From Next Genner to Internal Sales: colleague Philip in the spotlight

In a world where physical and digital are increasingly converging, it is crucial for an organisation to invest in the right underlying infrastructure. Assisting schools with this is the specialty of Philip Coppens. He started at VanRoey.be in September 2021 and since the beginning of this year he is the contact for all schools of the Catholic Education Diocese of Antwerp (KOBA).

We asked him about his background and how life as a 'Internal Sales KOBAAt VanRoey.be he likes it:

Background in IT & Economics

"After my secondary studies in Economics Modern Languages, a technical direction in the IT sector seemed interesting. So I went to study Applied Computer Science at the Thomas More University College. After one and a half years, I realised that this subject was perhaps not quite my cup of tea. Nevertheless, I finished the course and then went on to study for an additional bachelor 'Business & Entrepreneurship'.

At VanRoey.be I now have the opportunity to combine both qualifications. Although I work in the sales department, my background in IT is a great asset during sales calls."

Philip chooses Sales, like his father and grandfather

So where did you get that 'passion for Sales' from Philip? "Well my father was an Account Manager and often on the road to visit customers. I regularly went along and found it fascinating to see how he managed to maintain these customer relations. My grandfather was also active in sales. He was CEO of Astra Sweets, a sweet factory in Turnhout. So we can say that I inherited the passion for sales at an early age.

Started via the Next Gen track

"When I graduated, I made a spontaneous application to VanRoey.be. I quickly felt that there was a click with the company. The relaxed atmosphere quickly made me feel at ease.

I chose to start via the 'Next Gen Trajectory'. An intensive programme full of training courses tailored to starters. These courses have enabled me to hone my soft skills, among other things. You go through this programme together with other starters, with whom a bond was quickly formed.

Catholic Education Diocese of Antwerp

Although still relatively new, Philip became the point of contact for all KOBA Schools. "KOBA is the school umbrella organisation of the Catholic Education Diocese of Antwerp. VanRoey.be provides there among other things interactive touch screens from CTOUCH. I am responsible for maintaining contact with the various schools. That's nice because it allows me to focus on one sector.

Tasks Philip:

  • Administration: e.g. managing the KOBA mailbox
  • Order processingEntering new orders and following up existing ones
  • Commercial tasksDrawing up and following up tenders
  • Prospectingspotting commercial opportunities
  • Relationship managementCalling contacts I haven't heard from in a while
  • Internal consultationcoordinate with the relevant Account Manager(s)

A Great Place To Work

Finally, we also asked Philip to describe VanRoey.be in three words:

  • Company with opportunities
  • Good team spirit
  • Great Place To Work

"I feel that even as a recent graduate you can count on opportunities at VanRoey.be. The fact that after only a few months at the company I was asked to be the KOBA contact person was certainly nice!

In addition, there is definitely a good team spirit. We are always willing to help each other where possible. The family atmosphere on the work floor obviously helps.

Certified Great Place To Work | VanRoey.beAs the third word I choose 'Great Place To Work'. The official label that VanRoey.be received last year as a result of an audit. I can testify that it is actually a nice working environment here. In just a few months' time, I have really come to feel at ease here. With thanks to the many colleagues who have guided me through this."

Do you also find customer contact so fascinating?

Then take a look at the vacancies.

"Graduated or not, within VanRoey.be you can count on opportunities to grow!"

Written by:

Caitlin De Gendt
Internship in Marketing

With a degree in Orthopedagogy already in her pocket, Caitlin opted for an additional course in Business Management, specializing in 'Digital Marketing'. To put her theoretical knowledge into practice, she chose an internship at VanRoey.be.

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