Navigating the Technological Landscape: A Journey Through Three Decades in IT

As I reflect on my journey in the realm of Information Technology, spanning over three decades, I am struck by the profound evolution that has shaped this dynamic field. It was in 1989 in the Netherlands, that I embarked on my career path as a Cobol Developer, laying the foundation for a journey that would traverse continents and witness the transformation of information technology.

In those early days, the landscape of IT was vastly different. Cobol reigned supreme, and the mere mention of Oracle invoked a sense of awe and curiosity. Yet, as the years unfolded, so too did the technological landscape. The rise of Oracle as a dominant force propelled me into the realm of database development using Oracle Forms and Oracle Reports which, broadened my horizons and setting the stage for my transition to my birth country, Curaçao, in October 1994.

It was on my lovely island of Curaçao that I found my home at Francler Consulting, a promising tech firm that would later evolve into SQL Integrator and eventually, Ictual, a company to be reckoned with. The journey was marked by challenges and triumphs and embracing more new technologies.

Over the years, my role expanded beyond Oracle development. I put on the hat of an Oracle Consultant, delving into the complexities of database management and optimization. As the demand for data-driven insights grew, I transitioned into the world of Business Analytics, using the power of data to drive strategic decision-making.

However, it was when I started working in more specialized consulting roles/jobs that I truly experienced how powerful technology can be. From Decos Join Technical and Functional Consultant to mDr (Mijn Dienstrooster) Consultant, each role brought with it unique challenges and opportunities, shaping my skill set and broadening my perspective.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my 30-year journey has been the opportunity to work with a diverse array of clients and colleagues. From large international corporations to local startups, I have been temporarily assigned to numerous companies, each with their own unique culture and set of challenges. Yet, amidst the diversity, one common thread emerged – the importance of understanding the client and effective communication.

Indeed, in an ever-evolving technological landscape, success depends not only on exceptional technical ability and skills but also on the ability to adapt and communicate effectively. As technologies evolve and concepts, ideas and models shift, the ability to embrace change with flexibility and resilience becomes most important or critical.

Looking ahead, the future of technology appears both exhilarating and challenging. The rise of artificial intelligence, the rapid increase in the use and application of data analytics, and the arrival of blockchain technology signaled a new era of innovation and disruption. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, one thing remains constant – the need for human resourcefulness and adaptability.

As I continue my journey at Ictual, I am reminded of the words of Charles Darwin –

"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."

In a world where the only constant is change, the key to success lies in our ability to embrace it, harnessing the power of technology to shape a brighter future for generations to come.

Author:

My name is Lahrn van Hoop, I am a JOIN Functional- and Technical Solutions Consultant and a mDr Consultant at Ictual. With over three decades of experience using state-of-the-art technology, I guide my clients on their journey in this constantly changing world of Information Technology into becoming the best at what they do. You need to constantly sharpen your skill set to stay on top of all the new changes, frameworks, models & ingenuities.

About JOIN & mDr:

JOIN Case & Document (JZD) is the complete solution for structured storage, providing access, editing and sharing of (documentary) digital information. Both small and large organizations can digitally optimize all of their information processes.

Mijn Dienstrooster / mDr  is a flexible and transparent workforce management application. If planning and time registration are of critical importance, mDr offers all the necessary tools for your planners and employees to manage the rosters and fulfill their work.

Thank you for reading!