Working at Goudstikker-de Vries is more than just a job, read our stories about our daily work and challenges here.

“Challenges aplenty and opportunities aplenty!”

How did you end up at Goudstikker-de Vries?

“After studying structural engineering at TU Eindhoven, I started looking for a job as a structural engineer in the Den Bosch area. My search went very quickly, if I say so myself. I Googled ”construction agency”, I saw that there were a few companies in the area, including Goudstikker-de Vries. I then sent my CV, asking, ”Are you still looking for starters?” My approach proved successful, as I was able to get an interview at all the companies I’d approached.”

Why did you choose Goudstikker-de Vries?

“That was a very easy choice for me! Goudstikker has a good name in the market because of the challenging and diverse projects they have done throughout the Netherlands. Besides, I immediately had a very good feeling during the job interview. The office looks good and is spacious, lots of light and I think it has a very pleasant atmosphere. I think these are important preconditions for doing my job well.”

What is the working atmosphere like at Goudstikker-de Vries?

“It’s great and matched my first impression perfectly. There is an open working atmosphere here, pleasant and informal. We have an open-door policy, which makes it easy to walk in on colleagues when you need help or want to spar. Now that we have to work from home a lot because of Covid-19, we sometimes just call each other. Just catching up on work and other things, that’s just possible here.”

What does an average working day look like?

“At Goudstikker-de Vries, I work as a structural engineer on several projects that are in different phases. An average working day consists, for example, of making calculations for constructions and having internal and external meetings. I know the planning for each project, which I coordinate with the project leader. Within this planning, I organise my own work, as long as it is finished on time. This gives me responsibility and freedom over my own work.”

“Besides my daily work, I’m chairman of the works council. I also participate in internal working groups to improve working processes within Goudstikker – de Vries in the field of BIM, 3D and the automatisation of calculations. Plenty of challenges and opportunities!”

– Wessel, Constructeur

“Creative colleagues with perseverance fit in well here.”

What does your career at Goudstikker-de Vries look like?

“25 Years ago, I had no idea what exactly an engineering firm did; I studied HTS structural engineering because of my keen interest in this field. During my internship in the third year of my studies, I completed a very instructive internship at Goudstikker-de Vries. After graduating, logically I applied immediately. I started my career as a technician and then developed further to become a structural engineer. A logical next step within Goudstikker-de Vries was the position of advisor or project leader. Now, several years later, I am Branch Manager in Assen and a partner at Goudstikker-de Vries. A great job, because I have never gone to the office reluctantly!”

How do you manage your office?

“Goudstikker-de Vries is hierarchically a very flat organisation and you can see that within each office. I schedule work with my colleagues, check progress and still work on projects myself. The doors are open and we have a lot of contact with each other about the work. There is no real management; I make sure that everyone can do their work well and that they have fun. I take this into account by giving my colleagues work that suits them, which creates a good atmosphere in which everyone can perform optimally.”

When do you fit in well at Goudstikker-de Vries?

“I like creative colleagues who go the extra mile for our regular clients to find a good solution. That might be a technically constructive solution that an architect is looking for to realise his design, or something creative that reduces the cost of a remodelling at a private home. At the beginning of the design process decisions have to be made and this requires independence, initiative and the nerve. These are important competences with us.”

Why do you think Goudstikker-de Vries is so successful?

“Goudstikker was founded in 1954 and we have built strong relationships with our clients ever since. A big advantage of ours is of course that we operate nationwide, which means we always have interesting projects from small to large or very complex. We therefore have a particularly wide variety of assignments. From residential towers or a complete residential area with terraced houses to a villa district. You come across it all with us.” From residential towers or a complete residential area with terraced houses to a villa district. You come across it all with us.”

– Gerard, branch manager Assen