At ACEN we have some core values, one of them being: Never Settle. We believe expertise is not just about knowledge but also mindset. Staying curious and eager to learn, and Andres and Kelvin are both strong examples of that.
To give you a glimpse into what it is like to start a career in cybersecurity consulting, we sat down with Andres Van der Steen and Kelvin Bogaerts. Both started their journey at ACEN as interns, then joined the Junior Masterclass, and now at work as Cybersecurity Consultants.
Their path shows how learning on the job, with the right guidance and real clients quickly turn into a professional career in cybersecurity. Whether you are exploring an internship, considering a first role, or thinking about joining the Junior Masterclass, their experiences offer a clear view of what that journey looks like.
Read on to discover their story and find out how you can join our upcoming Junior Masterclass.
Could you share a bit about your journey at ACEN?
Andres:
My journey at ACEN started with an internship during my studies. From very early on, I was given the chance to work on real assignments, not just exercises. This gave me a much clearer idea about the job in practice.
After my internship, I joined the Junior Masterclass. That was the point where things started to come together for me. I was still learning, but I also had real responsibilities in client environments.
Today I work as a Cybersecurity Consultant. Still learning more every day, but I also am responsible for my own tasks and projects. That mix keeps it interesting.
Kelvin:
I started at ACEN as an intern as well. I wanted to understand what cybersecurity work looks like in real life, not only in theory. What stood out early on was trust. You are given responsibility quite quickly, while of course still having guidance around you.
After the internship I joined the Junior Masterclass. That helped me figure out which domain suited me best and where my strengths lay. Now I work as a consultant, and I notice how those early steps still shape the way I work today.
What does a typical workday look like for you? What are your main roles, responsibilities, and tasks?
Andres:
Some days are more focused on technical work, other days consist of meetings with clients. A big part of our job is to understand what a client is trying to achieve and translating that into secure and workable solutions.
Kelvin:
My day usually starts by checking ongoing tasks or updates from projects. After that it depends on the kind of work we are doing for clients.
I might be working on configurations, investigating issues, or preparing documentation. There is also a lot of communication involved, especially when aligning with clients or teammates.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Andres:
You are working with different clients, different systems, and different challenges, so it never gets boring. For me, the most rewarding is when you see that your work actually helps a client improve their security setup.
You notice quickly that what you build or fix is not theoretical. It is used in real environments, and it matters.
“Every week you learn something new, and you can immediately use it in practice. That keeps it interesting.”
– Kelvin Bogaerts, Cybersecurity Consultant at ACEN
Kelvin:
The biggest difference for me when moving from school to the office was the real-world application. You are not just studying concepts, you are applying them.
What are some of the biggest but most rewarding challenges you face in your role?
Andres:
The biggest challenge is the variety of environments. Every client has a different setup, different constraints, and different expectations.
The difficult part is keeping things simple, not building too complex a solution. It needs to be secure and sustainable, but most of all understandable and manageable, also after we – as consultants – leave.
Kelvin:
I agree. Another challenge is how fast you need to adapt. You’re constantly working with new tools or new situations, and you need to pick things up quickly. It can sometimes feel a bit high-pressure but it’s also what makes it such a rewarding role. You really notice yourself gaining knowledge and confidence as an expert.
Which also brings me to another important aspect: communication. It is important to communicate with clients clearly and transparently. Sometimes, that also means telling them things that are difficult to hear. Just remember, they hired you as their expert and advisor. They expect you to express certain concerns and to guide them into taking the right course of action.
Could you tell us a bit about your team and how you work together?
Andres:
The team always there to have your back. If you are stuck, there is always someone willing to help or think along. There is always time and space to ask questions.
Kelvin:
What stands out for me is how accessible everyone is. You are never expected to figure everything out alone. There is always someone willing to look at the problem with you. For many of them, it’s almost like a sport ‘who’s going to figure this one out?’. The entire team is really passionate about what we’re doing so when someone does find the solution, everyone is truly interested to hear about it.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a career in this field?
Andres:
There is a lot to learn in cybersecurity, and it’s okay to not know everything. Actually, I don’t think you will ever reach a point where you know everything. And that’s a good thing.
“Don’t be afraid to be the one in the room with the least experience. Everyone started out that way. Keep your eyes and ears open, stay curious, and you are well on your way to becoming a professional.”
– Andres Van der Steen, Cybersecurity Consultant at ACEN
Kelvin:
Start as early as you can, even if you do not feel ready yet. Internships or hands-on experience make a big difference.
You learn the most when you are actually working on real problems, not just reading about them.
Ready to start your journey? Join our Junior Masterclass!
ACEN is hosting a Junior Masterclass designed for students and young professionals who want to take their first steps into cybersecurity. The program is built to help you grow from early interest into practical consulting skills.
Whether you are coming from an internship or just starting to explore cybersecurity, this is your opportunity to build a solid foundation for your career, just like Andres and Kelvin did.
