Monique De Knikker: Project Manager
The 60-year-old Monique De Knikker works as a Fire Detection Project Manager at Cegelec. For projects, she ensures that the fire alarm system meets all requirements, stays within budget, is delivered on schedule and complies with regulations.
“I really enjoy my job, and I
don’t see why women couldn’t
do this kind of work.”
- Name: Monique De Knikker
- Age: 60
- Studies: Strong Power Installation Technician (De Gildevaart), Fire Alarm System Projecting Expert (VEBON)
- Function: Project Manager
- Hobbies: Cooking
You’ve been in the technical world for a long time. How did you find your way into it?
Monique: I left school when I was fifteen. Shortly after that, a friend and I spontaneously offered to install the electricity for some friends who were renovating their house. That experience turned out to be a turning point. What started as a sudden idea made me realize how much I enjoy this work and how versatile it is. That’s exactly why I made a conscious decision to pursue an apprenticeship. This meant combining learning and working: one day a week at school and the rest of the time working as an electrician on site or in hands-on working environments. Through that program, I obtained various certificates in strong power installations and built up strong technical expertise. After almost twenty years of experience in electrical engineering, I further specialized in fire protection. Today, I get a lot of satisfaction from the combination of technology, implementation and responsibility. I monitor the budget and planning, but I also like to be present on site to follow projects closely. That variety makes my job exciting and every day it confirms to me that: I really enjoy my job, and I don’t see why women couldn’t do this kind of work.
Do you think more could be done to make technical professions more inclusive?
Monique: There is certainly more we could all do to make technical professions more inclusive, especially by focusing on this from an early age. The earlier you introduce children to technology, the more natural it becomes that this is a possible career path, regardless of gender. I have seen for myself that things can be different. For example, I worked on a project with a Spanish customer for the construction of a new bioethanol diesel plant in the Botlek in Rotterdam. That customer also brought a large part of his own team to the site. What I noticed was that about half of that Spanish team consisted of women. They were surprised to see that there were far fewer women on Dutch construction sites, because that was completely at odds with what they were used to. What struck me was that this balance proved possible in a country often associated with a macho culture. This shows that inclusion does not have to be the exception, but can be the result of conscious choices.
What advice would you give to women in technical professions or those who are unsure about taking the plunge?
Monique: Keep believing in yourself, even if you sometimes feel uncertain or other people doubt you. What helped me was to stay focused on my work and on why I love doing it so much. You don’t have to constantly prove yourself by trying to be louder or becoming someone you’re not. By staying professional, using your knowledge and taking responsibility, you will earn respect naturally. It’s okay to have doubts, but don’t let them hold you back. If you’re interested in technology, then that’s where you belong. Follow your passion, stay true to yourself and trust that you have more to offer than you might think.
