From backoffice support to Senior Support Officer, Sylvia’s journey at iPS is one of growth, adaptability, and dedication. We sat down with her to reflect on her past five years, the changes she has witnessed, and what continues to inspire her every day.

How has your career at iPS evolved over the past 5 years?

Sylvia’s journey with iPS began in June 2021, when she joined as an Assistant Backoffice employee in the Contracts department. “The initial plan was for me to help clean up backlogs and then support the Backoffice,” she explains. “But the workload in Contracts turned out to be much bigger than expected.”

For one and a half years, Sylvia worked closely with her colleagues Sarina and Jari as part of Team Contracts. However, a major shift came with the implementation of our new backend system. “When the new system was introduced, many processes became automated and digitalised, and the Contracts department was eventually dissolved.”

This transition brought new opportunities. In January 2023, Sylvia moved to the Mid-Office, where she initially supported multiple departments. “Later, in February 2024, I was asked to focus solely on the Maritime department. That allowed me to really specialise and build strong collaboration with the team.”

Her dedication and expertise did not go unnoticed. In April 2025, Sylvia completed her promotion path and stepped into the role of Senior Support Officer, supporting both Maritime and Mid-Office teams.

Another highlight followed in March 2026:

“I had the opportunity to temporarily support the training department of one of our biggest clients at their headquarters. It was a great experience to see how things work on ‘the other side’ and to learn more about the dredging industry. I’m very grateful for the trust iPS placed in me.”

What are the biggest changes you’ve seen at iPS?

Over the past five years, Sylvia has witnessed several major developments within the company. “The transition from one system to another was huge. It felt like learning your job all over again.”

She also highlights the strategic decision to assign Mid-Office employees to specific commercial departments: “I think that was a really good move. It helps Mid-Officers specialise and work more efficiently, while commercial teams benefit from having dedicated support they can rely on.”

And of course, there was a more visible change: “Moving into the beautiful new office in June 2024 was definitely a milestone.”

Can you share a challenging project you worked on?

One project stands out in particular: “The Fehmarnbelt Project in Germany/Denmark was the biggest one I’ve worked on.”

With over a hundred active workers involved, the administrative workload was significant. “We had to arrange CPR and tax cards for all workers multiple times. That required very precise administration and clear communication. It was challenging, but also very rewarding to be part of such a large-scale project.”

What do you enjoy most about working at iPS?

For Sylvia, the answer is clear: growth, trust, and people. “iPS gives me the opportunity to continuously expand my knowledge and improve my skills, and there’s a lot of trust in how I do my work.”

She also enjoys the dynamic nature of her role: “No day is ever the same. You can start your day feeling fully in control, and five minutes later everything changes because of urgent tasks. That keeps it exciting.”

But above all, it’s the culture and connections that matter most to her: “I love the informal atmosphere and the family feeling. I’m very people-oriented, and I’ve made some real ‘frolleagues’ over the years. Feeling appreciated by both iPS and my colleagues is what motivates me to come in every day.”

A proud moment in your career?

Before joining iPS, Sylvia spent almost 15 years working in retail. Making the switch was a big step. “It was completely out of my comfort zone. I went from a job I knew everything about to one where I knew absolutely nothing.”

The maritime industry was a whole new world: “Terms like STCW or MLC were completely unfamiliar, and everything felt overwhelming at first.”

Now, five years later, she reflects with pride: “Becoming a Senior Support Officer is definitely something I’m proud of. I’ve learned so much and I’m still learning every day.”

Outside of work: What do you like to do in your free time?

Sylvia describes herself as someone who “loves basically everything” and her free time reflects that. “I enjoy spending time with my husband, my two kids, and family and friends.”

Her interests are wide-ranging:

• Music, concerts
• festivals, and parties
• Theme parks and board games
• Watching series (with a special love for Game of Thrones)
• Braiding hair

She’s also a proud and supportive parent: “I love supporting my son in chasing his dream of becoming a musical star, and cheering for my daughter’s football team, which has been proudly sponsored by iPS for several years.”

From stepping into the unknown to becoming a trusted Senior Support Officer, Sylvia’s story is a great example of growth, resilience, and the power of embracing new opportunities.