction and reinforced my commitment to building accessible, future-proof applications.