Strandie in the spotlight: Geoffrey Dumoulin
Strandie in the spotlight
Strand is turning 10!
We grew continuously in terms of revenue and number of colleagues. But more importantly, we grew in culture, attitude, involvement, community strength and family bonds. In short, our family did not only grow, it became stronger.
And of course this is because of our Strandies. Therefore, we would like to put them in the spotlight, starting with Geoffrey Dumoulin.
Who is Geoffrey?
Geoffrey is a 28-year old Strandie, passionate about dogs, horses and animals in general and a true Strand Ambassador since 2017. He owns his own dog school, HS Kyon in Boortmeerbeek, and keeps a zoo of animals at home with his girlfriend. Studying Electromechanical Engineering at the VUB became his basis for becoming a Project Engineer and eventually starting to work at Strand.
1) How did you end up at Strand?
In the summer of 2017, I was searching for a new challenge within the chemical industry. I was contacted by a lot of consultancy agencies, among which Strand Associates. In comparison to the other agencies, Strand immediately gave a different impression. They contacted me to have a first face-to-face meeting and really listened to my expectations, instead of spending the meeting to present their clients. A few weeks later my contact person within Strand, Imke Bongers, had already found me a fitting position at Kaneka Belgium NV and I signed my contract with Strand Associates Consulting.
Currently, I’m still working at Kaneka NV, a Japanese chemical company based in Oevel, as a project manager for the Modifier Production Unit. I’m responsible for the design, budget and execution of all kinds of technical projects, including equipment renewals, production line adaptations and used materials optimization.
In April, when my current project is finished, I will start my second project through Strand, at Ineos Oxide Antwerp as a project manager for technical projects.
2) What’s the best thing about being a project consultant at Strand?
Although I’m not working at the headquarters, I really have the feeling to be part of the team. It’s rare to have this feeling as a consultant, because you don’t have a daily-based contact with your consulting agency. I’m proud to be named a Strandie!
3) How would you describe Strand in 3 words?
This is a tough one! The first thing that comes to mind when I think about Strand is FAMILY. A second word would be OPPORTUNITIES, because you are given a lot of opportunities as Strand. SUPPORTIVE would be the third. The Strand management supports their consultants in their personal as well as their professional development.
4) What’s your biggest win at Strand?
To have colleagues which I can call ‘friends’.
5) Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.
It’s maybe a general characteristic of an engineer, but I’m a huge control freak. I don’t feel very comfortable with unexpected situations. I even don’t like to drive with somebody as a passenger.
6) If you could pick one superpower, what would it be?
I would love to fly. It creates a sort of freedom and it would be very helpful regarding the traffic jams near Antwerp.
7) If you could give one important advice to others in your profession, what would it be?
Grab every opportunity with both hands!
8) What was your favourite Strand event?
This is a very difficult question. If I have to make a choice, then I would choose the Yearly Summit. On paper it looks like a boring event, but in reality it is a surprising and amazing event, every time. I also had the privilege to be part of the last Yearly Summit.
Word of thanks to Jana Lauwers for the organization of all the events!
9) Which Strandie deserves a compliment?
Imke Bongers. She was my first contact at Strand Associates. I can always contact her with questions or problems and at the same time discuss new ideas and opportunities with her.
We're happy to have you in our Strand family, Geoffrey!
