Erik Westerman
IT Specialist
Communications Specialist
Generative AI specialist
- LocationBrussels
- e-mailinfo@erikwesterman.com
- Work StatusAvailable for offers
About Me
Artist, Thinker, Creative Doer
Current Focus
Seeking opportunities in:
- Creative technology roles
- EdTech roles
- Web content creation
- Training content creation
- Digitization work for museums and heritage projects
- IT automation projects involving computer vision
- IT automation projects featuring Large Language Model (LLM) customization
- Project assistant positions
- Team leader roles
My work experience
I'm a versatile technology professional with 25+ years of experience spanning multimedia design, communications, and emerging AI technologies. I started my career in London as a multimedia designer and programmer. I worked in broadcast planning for Discovery Channel and freelance television production, then changed to workflow design at BAA Heathrow and multimedia training at the University of Greenwich. Later, I worked in diverse roles across pharmaceutical, M&A, and EdTech sectors.
Since relocating to Brussels in 2010, I've built substantial expertise within the European Commission across multiple departments (2011-2023). Most recently, I served as Administrative Secretary to the Department Director in the European Commission's Social Media & Visual Communication team.
In 2025, I pivoted to focus on generative AI and automation technologies. Through hands-on, project-based learning, I've developed practical solutions including automation scripts, low-code API integrations, and document summarization prototypes. My technical toolkit includes Python programming and advanced prompt engineering.
I'm particularly passionate about applying AI to historical research, leveraging computer vision for batch OCR processing of historical documents and I'm currently developing educational content using trained AI image models from historical photographs.
What can I do for you?
AI Workflow Design
Automation scripts, document AI, prompt engineering, API integration.
IT & Communication
Project management, public administration, team lead
Digital Learning
Interactive learning assets, MOOC platforms, Moodle
Process Optimization
Workflow design, automation, file management.
Creative Media
Graphic design, video editing, presentations, digital media.
Historical Research
OCR processing, archival digitization, research, educational projects.
Former Employers
Resume
Full Career Timeline
Experience
2018–2023
Assistant to Head of Unit
European Commission - DG COMM
Provided administrative coordination for daily operations, managed IT support for the unit, handled procurement and financial workflows, and supported the Social Media & Visual Communication team within DG COMM.
2016–2017
Secretary to Head of Unit
European Commission - DG DEVCO
Created travel requests, managed mission scheduling and financial data, prepared documentation for delegations, and coordinated internal reporting for DG DEVCO.
2014–2016
Administrator - Legal Entities
European Commission - DG BUDG
Verified and registered legal entities using SAP systems, advised agents on registration criteria, and redesigned reference materials to streamline validation processes for DG BUDG.
2013–2014
Administrator - Legal Entities
European Commission - PMO
Collaborated with PMO staff on personnel record management, administrative updates, and staff modification processes as part of HR validation workflows.
2012
Project Officer (Cultural Projects)
EACEA - European Commission
Managed European cultural grant projects, monitored grant agreements, conducted contract analysis, and reviewed reporting for projects funded under European cultural programs.
2012
Archivist
European Commission - PMO
Maintained physical and digital archives, assisted with pension unit data collection, and supported internal statistical reporting functions within PMO.
2011
Project Officer - IPR Helpdesk
EACI - Enterprise Europe Network
Coordinated intellectual property training workshops, maintained the IPR Helpdesk content, and provided IP support to SMEs across the Enterprise Europe Network.
2011
Project Officer-SMEs
EACI - Enterprise Europe Network
Managed European consortiums for international partnerships, EU funding applications, and environmental compliance audits, supporting SME participation in EU programs.
2010
Live Events Stage Manager
Shenandoah SPRL
Organized performers and logistics for major live events including concerts at the European Parliament and corporate events requiring high-profile coordination.
2009–2010
Presentation Designer
ABTS Consultancy
Designed international trade course presentations, developed online LMS content for corporate training, and delivered multimedia assets for international clients.
