Andrew van der Bilt is Manager of Business Analysis and Talent Community Lead Business & Technology Integration at Avanade. He has been working for the company for over ten years and started out as a developer. Now, he leads a Talent Community of ten people next to his work at one of our clients.

At Avanade, every employee had the opportunity to spend one day a year at a volunteering project. In ‘Avanade volunteers’ we tell the stories of employees who invested their time and knowledge in a project sponsored by Avanade. At any time, they can bring forward a new project and spend a day helping this organization.

Volunteering via work

Andrew started working at Avanade after being self-employed for several years: “I became interested in Avanade because of the company culture and the focus on Microsoft technologies. First I was involved with business analysis and now I engage more with the overall product, from design and placement to end-users. I evolved in doing more client-facing work and like to continue to do so. I am a certified scrum master and visit clients regularly to work on-site. At Avanade there is a lot of room for ambition and growth. You meet with peers, career advisors and communities who all encourage employees to challenge themselves and grasp opportunities. Like our volunteer work; projects that are sponsored by Avanade, where you can spend one day a year volunteering.”

Various projects

As a TC lead, Andrew likes to draw attention to the volunteering projects: “With my team I parted in the ICT Cup, a day full of sport activities that focuses on team building, networking and collaboration. On this day we do not only work out, but we also meet with other tech companies and donate to a good cause. The ICT Cup is dedicated to the fight against the disease ALS. But there are many more projects, like the annual Beach Cleanup and initiatives of the local Salvation Army. In eight hours you can do a lot for others and make an impact. Next to these sponsored projects, you are able to share your own projects with Avanade. If you have an idea and want to make a difference, you will receive the opportunity to accomplish your goals and be a volunteer.”

Looking for new opportunities

Andrew likes to coach young entrepreneurs: “At Avanade, employees are seen and treated as entrepreneurs who carve out their own careers. With my experience and knowledge I like to inspire young professionals who are building their careers and look for peers who experienced this path. Also, I like to stimulate people to do volunteer work. It is a topic that still needs to grow within the company and I like to be one of the go-getters who paves the way for more people looking to be a volunteer. I am an advocate for social engagement and giving back to the community. That is why I am always on the look-out for more opportunities regarding volunteer work and encouraging others to do the same.”

Look at these pages to find out more about the culture at Avanade.