Jochem Knuttel didn’t set out to be a consultant. With a degree in theoretical physics, he was on track for a PhD, until a career event at Amsterdam’s Science Park changed the plan. “There was this presentation from BCG,” he recalls. “I thought: this actually looks pretty cool. Right then I decided I’d go into consulting after my studies.”
While finishing his masters, Jochem joined a small rental service start-up. “It was meant to be temporary, but I ended up working there full-time for over a year.” It sparked his curiosity for entrepreneurship and taught him the value of building things from the ground up.
Joining SparkOptimus opened the door to five and a half years of learning. Surrounded by talented colleagues, Jochem worked on strategy, transformation and digital projects across different industries. One highlight was a project in South Africa, rolling out a new system in townships. “It was concrete work, and we could see the impact right in front of us.”
After more than five years, Jochem decided to explore new horizons. Freelancing offered the perfect mix: variety, ownership over projects, and the space to think about the long term. “If you’re worried about finding projects, don’t be. I had two within two weeks thanks to my network and Sweav.”
As a freelancer, Jochem had the freedom to take on projects that truly appealed to him. One of those was developing the digital strategy for a Caterpillar app designed for mini excavators—a practical project with a tangible product at its core. Another favourite was his work in Westland, where he helped design and implement a trading platform for geothermal energy between greenhouses. “Seeing the system go live with warm water flowing through the pipes was incredibly rewarding.”
After a year of freelancing, an opportunity arose that brought all his interests together: joining an investment company focused on food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. The role combined his curiosity for Africa, and his interest in investing. It also allowed him to work with practical, essential businesses, ranging from a potato chip factory to a dairy plant and a fish farm. “I was not done with freelancing yet, but it came all together. I knew I had to do it.”
Jochem’s advice for consultants considering freelancing is straightforward: don’t overthink it. With the right mindset and network, you will land a project quickly. More importantly, you will learn a great deal, about business and about yourself. “It’s a great way to explore what you truly want to do next,” he says.
And for those curious about his current work? “We’re always looking for good people,” he smiles.
Joeri founded Sweav together with Thijmen Kaster in 2022. Before founding Sweav, he worked as independent consultant and interim manager himself for two years.
