Career reflections: Thierry Dubois's key lessons and advice for the next generations

Written by
Alyssa Lefever
Sisu - Alyssa Lefever
  • Testimonial
  • Pharmaceutical Affairs
  • 03 min. reading

As he was preparing to retire after several years at Strand, Thierry Dubois reflects on a career marked by growth, challenges, and a shift from people management to technical expertise in the field of quality assurance (QA). Now looking back on his journey, he shares valuable insights and advice for those just starting in the QA sector

 

Building expertise over the years

“I mainly worked in QA support,” Thierry says, recounting his career in roles such as GQL support, customer claims, APQR, and handling COVID-related deviations. “My work always revolved around quality assurance, ensuring that processes were smooth and compliant, whether it was dealing with customer complaints or managing partnerships with pharmaceutical companies.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of his work was the opportunity to integrate into both the consultancy firm and client teams. “Being able to work closely with the client and the consultancy team was fulfilling,” he explains. “I found a lot of satisfaction in managing a team, which was part of my personal goals.” However, over time, Thierry shifted towards a more technical role. “After a while, I wanted to focus on becoming an expert in the field rather than managing people,” he adds.

 

Key advice for young professionals

As he nears retirement, Thierry shares the lessons he has learned throughout his career, offering practical advice for those beginning their professional journeys:

  • Invest in comprehensive quality management training.” Thierry recommends taking courses that cover both technical and organizational aspects. “You’ll learn among others to know the different standards, to handle complaints, manage deviations, and even organize meetings effectively. There’s a lot to discover.”

  • “Be proactive and take responsibility for your work.” Understanding what’s expected of you and staying accountable is key to long-term success. “When you take ownership of your work, you gain trust, and it pushes you to perform better.”

  • “Keep an open mind and stay flexible.” His advice to young professionals is to avoid being too restrictive when choosing assignments. “When you feel comfortable in your environment, you learn faster. It’s not just about the technical skills—it’s about building relationships too.”

  • “Don’t close doors too quickly.” He stresses the importance of staying open to opportunities, even if they’re outside your immediate area of expertise. “You never know where new opportunities will take you.”

  • “Resilience is essential.” Reflecting on the ups and downs of his career, he emphasizes how important it is to stay adaptable. “Some assignments can be chaotic. You have to learn how to adapt, establish connections, and keep pushing forward.”

     

Final reflections

Looking back on his time at Strand, he expresses deep appreciation for the supportive work environment. “Strand provided a great atmosphere—a strong family spirit,” he says. “The team managers were always there to support us. I’d definitely go back if I had the chance.”

As he transitions into retirement, his advice for young professionals remains clear: “Stay adaptable, proactive, and never stop learning. The path to success in QA is built on resilience and the willingness to embrace new challenges.” It’s a philosophy that has shaped his career—and one he hopes will guide the next generation in the QA field.

 

Overview