2007–2009
Overseas Business Consultant
BCMS Corporate
Contacted over 12,000 companies globally, developed proposals, and increased international response rates by 40% to support business growth at BCMS Corporate.
2006–2007
Global Packaging Artwork Coordinator
IPSEN Ltd.
Managed multilingual artwork generation and approval processes, led product rebranding for global markets including China, and drafted GMP-compliant maintenance procedures.
2005–2006
Designer & Marketing Researcher
SciXten Cryogenics Ltd.
Developed branding materials, websites, and marketing collateral while conducting market research to support business development for cryogenics products.
2003–2004
Photography Technician & Trainer
University of Greenwich
Instructed over 200 students annually in photography, multimedia production, and darkroom techniques, providing technical guidance and one-on-one support at the University of Greenwich.
2003
IT Workflow Process Designer
British Airport Authority
Designed and optimized workflow diagrams, collaborated with senior staff, and contributed to database creation for 6,000 Heathrow Airport security personnel records.
2000–2002
Promotions Producer
Discovery Communications Europe
Coordinated translation, voice-over production, and re-editing of promotional material for Discovery Channel France; filmed content for Discovery Channel Canada broadcasts.
1999–2000
Product Marketing Manager
Reef Ltd.
Developed marketing requirements and product positioning for enterprise intranet software targeting the tech sector while supporting business growth initiatives at Reef Ltd.
1995–1997
Multimedia Designer & Programmer
ARTEC - Arts Technology Centre
Produced interactive CD-ROM content, multimedia educational projects, and award-winning designs recognized by the British Interactive Media Association.
Education & Certifications
2025
Master Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) Systems
Packt / Coursera
Practical specialization in RAG system design for AI projects.
2025
Build RAG Applications: Get Started
IBM / Coursera
Built functional prototypes using RAG pipelines.
2025
Develop Generative AI Applications: Get Started
IBM / Coursera
Designed AI applications integrating generation models.
2025
Generative AI for Educators (Specialization)
IBM / Coursera
Applied generative AI for learning and education tools.
2025
Generative AI: Empowering Modern Education
IBM / Coursera
Studied AI's role in modern educational environments.
2025
Crash Course on Python
Google / Coursera
Gained Python coding skills for automation and AI workflows.
2025
Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics
IBM / Coursera
Learned prompt design for optimizing LLM outputs.
2025
Generative AI: Introduction and Applications
IBM / Coursera
Overview of generative AI models and use cases.
2025
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)
IBM / Coursera
Survey course covering core AI concepts.
2025
AI For Everyone
DeepLearning.AI / Coursera
Introduction to practical AI adoption and strategy.
2012
DL-101 Intellectual Property
WIPO - Geneva
Acquired IP fundamentals via WIPO.
2006
PG Cert Technology Management
Open University
Studied tech management for applied IT projects.
1995
BA Honours Design Studies
London Guildhall University
Specialized in multimedia design and programming.
1992
European Baccalaureate
Brussels
Completed secondary studies with European focus.
Languages
English
French
Spanish
Dutch
Design Skills
Web Design
Graphic Design
Print Design
Coding Skills
HTML5
CSS3
Python
WordPress
My Keywords
Applications
AI & Automation Tools
Web & Development Tools
Historical Research
Portfolio
My Best Works
Think Positive! CD-ROM - 1995
Multimedia Project
On Air! - Science Museum - 1996
Multimedia Project
Various Music Videos 2000-2002
Video
Discovery Channel France 2002
Video
Benefactum.org - 1997
Website
Ipsen Pharmaceuticals China Rebranding - 2006
Packaging Design
Tongue Cleaning Clip - 2007
Patent Design
huklenbrok.org - 2007
Website
ABTS training material - 2009
Presentation Media
TeelDeer – TL;DR – 2025
Python Project
WordRoot – 2025
Python Project
EU DigitalActBot – 2025
Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) Chatbot ProjectAsk Erik
Explore Erik's professional profile through chat
Contact
Get in Touch
Get in Touch
You can also reach me on LinkedIn.