Juan Felipe Salcedo Escobar is one of this year's Grow Smart graduates. He spent two years perfecting his leadership skills through training and experienced a lot of personal growth thanks to Projective Talent’s focus on coaching. Now, Juan Felipe is ready to integrate with his client as a Data Science Engineer. "What I appreciate most about Projective Talent is how approachable everyone is," he says.
When Juan Felipe Salcedo Escobar started his Projective Talent journey two years ago, he faced several challenges. For one, he was starting his first job in Belgium after completing his master's degree at KU Leuven. He needed to get used to a working culture that was different from what he had experienced in his previous jobs in Colombia, his home country.
Another challenge was that he was replacing another trainee, which he felt put extra pressure on him. "I felt I had big shoes to fill," he says. Then there was the technical complexity of his role as a data science engineer for a global materials technology and recycling group, where he is responsible for translating all business needs into dashboards and actionable insights. A lot of hurdles to overcome, but fortunately he didn't have to do it alone.
Juan Felipe started the Grow Smart programme as a rather withdrawn person. The thing that has changed the most for him since then is his openness. "In the beginning, I was very focused on figuring things out on my own. But over time I started to feel more confident, more in control. After a few months, something clicked. I realised that I'm here for a reason and that I have something to contribute as well."
After a few months, something clicked. I realised that I'm here for a reason and that I have something to contribute as well.
Now his time with Projective Talent is almost over and it's time to integrate with his client.
One of the key things he has learnt from his time with us is the importance of a support network. "As I became more confident, I felt more comfortable reaching out to people and asking for help. I learned not to see it as a sign that I was ill-prepared for my job. It helped, of course, that everyone at Projective Talent is so approachable," says Juan Felipe. "If you want to talk, they're there to help you and find out what you need. It's a safe space where you can always speak your mind."
As I became more confident, I felt more comfortable reaching out to people and asking for help.
From recruitment to integration, the whole process felt seamless for Juan Felipe. "I never felt alone on this journey," he says. "I always had the company of people from Projective Group and Projective Talent, from my peers to my coaches. And I think that can be a great treasure for others as well. It's nice to have that hand to guide you through the process.
For example, when you finish school, it's not easy to know what you want to do. So if you're in a phase where you don't really know what to do or where to go, Projective Talent is the place for you."
Juan Felipe's advice for starters is simple: use the resources you have access to. "If the support is there, use it. Take the resources that are offered to you and make the most of them to accelerate your growth. At the end of the day, it's a win-win: for you, because your career is growing, but also for Projective Talent, who are trying to get you to where you want to be."
Take the resources that are offered to you and make the most of them to accelerate your growth.
As part of Projective Group, Projective Talent connects ambitious professionals with leading financial services companies, opening doors to career-defining opportunities. Whether through traineeships that transition into long-term roles with our clients, or missions that offer flexible assignments, we ensure the right fit for both candidates and businesses.
With access to A+ clients, expert coaching, and a strong professional network, we help talent and companies grow together - fuelling careers, innovation, and long-term success.
