"I wanted to be totally independent, challenged, being completely out of my comfort zone."

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Pascale Eeckelers

Born in Reet, Belgium, 1963

Masters in Geology

KUL (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven), Leuven Belgium

Field of work

Operations

Areas of interest outside work

Traveling, hiking, running, swimming, cycling.

Growing up, I wanted to be totally independent, challenged and do things that would take me completely out of my comfort zone. I was a very independent child and traveled on my own at a very young age. I felt the urge to travel extensively. My father always gave me the confidence that whatever choices I made in life, I would succeed in what I did. He made me aware that opportunities might only pass once and that it is important to take them—even if they would put me completely out of my depth.

This independence and the love of travel have remained with me, and my job has helped fulfill both of those needs. I can work independently to a large extent, and I enjoy visiting field crews and other sites. My work in survey design and support of project managers, sales managers and customers has allowed me to work with and for some excellent people, who have not hesitated to pass their knowledge on to me. These have included senior field personnel, technical managers, country managers and others. The extended traveling and working in a multicultural environment have enabled me to be flexible, very effective and very practical.

My husband and I also travel for enjoyment every chance we can, hopping on a plane and discovering new places. It broadens your horizon; it builds inner strength and confidence; and it gives you an appreciation and respect for the surrounding world and cultures. We recently had a son, and surprise, surprise...he is a good traveler—not out of choice, though.

As you look ahead, remember that whatever people may say, you are the one building your career and walking your career path. Do not sit back, but take the opportunities that are rising, challenge yourself and choose for you the life you want to live.