'Here, you truly feel like you belong'

Working at Bakker Sliedrecht as a Engineer: the story of Narges Kolkouei

When Narges joined Bakker Sliedrecht four months ago, she stepped into a completely new world. From industrial automation in Iran to complex maritime and offshore projects in the Netherlands, it was a major transition, but exactly the kind of challenge she had been looking for.

“Although I have only been working here for a short time, it has already been an incredibly valuable experience,” Narges explains. “The level of professionalism is outstanding, but what truly makes this company special are the people. My colleagues genuinely support one another and invest in each other’s growth. It is not just a job; it is a place where you truly feel welcome.”

From Iran to the Maritime industry

During her studies in Iran, Narges completed an internship at a technical and vocational training centre, where she gained hands-on experience in industrial automation. However, her current role at Bakker Sliedrecht is on a completely different scale.

“In Iran, I worked in a more academic and training-oriented environment. Here, I contribute to real maritime and offshore projects. The scale, standards, and complexity are entirely different, which makes the work incredibly interesting.”

That transition naturally came with challenges. “I had to adapt to new standards and ways of working. But I saw that as an opportunity to grow and develop myself further. I am proud of how quickly I have been able to expand my knowledge and apply it in practice.”

Perseverance and continuous growth

For Narges, engineering is much more than just a profession. It is a passion that has shaped her ambitions for years.

“I have always had a deep passion for electrical engineering. My goal was never simply to have a job, but to become a truly skilled engineer and contribute meaningfully to the industry of the country that welcomed me. Even if my contribution is small, I want it to matter.”

That determination also helped her overcome challenges earlier in her career. “As a woman pursuing engineering in Iran, opportunities were sometimes limited. But I always kept pushing forward. Here, I truly feel there is space to grow and develop myself.”

Learning from experienced colleagues

What Narges appreciates most about working at Bakker Sliedrecht is the strong sense of teamwork.

“I never feel alone when facing a technical challenge. My colleagues are always willing to think along and help. That support gives you confidence and helps you grow much faster.”

Although she has not yet led a large independent project, she takes pride in the work she contributes to every day.

“I am proud of every task I work on. Every project, no matter how small, teaches me something new. Being able to carry out my responsibilities well while continuously learning means a lot to me.”

“Exactly what I was looking for”

At first, however, Narges was unsure whether Bakker Sliedrecht would be the right fit for her.

“Honestly, the company initially felt a bit intimidating. I had just graduated and did not yet have much professional experience. I wondered whether I would be good enough.”

Those doubts quickly disappeared during the application process. “During the interview, they immediately reassured me that I would receive proper guidance from senior engineers and have real opportunities to develop myself. When I visited the workshop, I instantly knew: this was exactly the kind of environment I had always imagined for my future career.”

Advice for new colleagues

Narges has a clear message for new colleagues joining the company:

“Take advantage of the knowledge and experience of the people around you. Bakker Sliedrecht is full of highly experienced engineers who genuinely want to help you succeed. Do not be afraid to ask questions, curiosity is one of your greatest strengths here. And most importantly: never give up. The learning curve can be steep, but with persistence and the right support, you will grow faster than you expect.”