‘In the early 1990s, the labour market for newcomers was not particularly promising. So when I completed my military service, I was happy to get a job as an account manager with a company in the financial services sector. Later, I took up a job as a company lawyer and controller in a recruitment firm. And then, about ten years after completing my studies, I just had enough. I wanted to do something I enjoyed.

I was always involved with water. I used to be a sea scout, and I live on a sailing ship. So when I saw there was a vacancy with what was then Delft Hydraulics for a project controller/company lawyer, I didn't think twice. Everything I'd done over the course of the years came together. As in my first job, I work on risk management, the work involves lots of financial issues, and I have been able to broaden my legal work. I really enjoy representing the interests of Deltares. And you serve the public cause here.

The content of the work is interesting. I am involved with limiting liability, with intellectual property and with rates. But the most important reason to work for Deltares is the collaboration with colleagues. The substance is what matters here, not the game. People judge you on the basis of your work.’