10 questions for Bart Goorden

Breda, 13 April 2023

Meet our Service Engineer: Bart Goorden! Bart has been working with great passion and enjoyment at Lab Services for the past four years now. The interview below identifies his motives, challenges and vision when performing his service and maintenance activities. So grab yourself a cup of coffee, and learn more about Bart via the ten interesting questions below. Bart, take it away!

1. What do you love most about your job?
The thing I love most about my job is the variety I encounter in my service and maintenance activities. The diversity of the performed activities keeps my job interesting and challenging. A major part of my role involves repairing platforms after potential malfunctions. The first thing I do is investigate the problem. If the issue is located deeper inside the software/hardware, we will request a Third Party to offer further information about the malfunction. It is then my job to investigate which component has failed and how we can resolve the matter. But my activities also include maintaining customer contact, for instance, when processing issues, informing customers, etc.

2. What is the biggest challenge in your job?
I face the biggest challenge when I have to resolve new malfunctions. Some malfunctions are reasonably easy to resolve, but two malfunctions are almost never the same. This means a lot of effort is needed to find a suitable solution. This is where I think my biggest challenge lies. New malfunctions are first registered. I then start brainstorming with my colleagues about where the problem is located, which components must be replaced/repaired, and how this will be done. The solution is almost always found there and then, because we possess the right insights, knowledge and experience. We are rarely unable to resolve the problem immediately. Thankfully, our systems are regularly updated and maintained, which means malfunctions are few and far between. However, even if they do occur, it is handy having a team of experts who are able to quickly repair the system.

3. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Do not be afraid to try things. I have now worked at Lab Services for a while but, certainly in the beginning, was afraid to, for example, remove a particular component from the system or to replace it. This means you could cause the system more damage if you do not possess enough knowledge about the machine. However, this should not prevent you from exploring suitable solutions. In my experience, you learn the most when you dare to experiment. Naturally, you must always take safety into consideration, because we work with electricity as well as someone else's equipment. Assess the situation, consider your safety and, once you are sure, give it a go.

4. What is your main core value when it comes to your work?
Quality. In my job, the best way to supply and maintain quality is to tidy, organise, document and clear away malfunctions and tools. Place cables, components, etc. in a fixed place so that you can easily find them. This will also allow you to work in an organised manner, which helps to avoid unnecessary errors while also offering and safeguarding quality. In addition, we also have standards that we try to meet as Service Engineers. Once a component has been repaired, we double check everything in order to safeguard quality, which is a major priority for us.

5. How would you describe yourself in one sentence?
Curious, positive and a little too busy. I am very determined, have a lot of energy and like to resolve problems. If I encounter new challenges, I immediately seize them with both hands. I am also someone who greatly appreciates a good atmosphere within the team. If I have a bad day, I will never project this on others, and will actually do everything to remain positive.

6. Which of your personal characteristics are you most proud of?
My positivity. My positivity allows me to easily maintain a good atmosphere within the team. And humour is important when doing so. If there is a good atmosphere in the team, and people have a bit of time for the odd joke, this helps to create a more pleasant working environment. Thankfully, there is already a good atmosphere at Lab Services.

7. What motivates you?
As I said, I am curious and like to resolve problems. I am really motivated, and being able to resolve problems is all the motivation I need to get stuck in. For example, if a component malfunctions within a system, I will keep going until it has been correctly repaired or until a suitable solution has been found for the customer.

8. What is your motto in life?
Giving up is easy, but persevering is the biggest challenge in life. This applies at work but also in my personal life. The more you persevere, the more adventures you encounter and the more you learn.

9. In your opinion, what is needed to ensure a good atmosphere within a team?
Humour. As much as I like my job, my job satisfaction is primarily determined by the team in which I work. You can achieve a lot if you are able to laugh together.

10. If you could choose a super power, what would it be and why?
The ability to remain healthy or to restore other people's health. There is nothing more important than health. You can do a lot more with your life if you are healthy. In terms of work, but also in your everyday life.Once you encounter bad news in your immediate surroundings, you get more and more appreciation for doctors, nurses and the healthcare system. In addition, you also place greater emphasis on your own health.