Sandra (39) works as a trainee within the DPG Network Area, contributing to the login platform for various apps and websites of DPG Media.
Sandra Munyanshoza (39) from Brussels has a background in music, film, and production but decided to seek a new challenge. Through DPG Media's Campus 19 program, she discovered her passion for IT, and now she is taking her first steps as a trainee within the DPG Network Area.
This small Area plays a connecting role between all the company’s brands. DPG Network consists of three teams: Identity (login and customer management), Privacy (e.g., the cookie wall), and Profilers (data and customer profiles). Since January, Sandra has been working within the Identity team, where she contributes to the login platform. This includes tasks such as adjustments to the branding of login pages or updating outdated systems to meet new business requirements.
"The concept of Campus 19 is mainly about 'learning how to learn,' and that skill is definitely coming in handy now."
In the Area, they work differently from what Sandra was used to at Campus 19, where students received training in the basic principles of coding. "But there, it was mainly about 'learning how to learn,' and that skill is definitely coming in handy now," says the trainee. "Although I was quite surprised by the number of abbreviations used in the team. That might be the hardest part to learn," she laughs.
Expectations of the Traineeship
Sandra’s goal after the traineeship is to understand the entire complexity behind the processes and to fully integrate as a team member. “The advantage is that the team is small, and they have guided me from the very start. Thanks to pair programming, we learn step by step the various phases of a process together. It still feels complex, but gradually, I’m able to work independently,” she says.
Area Manager Tom Bruggeman doesn’t have specific expectations for Sandra’s development by the end of the Developer Academy, as he recognizes that six months is too short a period to fully master a new specialization. “I primarily hope that in June, Sandra will feel that she belongs here and can do what she enjoys with us,” says Tom.
He sees significant added value in DPG Media training young IT talent through programs such as the Developer Academy. “It’s beneficial for our company to introduce new starters to our way of working from the very beginning. A young profile also brings innovation and different perspectives, so it’s a great mutual exchange.”
About Campus 19
At DPG Media, we believe in the value of IT talent and technology for the future. That’s why we are a partner of Campus 19: a program that trains young people in an innovative way to become IT colleagues. DPG Media supports the program, among other things, by providing its building for the training sessions. Over 100 young people began their training in 2024. You can find more about Campus 19 here.
Fun Facts About Sandra
Hidden talent: being a handywoman - I can repair most things, perhaps taking a little longer than anticipated, but I always do it with enthusiasm and a smile!
Never leaves the house without: My AirPods Pro
Favorite workplace snack: A mix of nuts topped with some chocolate, paired with a ginger shot on the side.
Life motto: You are your best thing
About Campus 19
At DPG Media, we believe in the value of IT talent and technology for the future. That’s why we’re a partner of Campus 19: a program where young people are trained to become IT professionals through an innovative approach. DPG Media supports the program by, among other things, making its building available for training. In 2024, over 100 young people began their journey in the program. You can find out more about Campus 19 here.