FEB Ambassador Spotlight Misak Danielyan, Armenia
When Misak Danielyan moved from Armenia to Belgium, he initially focused his education on mathematics and science. At university, however, he realised that management was his passion, so he joined our faculty for the Dutch-taught Master in Management. By making the most of opportunities and engaging both inside and outside the classroom, he built a network, settled into his new environment, and sharpened his professional ambitions. Today, he is Corporate Strategy Officer at the fast-growing APK Group and continues to expand his knowledge at our faculty.
“When I was 15, my parents moved from Armenia to Belgium for professional reasons. After a four-month Dutch course, I enrolled in secondary school and chose mathematics and science. I enjoyed those subjects, and they also helped me avoid too many language-based courses, which were more challenging as I was still adapting to the Latin alphabet. After all, I grew up with the Armenian and Cyrillic alphabets. For the same reason, I chose Civil Engineering when starting at university. During my studies, however, I realised I was more interested in managing and coordinating projects than in their technical design or calculations. After completing my bachelor's degree, I therefore switched to the Master in Management at the Faculty of Economics and Business. It allowed me to explore business administration in depth and gain practical exposure to the business world.”
Building a network through ESN
“During my studies, I served first as a board member and later as President of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), one of the largest student organisations in the world. Its Leuven branch, with over 1,000 members, is the largest in Belgium. A team of 40 volunteer board members provides a wide range of services, primarily for international students, including welcome events, social activities and practical support.”
“My involvement with ESN was my first opportunity to gain management experience and an excellent way to connect with international and local students. Through collaboration and shared achievements, friendships naturally emerge. International students often struggle to settle in when they are seen as only temporary classmates. Getting involved in organisations and activities helps you step outside your international bubble and make the most of your student experience.”
“Beyond ESN, I also took part in Ekonomika activities, such as the Leuven Case Competition and Skills Programmes. I even taught boxing to students, fortunately without any injuries! The classes were popular: they were healthy, enjoyable, and helped me save some money.”
First Steps in Business
“After completing my master's degree, I joined The Member Company, an engineering-focused consultancy firm, as a Business Manager. In this commercial role, my main responsibility was to expand the company's activities. Meeting with decision-makers and learning how to win them over to your proposal was an excellent introduction to the business world. Although I could approach virtually any company, project management was not part of my role. Once a project was sold, it was handed over to colleagues who were doing what I actually dreamt of. Over time, I realised I was ready for the next step in my career.”
“My career path is a combination of circumstance and, perhaps, the good fortune of finding myself in the right role at the right time.”
“Inspired by the success of the boxing classes, I considered starting a business matching engineers with companies looking for technical talent. Market research indicated strong interest in such a service, but by the time my partner and I were preparing to launch, several major competitors entered the market. Rather than becoming just another player, we decided not to pursue the idea.”
A Perfect Fit
“That entrepreneurial journey did, however, teach me that an SME environment (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise) suited me best. In a smaller company, you are immediately involved in a wide variety of challenges and can make a direct impact. With that in mind, moving to Build Software, a developer of ERP solutions (Enterprise Resource Planning) for the construction industry, as Head of Operations was a logical next step. It was a broad role in which I sold and managed projects from start to finish, combining several of my professional ambitions. Once again, I found myself working with major clients, such as Willy Naessens, and engaging in discussions at C-level. The broad scope of the role allowed me to learn quickly and continuously.”
“Build Software has since become part of APK Group, a rapidly growing family-owned company from Limburg specialising in infrastructure projects for clients such as Fluvius. The group employs more than 2,500 people, generates annual revenue of over € 500 million, and operates across Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Luxembourg.”
“APK asked me to lead Build Software as Interim Managing Director to help integrate the company into the wider group. Once that process was completed, I handed over the responsibility to the CEO, and I now work as APK’s Corporate Strategy Officer. My role focuses on aligning teams, activities, and business entities as effectively as possible, while also leading some projects myself.”
The Right Role at the Right Time
“My career path is a combination of circumstance and, perhaps, the good fortune of finding myself in the right role at the right time. That allowed me to make a positive impression through both my work and my contributions during discussions.”
“ERP implementations reach far beyond building a management system. They provide companies with an opportunity to fundamentally rethink their processes and transform themselves for the future. This often requires a great deal of persistence, persuasion, and patience. Alongside major breakthroughs, you sometimes have to be satisfied with small steps forward. As you develop and apply this strategic and tactical way of thinking, you can grow into positions of greater responsibility within an organisation. The acquisition of Build Software by APK came at exactly the right moment for me to make such a move.”
“I believe students should gain as much practical experience as possible.”
Giving back as a FEB Ambassador
“As a FEB Ambassador, I can give back for the opportunities I received as a student. My education at KU Leuven provided an excellent foundation for a successful career, both academically and personally. As a student, you enjoy a great deal of freedom, which challenges you to organise your studies independently. In many ways, you become the manager of your own education, a responsibility that prepares you well for professional life.”
“That said, academic success alone is no guarantee that you will perform well in a job. I believe students should gain as much practical experience as possible, for example through internships, where they can experiment, build confidence, and make mistakes in a safe environment. Once you start working, information often remains incomplete, so it is important to learn early how to make decisions and keep moving forward despite uncertainty.”
“I enjoy sharing such insights with prospective students. KU Leuven and FEB offer both high-quality programmes and extensive support services. Navigating these opportunities is not always straightforward for students coming from abroad, but I can help them find their way.”
“As long as it remains manageable, I would encourage students to pursue additional goals that help them grow as individuals. I am still studying at the Faculty of Economics and Business and am considering a more technical programme once I complete this degree, provided I can combine it with my professional and personal commitments. Personally, I perform best when I have a little too much on my plate. I prefer a workload of 110 to 120 per cent, because a certain level of pressure sharpens my focus and improves my efficiency.”
Making Belgium your Home
“Finally, I have one piece of advice for international students who intend to stay in Belgium after graduation: make that intention clear early on and act accordingly. In my experience, becoming part of the local community only happens if you consciously invest time and effort, for example by learning the language and taking part in local activities.”
“Especially in the beginning, this can be challenging when combined with a new study programme and perhaps a student job. Nevertheless, it is rewarding and, in my view, well worth the effort. KU Leuven and the wider community offer countless activities and organisations. Seek them out, keep an open mind, and you will find something that suits you. These experiences help you build connections, feel at home more quickly and lay the foundation for a fulfilling social and professional life.”
Peter Vancompernolle & Veerle De Grauwe