Can you introduce yourself?
Hello, I’m Ophélie and I’m working at the office in La Hulpe since 2 years and a half now! Before that, I was studying Business Engineering (Ingénieur de Gestion) at the Solvay Brussels School (ULB). After my studies, which I finished in January due to an internship in a large company, I traveled for two months then I gave myself some time to find out what I wanted to do. I was offered an internship of three months, which was perfect for doing that without any pressure.
I knew I wanted to work in a small structure as a Data Analyst and more particularly in a market research company to analyze the data of a whole industry. In addition, I wanted to analyze concrete data as it makes it more interesting when we can picture people enjoying the product they bought.
This is how I ended up at Sparkers, that was filling in all these criteria (and added a new one, a fun and family mindset). So, Sparkers is my first company, where I started as a Data analyst.
Can you explain your role at ✨Sparkers ✨?
I started as Data Analyst (Market Analyst to be exact), for the GSD (Game Sales Data) project in September 2019. I was in charge of the Benelux and Switzerland territories, so it was my job to publish the gaming sales that occurred weekly, regularly update retailers’ market share and overall, make sure these sales data were accurate.
Over time, I acquired more experience and knowledge about the Video Games Industry, the territories, and internal processes. With the help of other analysts, I was able to keep improving the accuracy of our data and the efficiency of our processes. I also learned that I truly liked being the bridge between the Business and the Technical IT department.
This is how, after one year and a half approximately, I expressed my needs for change and for new challenges. Over the summer, I was onboarded on another Sparkers project : Cockpit (a dedicated tool to report and analyze our customers’ sales performance: sell-in and stocks). After a few months’ transition, to make sure my handover was smooth (thanks to our new Armenian office, and amazing interns, among others!), I officially became the Product Owner for the Cockpit projects.
What does a normal day for you look like?
The Cockpit tool is a product we currently offer to main actors of the Entertainment & Gaming Industry. By putting us in charge of collecting their sales, sell-in and inventory data from partners or other sources, we can provide them with a clear view of their sales and/or stocks and simplify or optimize their analytic possibilities.
I participated in the implementation of a Cockpit tool this summer, and I am now in charge of its maintenance, change requests and any possible questions or new developments the client would have.
Moreover, on Mondays, after our Support team checked whether all awaited data has arrived, I am making sure it is correctly integrated. This entails, on a weekly basis, that we have mappings to do (between our partners databases and our internal database) or questions to answer. From time to time, I also manage the setup of a new partnership (e.g. connection to new retailers) that the client would like to add to the tool.
In parallel, I am working on the preparation of a Cockpit tool for new clients and also preparing a new version of the tool itself. This consists in analyzing the scope of the project, sample data, setting up new connections and preparing the data model. It also requires discussions with our future clients to assess their needs and wants for their future platform, reports and extrapolation processes. In short, it is a lot of analysis and this can change every day.
Why do you like ✨Sparkers✨?
One of the main reasons is, despite developing and growing a lot since my arrival in 2019, it has managed to keep its family mindset. A small example would be the fact that I was immediately listened to when I expressed my need for change last year and was able to discuss transparently with my manager to find out what could be my next challenges at Sparkers. Also, I do feel trusted working in this company: the culture is flexible and I am involved in important discussions such as the branding of the Cockpit tool.
It is based in Belgium, but it is very international and multicultural, with offices around the world and diverse employees.
For example, it allowed me to participate in our “Exchange program”, working in Madrid for a month, in October 2021 – during these Covid times, I really appreciated the opportunity to meet some of my colleagues “in real life” and to enjoy the Madrilenian sun and atmosphere!
And lastly, the fact that Sparkers is part of a very modern and dynamic industry that is the Entertainment & Gaming one. Plus, it is a fun one! It is constantly evolving and at a faster pace every year. New pricing models and acquisitions shake the industry regularly and it makes it very interesting and exciting to be a part of it – a big thanks to my colleague Sam for writing weekly news mash-ups to make sure we all stay up to date by the way!
What are your favorite video game & hobbies?
When I was a kid (and even older), I was playing all the time on my big brother’s Nintendo 64, mostly Mario Party & Mario Kart or Super Mario World on my Gameboy. Also, we had the PlayStation 2 with The Sims and SingStar.
So of course, when I joined Sparkers, I got the urge to play again. I do not play a lot but I do own a Switch since the lockdown and a few games. This time I bought Mario Kart again and other games such as Mario Odyssey, Super Mario 3D World, Just Dance… But, before entering Sparkers and still today, I mostly play at FIFA with my boyfriend, my favorite mode is Fifa Street (Fifa Volta now) so that I actually have a chance to win… 😊 We recently started It takes two as well.
Otherwise, I also really enjoy board games, puzzles, reading, cooking and nights out with my friends!