Paula Ockeloen, project manager at Boskalis
On this website, women from the maritime sector share their stories. This is the story of Paula Ockeloen.
What kind of work do you do?
I am a project manager in the dredging division at Boskalis. Our vessels and personnel are deployed for projects such as port construction and maintenance, land reclamation, and coastal and shoreline protection. In my role as project manager, I’m responsible for the successful and safe execution of these projects, and everything that goes along with that. I have a background in business administration, and I ended up at Boskalis by chance after finishing my studies—and I’ve never left. I always knew I wanted to work abroad, but it took a while before I really found my place. The role of project manager is incredibly diverse and challenging, and it suits me very well.
Does being a woman play a role in your work?
Yes and no. In my experience you notice when you’re part of a minority, and in the sector where I work that includes being a woman. Especially abroad and in my role, there are still (too) few women, though that’s slowly changing. Our work revolves around collaboration, and with the increasing complexity of our projects, diversity in teams is a huge added value for successful execution. This is something I’ve seen and experienced firsthand many times, and I actively promote it myself. In an ideal world, it shouldn’t matter whether you’re a man or a woman, but that’s not always the case. My advice is to never take it personally, but to keep the conversation going. And above all, stay true to yourself: everyone has their own unique qualities and talents that add value.
What do you like most about your job?
My work is incredibly challenging and multifaceted. Every project is different, shaped by factors such as the contract, the location, the local population, and the team you work with. I get to meet truly remarkable people in extraordinary places. It’s certainly not always easy; you’re away from home a lot, and the work can be very stressful at times, but I find it immensely enriching.
In an ideal world, it shouldn’t matter whether you’re a man or a woman, but that’s not always the case