Marjolein Ravesloot, global HR manager at DISA International

The infrastructure sector is still too much seen as a man's world. Nothing could be further from the truth. More and more women are finding jobs and a place in the world of civil engineering. And we are happy to introduce them to you in detail. In each edition of GWW-Bouwmat, we let a woman from the sector talk about her job and what makes it so great. In this edition, we give the floor to Marjolein Ravesloot, Global HR Manager at DISA International.

Marjolein is 49 years old and has been working in the position of Global HRM at DISA International since February 2016. After a university degree in Personnel Science at KUB in Tilburg, she gained instructive experience in her early working years at large companies, including NXP Semiconductors and Stork Technical Services. "All of them organizations with large HR departments," she says. "At some point in my career, a need arose in me to provide more visible added value in a company, and help it in its growth and professionalization. That was exactly what I found within DISA. It is a project organization in which my desire to work on HR topics on a more project-based basis is fully realized."

Puzzle

In her role as Global HR Manager, Marjolein is responsible for all facets of human resources, from policy to implementation. "What makes it especially fascinating is that we operate on international projects, where all kinds of local laws and regulations apply. It's often quite a puzzle, but very instructive and fun to do. There is something to learn every day and it is very satisfying. In addition, there is a lot of human contact and laughter," Marjolein points out. "I personally find that very important, that we enjoy working together. That togetherness is really top notch here, and that makes people like working at DISA as well."

Tears 

Marjolein is used to working in a man's world. "Especially in the maritime sector, as a woman you sometimes have to stand your ground," she says. "People have a slightly different mentality. In the beginning there really were some tears shed, but what helped me up each time was the enormous bowl of humor. Employees also need clear structure and rules because they are constantly operating in changing countries and environments in which they are not at home. It is not always easy, but it is very interesting and also very satisfying when things are well organized for the employees." Listening carefully to employees and responding to their concerns is very important to her.

She still has plenty of ambitions. "There is still plenty to create and innovate within my current position to help DISA in its continued growth. I will do so with as much enthusiasm and satisfaction as I have in recent years."