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For Hélène De Pourcq, growth has never followed a straight path. Her career at Barco is a story of bold choices, steep learning curves, and a commitment to personal and professional development.
Her journey began with a leap of faith. “I applied for the HR Business Partner role thinking, ‘I’ll never get it, but let’s try – you never know,’” she recalls. That leap led to her first job interview. “I walked away thinking, ‘I really want this job now.’”
Hélène got the chance, and she made the most of it. “The beginning was tough, with many uncertainties and challenges. The trust and kindness from my manager and colleagues kept me going. They told me, ‘Take your time, you’ll learn,’ and they were right.”
Hélène during her internship at VRT
After gaining solid experience as HR Business Partner for Barco’s Operations team in Kortrijk, Belgium, Hélène felt a pull toward something more creative. “There was always a small part of me that wanted to explore a different direction,” she says.
With openness and support from her manager, she made the decision to take a gap year and pursue a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her studies, she interned at VRT, the Flemish radio and television broadcasting organization, and explored new environments.
"That year was transformative. I learned how to write for different audiences, how to interview people, how to shoot and edit videos. I gained technical skills, but also soft skills – like asking the right questions and truly listening. It taught me how to shape messages and understand what you want to convey.” These are all skills that are highly relevant to both HR and communication professionals.
Hélène made the deliberate choice to return to Barco after completing her journalism studies. “I’m grateful that Barco gave me the opportunity to explore new horizons. I wanted to come back because it’s a place where you can grow and try new things. That combination was perfect for me.”
Her role has shifted in scope. She returned as an EMEA HR Business Partner, taking on the HRBP role for Barco’s Control Rooms and Meeting Experience business units. She’s also putting her newly acquired storytelling skills into practice by working on communications projects.
I started out working with the manufacturing team in Kortrijk, connecting with blue-collar colleagues, which I loved. Now, I’m working in a more international context, with diverse teams across the world and complex product portfolios. It’s a new challenge, and I’m still learning every day.
What brought her back, beyond the role and the opportunity, was the people.
“I stayed in touch with my Barco colleagues across the world while I was away. It’s such a multicultural and diverse workforce, you don’t find that everywhere. Barco feels like a safe place for me. I missed the team most, and I felt my job wasn’t done here.”
The culture at Barco is something she values deeply. “People are so approachable. Everyone means well and is willing to help – even colleagues you’ve never worked with before. That openness and kindness are what I appreciate most.”
Reflecting on her experience, Hélène shares advice for those just starting out:
“Give yourself time to learn. Be open, talk to people, build your network. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes – I face-planted so many times in the beginning, but every mistake helped me grow.”
Her story is a powerful example of how stepping away can lead to stepping up.
Hélène’s return wasn’t just a comeback, it was a conscious choice to bring new skills, fresh energy, and a renewed sense of purpose to a place that continues to support her growth.
