On International Women’s Day, we chat to our HR and Office Coordinator Marine Lamagat who does the arduous yet rewarding job of looking after all the team at Webb Yates Engineers. 

What’s your favourite thing about the working environment?

I really love the flexible working policy we have in place – its only fair us night owls get an extra half-hour in bed. I love the people I work with and think it’s a great company to progress my career, take on increasing responsibility and develop myself and my knowledge of the industry.

What has been the biggest challenge for you moving from France to London and entering the complicated, straight lined world of engineering?

I think the hardest thing has been getting my head around the different vocabulary used in the engineering industry. Coming from a different background, I had no idea what RC Detailing was…. and wish I still didn’t. I feel stressed thinking about the different types of stress. 

You are from a small town called Aurillac in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. Tell us about your journey to where you are now.

I have been in London intermittently for 4 and a half years. I started as an au pair babysitting three young children aged 2, 6 and 8. I no longer au pair but I still seem to babysit and love spending time with my original host family. I then worked as a receptionist in Gaucho restaurant in Broadgate and later returned to France to finish my degree. I bagged an internship in the HR department at a 5-star hotel in Paris and then came back to work for Webb Yates Engineers.

What do you miss about home?

There are plenty of things I miss about home. Being close to my family and childhood friends and especially my chihuahua Harlem.

I also really miss horse riding. I used to ride competitively and (so far) I have been unable to continue this passion in London. Horse riding has been swapped for yoga, gym and dancing on the tables in clubs..

Why did you choose a career in Human Resources?

A career in HR allows you to work in any sector and in all different types of businesses. I enjoy working with people at all levels of the company and helping people when they need support or assistance. Also, its essential everyone is nice to the HR Coordinator so its a win win. 

I also enjoy getting an insight into the wider business management models we employ and the structures we have in place to procure work and make a profit.

What do you love about London?

I love everything about London.. apart from how expensive it is and maybe the rush hour tube! The Big Smoke has something for everyone and I love the nightlife, the restaurants, the parks and the people.

Where is your favourite city in Europe?

That’s easy. London is my favourite city and I feel very lucky to be living in such a diverse and beautiful place.