We would like to introduce you to the faces behind CrossBreeze. In this blog, that is Refai Othman. After his IT education at HAN, Refai started working at CrossBreeze as a Data Solution Engineer. Refai has been working at CrossBreeze for over three years now and shares his experiences, ambitions and hobbies in this blog.
Providing added value to various organizations
I graduated from HAN in the summer of 2021. Shortly after, I came into contact with CrossBreeze via LinkedIn. I started a conversation with Harmen and Willem, the founders, and that was a very pleasant conversation. From the first moment I felt that I was talking to accessible and open people. I really appreciate that openness and honesty. What appealed to me about CrossBreeze as a company is the fact that you can be deployed at different organizations. I like that variety.
Team spirit and knowledge sharing
I have learned a lot in the past three years. I am on an assignment at IVO Rechtspraak, an organization that develops and manages digital systems for the judiciary. Although we at CrossBreeze all work for different clients, the bond between us is strong. We have a meeting every week to discuss what everyone is working on. We also organize knowledge sharing sessions, where we give presentations about the solutions we are implementing for the client and where Harmen and Willem share their vision for the future. We also have a company outing a few times a year. This is usually a combination of an activity and a nice meal together. The team is very diverse, with different cultural backgrounds, which makes it extra fun.
Brotherly connection
A funny fact is that my older brother Moo now also works at CrossBreeze. We did the same study at HAN. He started his studies earlier and then went to work elsewhere as a data engineer. I think I got him excited with my stories, because a year after I started at CrossBreeze, he followed my example.
Future plans and ambitions
Looking to the future, I would like to complete a master’s degree and focus more on the business side of IT. I can see myself managing a team. That is of course a long-term goal, but I do want to take steps in that direction.
Happy baby
When I’m not working, I spend a lot of time with my son, who was born in February of this year. We like to go to the swimming pool together. The first time was a bit exciting – especially for me – but we’ve gotten the hang of it now. Now we sometimes stay in the water for two hours. He has to laugh all the time and so do I of course; a completely new experience for me. I also enjoy walks in the beautiful parks of Arnhem. But above all, I prefer to spend time with my family. Yes, I’m really a family person.
