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Career Confidential

Stephan Du Plessis

Stephan Du Plessis

I can confidently talk directly to my direct line manager, her direct line manager, and even the director of private equity without hesitation.


What’s your title and how long have you been in your current position?

I joined the company in Luxembourg in July 2019. I had a brief—and perhaps ill-advised—hiatus when I worked for a competitor, but rejoined CSC in August 2022 as Manager, Legal and Corporate Services. Previously, I held roles as Relationship Manager, Legal and Senior Relationship Manager, Legal.

Give us a little insight into your role and what you do.

I manage a team of eight client relationship managers and assistants. Our team provides corporate and administrative assistance to Luxembourg-domiciled companies. The companies we serve are part of global client structures in the private equity sector.

Why did you choose to work for the organization?

I was a commercial litigation attorney in South Africa previously. A former colleague accepted an offer and moved to Luxembourg and told me about the organization. I always wanted to live and work in Europe, and after researching the position, I decided to apply. The role combined my legal background with a dynamic and international client base, an opportunity to work in a truly international team, and is in a great location in Europe.

What has your career growth been like here? Did you make your own path or was it laid out clearly? Is there a particular person who has helped you?

There’s quite a linear career path to follow, assuming you’d like to stay in client-facing functions. I started as a relationship manager which is the primary client-facing role within our business teams. From there I was promoted to senior relationship manager and eventually to manager. The steps of progression in our business teams follows a very clear progression. The client facing teams consists of the following progression: relation officers>relationship managers>senior relationship managers>experts. The manager roles oversee teams consisting of the relationship managers’ roles mentioned, and managers progress from manager>senior manager>director. So, the hierarchies and progression through the hierarchy is quite clear.

In my career path, I’ve been supported by many managers and colleagues; special mentions would include former colleagues Kaj and Viktor and current colleagues (and managers) Sabrina and Roeland.

What makes your team different?

We all have a good sense of humor. We’re also quite united against any challenge or adversity—internal or external. We share a feeling that we are united in the trenches, and our camaraderie is one of the reasons I’m excited to start work in the morning.

Other than the people, what do you love most about the culture here?

Our open-door policy is helpful. I can confidently talk directly to my direct line manager, her direct line manager, and even the director of private equity without hesitation.

What’s the most interesting thing about working here and about the work you do?

Since we offer services to a diverse group of clients, no two days are completely alike. While unexpected things can be challenging, it also makes our work quite interesting.

What are you learning now, and why is it important?

The constantly shifting field of the regulatory and legal framework of the structures we deal with requires continual study and adaptation. To be able to meet our clients’ needs, this is extremely important.

Name something—big or small—that you’re good at.

I have the ability to remain unfazed in stressful situations—I hope this is something that instills confidence in the people around me.

What’s the working environment like? How do teams work together?

The working environment for our team is relaxed. We have limited interaction with other client-facing teams. With other internal teams, there are some natural differences of opinions or priorities, but ultimately, we work together to get the job done.

What is the work-life balance like?

The work-life balance is very good, especially our work-from-home policy. I really appreciate it because I have a substantial commute. Those hours saved allow me to spend more time with my family on work-from-home days.

What interests outside of work tie into your work?

I’m an obsessive reader, which is useful for both work and private life. Although I sometimes have quite useless facts stuck in my head.

What opportunities do you see developing in the industry in the next five years?

The fund industry seems to be taking the lead in driving the local financial sector. Apart from that, I think the banking sector may experience quite a lot of changes in the next five years.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to join CSC or your team?

Be willing to learn, be willing to help, and be willing to adapt. Everything else will come naturally. Don’t take it all too seriously—and enjoy the process.


Have we piqued your interest? Consider joining us.

CSC offers exciting, career-building opportunities that allow our people to drive their career in the direction of their choice. A multi-time Top Workplace, we're a business, legal, and financial services company that provides knowledge-based solutions to clients worldwide. We're also the trusted partner of choice for more than 90% of the Fortune 500®, more than 90% of the 100 Best Global Brands®, and more than 70% of the PEI 300.

From our headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware across offices in Europe, the Americas, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, CSC prides itself on a record of growth and stability. We've been privately held and professionally managed for more than 120 years.

We are the business behind business®. With us, you'll provide world-class client service while growing your career.

For more information, visit cscglobal.com/careers.