Cochez has a degree in criminology. He worked for the Belgian quality paper De Morgen from 1997 to 2008, covering internal affairs the first three years and politics the next seven. Additionally, he reported on healthcare, social affairs and the environment and specialised in Flemish political parties Vlaams Belang and Groen. Since 2008, Cochez has been working as a freelancer, writing articles for De Morgen, Knack and Humo.