Read the story of
Wouter - Geotechnical Engineer
Read the story of
Wouter - Geotechnical Engineer
After graduating, Wouter began working on a project site in Dubai. Today, he’s a geotechnical specialist involved in complex tenders and international projects—all with Van Oord.
After graduating, Wouter began working on a project site in Dubai. Today, he’s a geotechnical specialist involved in complex tenders and international projects—all with Van Oord.
I started at Van Oord in 2008, right after graduating as a civil engineer with a specialization in geotechnics. My first project was in Dubai, where we worked on the compaction of artificial islands. I spent a year and a half on-site, living in the same apartment complex as my colleagues. We went to the office together and hung out on weekends—it was a unique way to kick off my career.
You learn a lot there. What you design inside gets built outside. That practical insight stays with you throughout your career. Plus, you build a network of colleagues you can always call: 'Is this feasible? What do you think will happen if we approach it this way?'
You learn a lot there. What you design inside gets built outside. That practical insight stays with you throughout your career. Plus, you build a network of colleagues you can always call: 'Is this feasible? What do you think will happen if we approach it this way?'
Specialist in geotechnics
After years on international projects, I now mainly work from the office, with regular site visits. As a Discipline Specialist, I'm involved in multiple projects at once—both during execution and the tender phase. I contribute my experience, participate in reviews and brainstorming sessions, and ensure our geotechnical team remains strong in terms of knowledge.
We’re often involved at the end of the dredging process: when the ground is being placed where it’s supposed to go. More and more, we’re tasked with strengthening that ground—whether it’s for earthquake resilience or dike stability. Clients increasingly want a foundation that’s ready for use, which requires smart solutions. For example, can we build with weaker materials if sand becomes scarce?
These technical challenges make the work exciting. We explore what’s technically possible and how we can apply it in practice.
We’re often involved at the end of the dredging process: when the ground is being placed where it’s supposed to go. More and more, we’re tasked with strengthening that ground—whether it’s for earthquake resilience or dike stability. Clients increasingly want a foundation that’s ready for use, which requires smart solutions. For example, can we build with weaker materials if sand becomes scarce?
These technical challenges make the work exciting. We explore what’s technically possible and how we can apply it in practice.
I started at Van Oord in 2008, right after graduating as a civil engineer with a specialization in geotechnics. My first project was in Dubai, where we worked on the compaction of artificial islands. I spent a year and a half on-site, living in the same apartment complex as my colleagues. We went to the office together and hung out on weekends—it was a unique way to kick off my career.
You learn a lot there. What you design inside gets built outside. That practical insight stays with you throughout your career. Plus, you build a network of colleagues you can always call: 'Is this feasible? What do you think will happen if we approach it this way?'
You learn a lot there. What you design inside gets built outside. That practical insight stays with you throughout your career. Plus, you build a network of colleagues you can always call: 'Is this feasible? What do you think will happen if we approach it this way?'
Specialist in geotechnics
After years on international projects, I now mainly work from the office, with regular site visits. As a Discipline Specialist, I'm involved in multiple projects at once—both during execution and the tender phase. I contribute my experience, participate in reviews and brainstorming sessions, and ensure our geotechnical team remains strong in terms of knowledge.
We’re often involved at the end of the dredging process: when the ground is being placed where it’s supposed to go. More and more, we’re tasked with strengthening that ground—whether it’s for earthquake resilience or dike stability. Clients increasingly want a foundation that’s ready for use, which requires smart solutions. For example, can we build with weaker materials if sand becomes scarce?
These technical challenges make the work exciting. We explore what’s technically possible and how we can apply it in practice.
We’re often involved at the end of the dredging process: when the ground is being placed where it’s supposed to go. More and more, we’re tasked with strengthening that ground—whether it’s for earthquake resilience or dike stability. Clients increasingly want a foundation that’s ready for use, which requires smart solutions. For example, can we build with weaker materials if sand becomes scarce?
These technical challenges make the work exciting. We explore what’s technically possible and how we can apply it in practice.
Room to grow, even as a specialist
I was a Discipline Manager for a few years, but I realized I missed the technical work. Van Oord gave me the opportunity to return to being a specialist, and that felt like the right move. What I really appreciate is that you don’t have to switch employers to keep developing. I started on projects, became a manager, and now I’m back to being a specialist—all within the same company.
Right now, I’m taking a specialized earthquake design course from the University of Berkeley. Van Oord is facilitating that. We also organize knowledge-sharing sessions ourselves, so we can translate new insights into our working methods.
What drives me is that I still feel like I’m learning something new every day. Van Oord is a family-owned company with a long-term vision. There’s always room to improve. And that’s what keeps the work challenging and fun.
Right now, I’m taking a specialized earthquake design course from the University of Berkeley. Van Oord is facilitating that. We also organize knowledge-sharing sessions ourselves, so we can translate new insights into our working methods.
What drives me is that I still feel like I’m learning something new every day. Van Oord is a family-owned company with a long-term vision. There’s always room to improve. And that’s what keeps the work challenging and fun.
Room to grow, even as a specialist
I was a Discipline Manager for a few years, but I realized I missed the technical work. Van Oord gave me the opportunity to return to being a specialist, and that felt like the right move. What I really appreciate is that you don’t have to switch employers to keep developing. I started on projects, became a manager, and now I’m back to being a specialist—all within the same company.
Right now, I’m taking a specialized earthquake design course from the University of Berkeley. Van Oord is facilitating that. We also organize knowledge-sharing sessions ourselves, so we can translate new insights into our working methods.
What drives me is that I still feel like I’m learning something new every day. Van Oord is a family-owned company with a long-term vision. There’s always room to improve. And that’s what keeps the work challenging and fun.
Right now, I’m taking a specialized earthquake design course from the University of Berkeley. Van Oord is facilitating that. We also organize knowledge-sharing sessions ourselves, so we can translate new insights into our working methods.
What drives me is that I still feel like I’m learning something new every day. Van Oord is a family-owned company with a long-term vision. There’s always room to improve. And that’s what keeps the work challenging and fun.
Persoonlijke en professionele groei
We zorgen voor elkaar
Goede arbeidsvoorwaarden
Persoonlijke en professionele groei
We zorgen voor elkaar
Goede arbeidsvoorwaarden
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'Ik heb hier mooie kansen gekregen. Om te groeien, maar ik heb ook de hele wereld gezien. Thuis kan ik op Google Maps laten zien wat ik gemaakt heb!'
André
Hoofd Stuurman
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