Women Building Our Subsea Infrastructure Future

The infrastructure sector is still too often 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 construction. And we are happy to introduce them to you. In each edition of GWW-Bouwmat, we feature a woman from the sector, sharing her story and what makes her job so enjoyable. In this edition, we speak with Marjolein Ravesloot, Global HR Manager at DISA International.

“Especially in the marine and subsea isector, as a woman you sometimes have to hold your own.”

Marjolein is 49 years old and has been working as Global HRM at DISA International since February 2016. After completing her university studies in Human Resource Studies at Tilburg University (KUB), she gained valuable experience in her early career at large companies, including NXP Semiconductors and Stork Technical Services.

“Each of these organizations had large HR departments,” she says. “At a certain point in my career, I felt the need to offer more visible added value within a company and help contribute to its growth and professionalization. That is exactly what I found at DISA. It is a project-based organization where my desire to work on HR topics in a more project-oriented way is fully realized.”

A Puzzle

As Global HR Manager, Marjolein is responsible for all aspects of human resources, from policy to implementation. “What makes it especially interesting is that we are active on international projects, where various local laws and regulations apply. It is often quite a puzzle, but very educational and fun to do. There’s something new to learn every day, and it is very rewarding. Plus, there is a lot of human interaction and laughter,” she adds. “That is something I personally find very important, that we enjoy working together. The sense of camaraderie here is truly great, and that is why people enjoy working at DISA.”

Tears and Triumphs

Marjolein is used to working in a male-dominated environment. “Especially in the maritime sector, as a woman you sometimes have to hold your own,” she says. “People have a slightly different mentality. In the beginning, there were definitely some tears, but what always helped me through was the incredible sense of humor. Employees also need clear structure and rules, because they are constantly working in different countries and environments where they are not at home. It is not always easy, but it is very interesting, and it is incredibly satisfying when things are well arranged for the employees.”

Listening carefully to employees and responding to what is going on is something she finds very important. And she still has plenty of ambitions. “There is still a lot to create and innovate within my current role to help DISA grow further. And I do that with just as much enthusiasm and satisfaction as I have had over the past years.”