At the intersection of expertise and teamwork lies the powerful collaboration between consultants and companies. A case in point is the partnership between Agile Architects (AA) and District09, where a junior enterprise architect, Yara Verhasselt, embarked on a journey to enhance District09’s application landscape. This blog explores how AA supports its consultants, Yara’s experience with District09, and how the relationship between consultant and company contributes to long-term success.
The Consultant’s Perspective: A Journey of Growth and Support
Valuable Support from AA
Yara Verhasselt, as a consultant at AA, speaks highly of the supportive environment fostered by the company. From day one, AA ensured that she felt comfortable and could easily reach out for assistance when needed. “There is a culture where colleagues respond quickly to situations where you get stuck,” she explains. AA encourages a collaborative environment where information flows freely, helping consultants connect with the right colleagues when facing challenges.
Beyond this informal support, AA provides a structured approach to personal and professional growth. Regular bi-weekly consultations allow consultants like Yara to discuss progress, raise project challenges, and refine their development plans. “This creates an atmosphere of trust, where you work together on a future plan that allows you to reach your full potential,” Yara notes. The emphasis on obtaining relevant certifications further enhances the growth trajectory, while AA’s monthly knowledge-sharing sessions foster a culture of learning and skill-building.
A Rewarding Client Experience at District09
Yara’s assignment at District09 has been particularly enriching, as she steps into her role as a junior enterprise architect. Working on mapping the organization’s application landscape, she helps create a clear overview of the systems and processes, offering District09 insights into their operational efficiency.
What makes this role even more rewarding for Yara is the balance between responsibility and support. District09 offers her the autonomy to develop her approach while ensuring she can rely on experienced architects when needed. This combination of independence and guidance has allowed her to grow not only in her technical abilities but also in her confidence as an architect. She adds, “The positive atmosphere and openness within the team contribute to making this experience both instructive and enjoyable.”
The Company’s Perspective: Leveraging External Expertise
Why District09 Sought External Support
District09, like many organizations, faced the challenge of an extensive application landscape that required detailed architectural diagrams—both updating existing ones and creating missing pieces. The goal was to reduce lead time and ensure a more efficient overview of their systems. This led to the decision to augment their internal team with external expertise.
Choosing the Right Consultant
When selecting the right consultant, District09’s needs were clear. They sought a junior enterprise architecture profile with the right mix of knowledge, attitude, and communication skills. Through a public tender process, AA and Yara emerged as the ideal fit. Yara’s strong knowledge of Archimate and her motivation to successfully complete the assignment stood out. Her ability to balance independent work with team collaboration made her a natural fit for District09’s requirements.
Making a Difference: An Example of Success
Yara’s approach of open communication and curiosity has been a major contributor to the project’s success. “To build such as-built diagrams, you have to get the information where it is—with the administrators and analysts of applications and processes,” explains a representative from District09. Her clear and honest approach helped foster a willingness across departments to collaborate, resulting in a positive process and tangible results. The work she delivered, and the process behind it, were received well by everyone involved.
Looking Ahead: A Partnership for the Future
District09 sees a clear alignment between their long-term strategies and the contributions of consultants such as Yara. Although the immediate reason for hiring a consultant was a lack of resources, they appreciate the value that AA’s well-trained consultants provide. “The consultants are well trained and have the right knowledge and skills,” Yara said. This alignment allows outside consultants to integrate seamlessly into their teams and make an impact quickly, something District09 considers a key strength.
While District09’s collaboration with consultants is subject to public tender processes, their positive experience with Agile Architects speaks volumes about the company’s ability to provide skilled and adaptable professionals. The success of Yara’s work reflects AA’s commitment to supporting both their consultants and their clients, creating a win-win scenario for all parties involved.
Conclusion: Collaboration and Growth as the Cornerstones of Success
The partnership between AA and District09 highlights the importance of collaboration, communication, and support in achieving business objectives. For Yara, the opportunity to grow as an enterprise architect has been enriched by both the guidance of her peers at AA and the trust placed in her by District09. For District09, bringing in external expertise has not only helped achieve project goals but also demonstrated the value of well-matched consultants who contribute meaningfully to long-term strategies.
This experience underscores the power of mutual support and shared goals, driving both personal development and business success.
