Interview Marion Chalot

1. How long have you been working in the Netherlands?

I started working here at the beginning of 2019, but fell in love with The Netherlands 10 years ago. Although I have lived in different countries this was the first place that made me sad to leave. The more I visited over the years that feeling grew, I love the vibe, the people, this is my home.

2. What do you do for iPS? Explain your job

Since February 2019 I started to work at IPS as a Consultant Tunnelling. I recruit people and manage the daily needs of my clients. The great thing I find about this job is that we do not only recruit people, but also keep contact with them once they are placed. I follow the journeys of both my clients and candidates. You build up a personal relationship, knowing their names, their family. It’s nice to be so involved with people.

3. What are the biggest differences between the Netherlands and France? What surprised you the most?

When you say something in the Netherlands, there is no second meaning. Dutch people are really straight forward and transparent. There is no room to fill in the blanks. The Southern culture is more subtle, more afraid to hurt feelings and leave things more open to interpretation. That’s not needed here at all.

4. What do you miss the most about France?

That has to be the French baguette and pastries! Our bread is like water, we eat it with every meal. It’s unique, in both texture and flavour. And the snack ‘goûter’, also known as ‘le quatre heures’. It’s a sweet afternoon snack you got as a child after school, delicious!

5. Was it hard to integrate?

Well, I am still integrating since I arrived here in 2019, but it goes really well. Working at iPS really helps. I like how we respect and appreciate the different cultures we work with. You don’t need to explain yourself and your ways. We appreciate each others differences and form a team.

Crossing borders

Our Powerful People are making an impact across the globe. From offices around the world, our colleagues bring their unique perspectives and experiences to everything they do. We take pride in our multicultural DNA—because we believe that together, we can achieve more.

 

In this feature, we introduce four inspiring team members who live and work in countries different from where they were born. What motivated their move? What cultural differences have they encountered? And how has this shaped their personal and professional journeys?

 

Discover their stories and celebrate the power of diversity with us.

Marion Chalot colleague Tunnelling

Marion Chalot

Principal Consultant Tunnelling | Capelle aan den IJssel

Vladimir Vladykin colleague Tunnelling

Vladimir Vladykin

Consultant Energy | Capelle aan den IJssel

Stanimir Vassilev profile picture

Stanimir Vassilev

Sr. Recruiter Energy | Capelle aan den IJssel

Sam Merrick Manager Tunnelling

Sam Merrick

Lead Tunnelling | Capelle aan den IJssel