Meet Dries
From cleanrooms to HVAC
Meet Dries, a member of the A-Team since 2014, who started his career in biochemistry and has made an impressive journey through the world of calibration and validation of air handling units. We asked Dries about his role, his passion for his work, and what drives him in his daily life on the job.
A journey through his career
Dries began his career with a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering in Biochemistry from De Naeyer and started at Advipro in March 2014 at our MoVE department. After a year at MoVE, he worked on projects at Novartis and Alcon, where he was responsible for converting calibration information into protocols for cleanrooms. Later, he took on calibration planning and initiated a calibration program. Dries also temporarily worked at J&J in Geel as QA for facilities and equipment, where he approved documents during a staffing shortage.
In 2018, Dries made the transition to Pfizer as a Project Engineer in HVAC. In this role, he provides quality support for projects and acts as a Subject Matter Expert for HVAC and cleanroom monitoring systems. “In my current project at Pfizer, I am responsible for the validation of air handling units and cleanrooms. This involves ensuring that the environments where products are manufactured meet strict standards for air quality and sterile conditions.” Over the past few years, Dries has expanded his team, so he is now not only responsible for conducting verifications but also for leading and mentoring his team members.
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"I take pride in my work and feel honored to have an impact on the world. I've contributed to a project that was crucial for the production, storage, and distribution of Covid vaccines."Dries Van Goylen - Principal Project Engineer - with Advipro since 2014 -
“I enjoy going to work because I know I'm part of a strong team I can rely on.”Dries Van Goylen - Principal Project Engineer - with Advipro since 2014
A day in the office
Dries' typical workday begins by starting up his laptop and reviewing documents. “I check my calendar to see which meetings are scheduled, especially those where I need to provide input on specific projects,” he explains. Between meetings, he works on document reviews, addresses deviations from his team, and handles questions from colleagues. “About half of my time goes to meetings, while the rest is spent on document processing and resolving deviations. The work is always varied, with new challenges every day.”
What makes work truly enjoyable?
What Dries values most about his job is the constant challenge. “At Pfizer, they are always coming up with new projects. Due to ongoing investments and innovations, there is always something new to work on. It’s never just a copy-paste of what you’ve done before.” Recently, he completed a large-scale project: the installation and validation of 2,400 freezers for storing COVID vaccines. “Finishing such a significant project is very rewarding, especially because it has a global impact.”
Keys to a successful workday
According to Dries, a workday is successful if he has reviewed all documents and addressed any deviations. “When I can finish the day with a tidy stack of documents and a clear overview of the next day, I know it was a productive day.”
Future growth
Looking ahead, Dries envisions further growth in his role as a team leader. “I want to provide more guidance to my team, with regular meetings and an expansion of my knowledge about HVAC. Mastering the technical aspects of HVAC is an important next step.”
Teambuilding
In addition to his role as Project Engineer, Dries also plays an active role within Advipro as a member of the teambuilding committee. “I’m involved in organizing teambuilding activities for all colleagues within Advipro. This not only helps strengthen interpersonal bonds but also creates a sense of unity within the A-Team. It’s enjoyable to get to know colleagues better and to organize events that promote team spirit together.”
Additionally, at Pfizer, we meet with Advipro colleagues every two weeks for lunch. It’s great to hear about their projects and experiences in different departments.
A team you can rely on
At Pfizer, Dries experiences strong collaboration with his Advipro colleagues. “It’s reassuring to know that you can count on your colleagues, especially when you need quick answers or help with complex issues.” He also emphasizes the importance of asking questions and sharing knowledge within the team.
Projects and personal development
Currently, Dries is working on various projects, such as optimizing air handling units and constructing cleanrooms. “Pfizer aims to be energy-neutral by 2030, so we are involved in projects to reduce energy consumption without compromising quality.”
In terms of personal development, Dries recently completed a leadership course and conducted a training session on HVAC for the first time. “It was a valuable experience to lead a training and share my knowledge with others.”
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"At Advipro, I can acquire knowledge and share expertise. For instance, I conducted an HVAC training for my colleagues."Dries Van Goylen - Principal Project Engineer - with Advipro since 2014
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"Thanks to Advipro's extensive training opportunities, I was able to participate in the leadership course myself."Dries Van Goylen - Principal Project Engineer - with Advipro since 2014
Work-life balance
Dries thinks the work-life balance is well-managed. “I have a relatively fixed 9-to-5 job, with the option to recuperate overtime. This gives me enough time for my family and hobbies.”
Why Advipro?
Dries recommends Advipro for its pleasant atmosphere and the commitment to its employees. “At Advipro, you don’t just feel like a consultant at a client site; you feel like part of a close-knit team. A lot is done to create a good atmosphere, and we know who our colleagues are, even when you work at different client locations.”
Advice for future collegues
Don’t hesitate to ask for help and ask questions,” advises Dries. “We have a lot of knowledge within our team, and you’ll progress faster by asking questions than by trying to figure everything out on your own.”
Find the opportunities that await you
Do you want to be part of the A-Team like Dries? Here, you will have the opportunity to grow, expand your expertise, and work on challenging projects that truly make an impact. If you’re looking for an environment where you can develop yourself and where flexibility and collaboration are key, reach out to us today.
