Ilse has her dream job

You can recognize Ilse at family parties by the group of women around her, as she is the go-to person if you want to know everything about the latest hair care products. As a digital marketing manager at SYOSS, she knows exactly which eyebrow dye you can use at home and which hairspray lasts for 24 hours.

Ilse, how did you end up at SYOSS?

In 2022-2023, I took a sabbatical to make a few nice trips. After my return, I started looking for a job that I would really enjoy. I had many job interviews to discover what would be a good match for me. Digital marketing turned out to be absolutely my thing, and I love the fast developments in the FMCG world, all the products you find in the supermarket or drugstore. Since I have been dyeing my hair with SYOSS for years, it was a logical step. One and one is two!

Was it always your ambition to work in the beauty industry?

To be very honest? No, not at all. I have worked in aviation, e-commerce, food, and tourism. I am not the stereotype ‘beauty woman’. I like to spend a whole weekend without makeup, with a bun on my head. Before I started at Henkel/SYOSS, I also had little knowledge of beauty. I just like to use easy products that do what they promise. And yes, I am also influenced by TikTok — my work naturally plays into that. Over the past year, I have learned a lot about hair products, and I find that super interesting. I now color my own eyebrows and have become quite handy with hairsprays. What I look for in a job? Chaos, project management, and change. Ideally, I like to keep many balls in the air at once, such as devising media plans.

What does an average workday look like?

I am a huge planner. SYOSS is part of Henkel, and within this corporate structure, there are multiple brands. I manage digital campaigns for about 7-8 brands, determine the strategy, set up media plans, and work with many different parties. My workweek consists of many meetings with our media agency, brand managers, setting up influencer campaigns, and for example, co-organizing European events for influencers.

How many hours do you work per week?

I work 36 hours a week, spread over 4 days. This way, I always have Fridays off and enjoy a nice long weekend.

Did you expect to do this job as a child?

As a little girl, I dreamed of working with animals. Veterinarian, dog shelter, you name it. I never thought I would end up at a large corporate. But when I look at what I am good at, the picture does fit.

What education have you followed and did you benefit from it?

I started with International Tourism Management and Consultancy and then did a master's in consumer behavior and marketing in Spain. Those studies have certainly helped me get to where I am now. Although I must say that I have learned a lot of what I do now, especially ‘on the job’.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Enjoy! You spend many hours of your week at work, so it is important that you have a job that suits you. Are you not in the right place? Then have a conversation or look for something else. And also enjoy your private life. I lived abroad for a few years, and I can say that they are better at work-life balance there than we are here in the Netherlands.

Are you the type that strictly separates work and private life, or does everything blend together?

I like to largely separate work and private life. Still, I occasionally send some emails in the evening or on a day off. For me, a good balance is very important.

Are you always reachable, or do you work with two phones and only return on Monday?

I have two phones, and I love it. At work, I am there 100%, but when I am off, that time is really for my friends, family, partner, and myself.

What do you wear on a workday?

Casual-chic. A pantsuit is my ‘go-to’ outfit, or nice trousers with a blazer. That can be with heels, but also nice with sneakers.

Do you think about your perfume and hairstyle at work?

Nowadays, yes. I try out products from SYOSS and other Henkel brands, but usually, I don't go beyond loose hair or a basic hair clip. Although last week I spontaneously cut off 20 centimeters of my hair. As for perfume, I love strong, warm scents, like Hugo Boss The Scent Elixir. It depends more on my mood which scent I choose than on what is on the agenda.

Can you give a rough indication of your salary? Above or below the Balkenende norm?

Haha, I had to Google this! That probably says enough, right? But I am certainly satisfied with my salary.

Have you ever experienced a glass ceiling or felt that you had to prove yourself more as a woman?

Digital marketing is a relatively new field, and therefore you encounter many younger people and women here. This has made it easier for me, and I have never really felt disadvantaged because I am a woman.

Is there a moment in your career that you are proud of in hindsight?

That moment came at my first job. There was no vacancy in the marketing department at that time, so I applied for another position within the company. I knew I would grow as soon as a marketing position became available. Eleven months later, I made the switch to marketing, and since then I have grown in (digital) marketing. There are many paths that lead to Rome!