The text on this page was automatically translated and hence may differ from the original. No rights can be derived from this translation.
Who are you?
Stein Smeets, born on 30 August 1983 in Nijmegen.
What is your role?
I work at Dialogic as a researcher/advisor.
Where do you live (and with whom)?
I have been living with my girlfriend Corence for the past 2.5 years. We reside in Pijlsweerd, a nice neighbourhood just outside the centre of Utrecht. Both Corence and I studied in Eindhoven, but when she got a job at Rabobank, the decision to move to Utrecht was quickly made. Fortunately, I was able to start working at Dialogic shortly after. Now, we not only live in a more enjoyable city, but we also both cycle to work in just 5 minutes. We will be moving to a different house in Utrecht in a few months, still in Pijlsweerd. It will be twice as big and have a sunny garden.
How did you end up at Dialogic?
I graduated from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Directorate Telecom Market. One of my mentors during that period was Rudi Bekkers. At one point, he informed me about a job opening at Dialogic, as a junior researcher/advisor in broadband, telecom, and media. I was not familiar with Dialogic, but the projects described on the website were very appealing to me, so I sent out an application letter immediately. Within a week and a half, I had two interviews and received an offer. I didn't hesitate for long: interesting content, smart and friendly people, and a good, informal atmosphere. During previous job interviews, I always felt like I had to sell myself, but at Dialogic, it just felt right.
Since when have you been working there?
I started on 1 February 2008, just two days after my graduation presentation.
What is your specialisation/expertise?
Due to my background, I mainly focus on the telecom/media domain. I studied Technology & Policy, with a focus on policy issues in ICT. At the Ministry of Economic Affairs, I conducted research on interconnection agreements between telecom operators. However, at Dialogic, I have broadened my expertise within that domain significantly. There are still policy assignments: how should the government approach issues like net neutrality or the deployment of new generation broadband networks? But a large part of the work is more practical. For example, we assist governments and companies in deploying fibre optic networks. Additionally, I try to work in other domains as well. I have undertaken various interesting assignments in the field of ICT and innovation policy.
What has been your biggest success?
I have a lovely girlfriend, an interesting and challenging job, and I am very skilled at playing tennis on the Wii, just ask my colleagues.
What are your ambitions?
I aim to further develop myself within the telecom/media domain, with a focus on policy issues. Dialogic provides an excellent environment for that: people with extensive experience in that field and the right clients.
Which country is your favourite travel destination?
I don't have a particular favourite destination. However, I do have a favourite activity, which is enjoying good food. Therefore, I love cooking at home. While on holiday, I prefer visiting coffee shops, lunch spots, ice cream parlours, and restaurants, interspersed with visits to museums or parks. Italy and Spain are ideal for this kind of experience.
In 2011, Dialogic was …
The same, successful consultancy firm: with good people, interesting assignments, and a dynamic yet informal working atmosphere.
I pass the baton to:
Jaap