From Large Corporations to Software with Visible Impact

Christopher moved from South Africa to the Netherlands in 2021. After spending time in the world of large organisations and consultancy, he realised he was looking for something different: a closer connection to the product, more technical challenges, and a clearer view of the impact of his work.

Today, he works as a Senior Software Engineer in BIMcollab’s Prism team, where he helps build BIMcollab Zoom, software used daily by construction professionals around the world.

From South Africa to the Netherlands

In 2021, my wife, our two young children, and I moved to the Netherlands.

Like many expats, we originally came here because of the opportunities in the high-tech sector around Eindhoven. I started working through a consultancy company at ASML.

It was an exciting period. A new country, a new language, and a new culture.

At the same time, it also made me think about what I really value in my work.

Why I started looking elsewhere

ASML is an impressive company.

But in an organisation of that size, the distance between your work and the end result can sometimes feel quite large. Teams operate almost like small companies within a much larger organisation.

On top of that, I was working through a consultancy arrangement. That sometimes left me feeling caught between two worlds: not fully part of the consultancy company, but not entirely part of the client organisation either.

I realised I was looking for something different.

A stronger connection to the product.

More influence.

A clearer sense of the impact of my work.

The technical challenge caught my attention

When I was approached by BIMcollab on LinkedIn, I was immediately curious.

What particularly interested me was BIMcollab Zoom.

I had never worked on software so heavily focused on 3D visualisation, modelling, and complex desktop development. It felt challenging.

And honestly, it felt a little intimidating too.

That was exactly why I wanted to do it.

This is not simple software

I work in the Prism team, the team behind BIMcollab Zoom.

One of the first things that struck me was just how complex the software really is.

From the outside, it may look like a straightforward application. Under the hood, however, there are countless layers, dependencies, and technical challenges.

That complexity is what makes the work so interesting.

You do not learn everything within a few weeks. In fact, even after months, I am still discovering new aspects of the product.

For developers who enjoy solving technical puzzles, that is a huge advantage.

Smart people, without the ego

What I value even more than the technology are the people.

During the interview process, I immediately noticed how open and technical the conversations were. I was challenged on my technical knowledge, but always in a respectful way.

I still see that today.

We work with experienced engineers who set high standards, while also being willing to help one another.

If you get stuck, you do not spend hours struggling on your own. You call a colleague, walk over to someone’s desk, or ask a question in the group.

That makes collaboration here very strong.

Large enough to make an impact

One thing I appreciate about BIMcollab is its size.

It is no longer a startup, but it is also not an organisation where you disappear among thousands of employees.

If you have a good idea, you can influence things.

People listen.

You can contribute to the development of the product, the team, and even the organisation itself.

For me, that is one of the biggest differences compared to larger companies.

Why I enjoy working here

What I appreciate is that BIMcollab genuinely tries to do the right things.

Not only for customers, but also as an organisation.

You see it in the small things: shared lunches, attention to sustainability, open communication, and the freedom people have to do their work in the way that suits them best.

I also believe in the product itself.

The software solves real problems for people working on complex construction projects every day.

That makes it easy to stand behind the work you do.

When will you feel at home here?

I think BIMcollab is a great fit for people who are curious and enjoy working together.

You need to enjoy being challenged, taking ownership, and thinking beyond your own tasks.

If you are mainly looking for a place where you receive a list of tasks and are left alone to complete them, there are probably better options.

But if you want to contribute ideas, have influence, and enjoy working on complex software, BIMcollab can be a great place to build your career.