Five years ago, Dennis walked through the doors of Hatch as an intern. Today, he's one of the driving forces behind our engineering team.
In those five years, both Dennis and Hatch have evolved significantly. What started as a small team has grown into a digital product studio with around twenty people. We sat down with Dennis to reflect on that journey, what makes Hatch unique, and what he's looking for in the next generation of Hatchlings.
Never felt like 'just the intern'
Looking back, Dennis doesn't remember his first project as much as he remembers the people.
"I immediately felt appreciated. During my internship I received personal guidance from both Sam and Maarten, and that made a huge difference."
That close collaboration accelerated his learning. Because Hatch was still relatively small, everyone naturally took on different responsibilities.
"You wear a lot of hats," Dennis says. "Not because you're expected to know everything, but because you're constantly exposed to new challenges."
That variety meant he didn't just become a better developer. He also gained insights into product thinking, architecture, client communication and teamwork. Five years later, that learning mindset is still one of the things he values most.
Curiosity beats knowing everything
As Hatch grew, Dennis also welcomed many new colleagues. Looking back, he sees one clear pattern in the people who thrive.
"You don't have to be perfect or know every technology," he explains. "The most important thing is being open to learn, discover and grow."
Growth at Hatch isn't only about becoming a better software engineer. It's equally about broadening your perspective: Learning from colleagues, attending conferences, earning certifications, experimenting with new technologies or AI… curiosity matters more than having all the answers.
"It's not about being a jack-of-all-trades. It's about staying adaptable."
Work hard, play hard
Ask Dennis to describe the culture at Hatch, and one phrase immediately comes to mind. "People-minded."
Regular check-ins, breakfasts, lunches, offsites, board game nights, runs together, darts competitions or the occasional karaoke evening all contribute to a close-knit team.
But none of that means lowering the bar.
"We like to have fun together," Dennis says, "but we're equally serious about building quality software and making our customers successful. We always go the extra mile."
It's a culture where colleagues challenge one another, celebrate successes together and genuinely enjoy spending time outside of work.
Trust works both ways
Perhaps the biggest reason Dennis still enjoys working at Hatch after five years is the mutual trust.
Sometimes clients ask for flexibility. Maybe you're scheduled to work from home, but the customer would benefit from having the team on-site that day.
"That's never really a problem," Dennis explains. "Because it works both ways."
If the team is willing to adapt when clients need it, Hatch is equally flexible when employees need it. Working hours are flexible, expectations are clear, and people treat each other with respect. "It's really about give and take."
Looking for the next Hatchling!
Dennis joined Hatch as an intern. Five years later, he's helping shape projects, mentoring colleagues and contributing to the growth of the engineering team.
When asked what he's looking for in the next Hatchling his answer is clear: It's about attitude. Someone who's curious, who enjoys learning, someone who's not afraid to wear different hats and who is eager to grow together with the team!
Interested in joining? Apply now! https://www.hatch.be/jobs
