Following his studies of mechanical engineering, specializing in measuring and control engineering at Deflt University of Technology, Sybren Bakker immediately started work at Akzo Nobel. As Project Engineer at the service unit, he did projects in the field of process automation. "I work on the optimization of process control, the improvement of the relation between man and the machine interface and the improvement and innovation of the control systems. These are mainly projects at MEB."

Sybren feels Akzo Nobel is a fine employer that allows him to broaden his horizon. "I can put the things I learned during my studies into practice and real life is quite different from theory. Process automation is usually one of the last stages in a project. This does not mean I only get involved in the end. I get in there during the various preceding phases as well. Another fascinating aspect, I think, is the combination of my operational work and such tasks as steering, cost control, and planning. I’m given the opportunity to acquire skills that will be useful throughout my further career."

Sybren doesn’t have any clear picture of the distant future. "For the time being, I like staying as close to the process as possible. I would like to get in much more practical experience, getting my hands dirty. And where better to do that than in this dynamic environment?"