At IMCD, we are proud to create a place where people can keep learning and grow in their careers. On this International Day of Education, we celebrate our employees and the impact of continuous learning. Their experiences show how IMCD’s core values - being Entrepreneurial, fostering Partnership & Trust, driving Continuous Improvement, and granting Freedom to Act - come to life every day.
Get to know Wouter van Dijke, Erica Machado, Chris Tan, and Elvan Ersoy - four IMCD employees sharing their experiences for the International Day of Education.
Wouter van Dijke
From Intern to International Product Manager
Wouter holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Wageningen University & Research. He began his journey at IMCD in April 2021 as an intern while completing his Master’s, officially joining the company in January 2022. He started as a Business Trainee, progressed to Product Data Steward for Food & Nutrition, and is now International Product Manager.
How did IMCD support you throughout your journey from intern to Product Manager and help you take on new responsibilities?
IMCD's values have positively influenced and supported me throughout my roles. Its core value, “Freedom to Act,” is clearly reflected on the work floor and has given me the opportunity to apply the knowledge I gained during my aster’s in Food Entrepreneurship.
Working autonomously, while receiving trust and guidance from colleagues and external stakeholders across the globe, has been both motivating and educational over the past five years. I have met many colleagues from different departments, and my new role now allows me to collaborate with even more people beyond Food & Nutrition, exposing me to a variety of unique perspectives. I have learned a great deal from IMCD's culture and my colleagues, and I look forward to continuing to do so.
How has your academic background prepared you for the progression through different roles, and what lessons from your studies do you use most in your day-to-day work?
My academic background has provided me with analytical and business skills, enabling me to translate and prioritise data into actionable insights. It has also trained me to approach challenges independently and make decisions by identifying root causes before seeking input from others. This mindset has allowed me to add value across different roles.
Erica Machado
Combining a Master’s Degree with a leadership role as Communications Manager, Latin America
Erica holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, an MBA in Marketing from Fundação Getulio Vargas, a Master’s degree in Corporate Communication from Leeds Beckett University, and a Master of Science in Business and Accounting from the University of São Paulo. She joined IMCD Brazil in 2021 as Communications Manager and was promoted to Regional Communications Lead, Latin America, in 2025.
How did IMCD support you while pursuing your Master’s degree alongside your role as Regional Communications Lead for Latin America?
One month after joining IMCD, I was accepted into a Master’s program at the University of São Paulo. I spoke openly with my leader, and his supportive, transparent response gave me the confidence to pursue my studies while continuing to deliver results.
During my first semester, I had to adjust my schedule to accommodate classes, always with IMCD’s backing and understanding. This experience clearly demonstrated a leadership style based on trust, delegation, and autonomy - giving me the freedom to act, grow, and remain accountable.
The demands were high, but I always felt motivated and empowered to deliver. IMCD’s support made it possible to grow academically while also growing professionally.
How did continuing your education shape your approach to leadership or decision-making?
For me, education is the most sustainable path to professional growth. I pursue learning not as a formal achievement, but as a truly transformative experience.
Leadership, I’ve learned, is less about individual achievement and more about creating the conditions for others to grow and succeed. Education sharpens critical thinking, strengthens decision-making, and deepens empathy, essential tools for anyone in a leadership role.
Chris Tan
Completing an advanced Supply Chain Management course combined with a Supply Chain and HSEQR Specialist role
Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Global Logistics from Coventry University, graduating with First Class honors. He joined IMCD Singapore in August 2022 as a Customer Service Executive, progressing to Operations Team Lead in January 2024, and is currently a Supply Chain Specialist.
How did IMCD support your professional development during the advanced SCM course?
IMCD provided strong support throughout my advanced SCM course. The Human Resources team was very understanding and flexible, especially during examination periods, which allowed me to focus on my studies without affecting my work responsibilities. In addition, my manager was highly supportive and intentionally involved me in projects related to my course, giving me valuable opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real business scenarios.
What new skills or perspectives did you gain from your course that you could immediately apply at IMCD?
The course strengthened my understanding of warehouse and logistics management, giving me deeper insight into end-to-end process flows. This knowledge enabled me to identify improvement opportunities that helped reduce logistics costs while also optimizing operational efficiency within the company. The ability to translate academic learning into practical improvements has been especially valuable in my role at IMCD.
Elvan Ersoy
From Intern to Junior Communications Specialist
Elvan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media from Erasmus University Rotterdam and began her journey at IMCD as an intern in April 2024 while studying, quickly progressing to a full-time Junior Communications Specialist in September 2025.
How did IMCD support you in your transition from intern to a full-time role and help you grow early in your career?
The biggest factor that made my transition from intern to a part-time role smooth was the mentorship, trust, and support I received from my team and managers. Even as an intern, I was given the chance to contribute to meaningful projects and encouraged to take initiative. That trust motivated me to work hard and successfully balance my studies with my growing responsibilities.
After graduating, moving into a full-time position felt even more exciting. Knowing that my managers believed in me gave me the confidence to take on more responsibility than I imagined as a Junior Communications Specialist. The flexibility and freedom to explore areas that interested me played a huge role in making the transition not only easier but also inclusive and empowering.
How did your education prepare you for your first steps at IMCD, and what lessons did you find most valuable when applying them on the job?
I studied in the field of communication with a focus on marketing, but my university experience went beyond technical knowledge. Working on assignments and real-life case studies gave me hands-on experience in research, critical thinking, and creative strategy, which prepared me for the early steps of my career. Alongside courses like Digital Marketing and Corporate Communication, I developed essential soft skills such as collaboration, attention to detail and stakeholder communication that helped me adapt to the requirements of my role easier.
It’s hard to pick one single lesson I apply to my work because I intentionally chose a mix of technical and creative courses varying from Cinema and Society to Media Industry Trends and Strategies. That approach taught me to keep an open mind, stay curious, and continuously learn. It’s something I carry into my work today, combining creativity with adaptability to grow and deliver fresh ideas.
These inspiring stories from Wouter, Erica, Chris, and Elvan show how IMCD supports growth, learning, and development every day. Reflecting on this, Inge Herlaar, Group Learning & Development Manager, shares:
As I read these stories, I’m reminded that education at IMCD is far more than a course or a credential; it’s the courage to grow, the trust we extend to one another, and the space we create for people to stretch into their potential. Elvan, Wouter, Erica, and Chris each show how learning becomes real when it’s supported by partnership, opportunity, and our shared values in action. On this International Day of Education, I’m proud of the culture we’re building together, one where curiosity is encouraged, ambitions are supported, and every career path is shaped by continuous learning.
Here’s to many more stories like these across IMCD!