Career story Marijke Oste Ghent

Can you tell us something about your early days at ACE?

Marijke: I started in Ghent in October 1996, together with the then branch manager and his assistant. I had been hired as a management assistant in a commercial role to support a new project manager. The plan was to move to Antwerp together to open a new office there, but when he left the company, I was suddenly on my own. In February, I left for Antwerp alone, with only a chip bin and my drive to make something of it.

How did you experience that transition?

Marijke: “That was exciting, of course, but also a huge challenge. I had no choice, the office had to open, and I suddenly became an account manager. I had to do everything myself. That taught me a lot, especially through hard work. For example, I remember well when I was able to place two very experienced project engineers with a new customer who had problems with Italian machines. That was a huge victory for me. You never forget those first placements.

What do you get the most satisfaction from in your work?

Marijke: What has driven me for 28 years is finding the right people for the right projects. It's great to match people with assignments or clients where they really fit in. The best part is when you hear later from candidates that they feel good in their role and in the team in which they work. That appreciation from both client and employee is the biggest motivation for me.

You work in a technical world. How have you been able to develop in that?

Marijke: I am not an engineer myself, but over the years I have learned a lot about machines, production lines and manufacturing environments. My interest in engineering probably comes from my father, who was an electronic engineer. I grew up in a technical nest and that has helped me hold my own here. Despite not being deep in engineering, I am well informed and that is very valuable in my work.

What makes working at ACE special to you?

Marijke: I have been working in a “man's world” my whole career and feel comfortable with that. At ACE I get the chance to combine the human aspect with helping companies. Companies are struggling with staff shortages and aging, and then when you can assign a good engineer who contributes to their growth, you really feel the appreciation. That human aspect - both for our employees and our partners - that's what makes this job so valuable to me.

How do you see the future at ACE?

Marijke: I enjoy working in tandem with my supervisor and the team here in Ghent. We have a good cooperation. Since last year a new wind is blowing through our organization partly because of our new CEO, and that brings new opportunities. It gives me energy to keep working on finding the right match between clients and engineers. That has always been my passion, and it will continue to be.