Romi van Belzen - Student
On this website, women from the maritime sector share their stories. This is the story of Romi van Belzen.
What kind of work do you do?
I study Maritime Technology at the Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. During my studies, I am mainly involved in making calculations, 3D drawings and various programs to calculate the stability of a ship. I also do three internships during my studies: two internships in the office and one internship in the workplace, to learn how everything works there. I am now entering my third year and think it is a super fun study. The combination of theory and practice is really great. The maritime sector has always appealed to me, and I am very happy with my choice for this study.
I grew up with boats and in my youth, I could always be found in or on the water. I hope to find a nice job within this interest sector later on.
Does being a woman play a role in your studies?
Sometimes, but it varies. There are a few girls in my school, so you are always amongst many men. I personally don't mind. I did my workplace internship at a repair shipyard, where I was the only woman among about 200 men. Occasionally I was looked at a bit strangely, but in general this went fine.
I did the internship together with a fellow student (a boy). I noticed that when we had to do the same things, some men asked me if I really didn't find it exciting or wanted to do it, while this didn't happen with him. In that respect, I did notice that being a woman played a role. But they always let me do the same work and do my own thing, which I was very happy about.
Furthermore, last year I was a board member of the study association of my program, the UNFC. I visited many maritime companies. I often heard that they would like more women in the sector and are therefore looking for female employees. With the study association we do many excursions and trips to maritime companies, both within and outside the Netherlands. For example, I have been to the Monaco Yacht Show twice, to view the most beautiful and luxurious yachts (even from the inside), and we have visited several shipyards. From the largest superyachts and cruise ships to inland vessels: I have really seen it all.
What do you like most about your job?
To see a ship completed. This way the result of the hard work can be seen, and it is great to see the ship sail afterwards.
I did my workplace internship at a repair shipyard, where I was the only woman among about 200 men
