Shelly Buijing,
Engineer, age 30
Heerema Marine Contractors

"After obtaining a degree in mechanical engineering and working for several companies on a project basis, I still hadn't found what I was looking for. I felt that there must be a job out there that was more interesting and varied.

During one of my previous jobs, I learnt a little about the offshore industry. And it peaked my interest! I started searching the internet for an interesting job at a company with an informal culture and mix of young and experienced people. I wanted a job where I could develop new solutions and broaden my view of the world. I was definitely not looking for a 9 to 5 job! My search led me to Heerema Marine Contractors in Leiden, the Netherlands. It took me one phone call and a very pleasant job interview to know that this was the company I wanted to work for! I immediately quit my old job and in April 2004 I joined the company.

I still love my job and I never have a dull moment. I just finished my first project: installing the hull of BP Atlantis. It is one of the world's largest semi-submersible production quarters, located in the ultra-deep part of the Gulf of Mexico.
Most of the work is done in the office, but I also frequently visit the yard and the client. During the offshore execution phase, engineers like me work on board one of HMC's huge crane vessels that install the hull. And that's what makes the job very interesting for me!

At this moment, I am working on the removal of a number of platforms from the North Sea. Every job you do at HMC is different, so you keep learning every day! "