“I always knew I wanted to work at an even higher level in engineering. That feeling never really went away.”
That mindset showed up early for Mathieu Breau. He grew up in Canada, close to the water. Although he held several strong positions, including roles as a naval architect and technical positions within design offices and shipbuilding environments, he started to feel his growth slowing down.
“At some point you hit a ceiling,” he says. “And I knew I really wanted to take that next step.”
That ambition eventually led him to Europe, starting with an initial move to Monaco.
“If I wanted to work at the highest level, I knew Europe was the place.” That experience clarified what he was looking for, not only professionally, but also in life outside of work, and later led to his move to the Netherlands. Middle Point played a crucial role in that transition.
Growing up with water and engineering
Mathieu grew up in eastern Canada, in a French-speaking environment where life largely revolved around the water. Boats were simply part of everyday life. With a smile, Mathieu reflects on his early years.
“We always had a boat. In summer, we were basically on the water all the time. That shapes you, even if you don’t realize it at the time.”
That background naturally sparked an interest in design and engineering. Drawing boats eventually turned into studying naval architecture. It felt like a logical step, but it was also a conscious one. Early on, Mathieu realized that if he truly wanted to challenge himself as an engineer, he would have to look beyond what was familiar.
After graduating, he built a solid foundation in Canada, working at design offices and shipyards. The work was good and educational. “Professionally, everything was fine. But deep down, Europe kept calling. Especially the yachting industry and the scale of projects happening there.”
Choosing Europe and fully committing
The move to Europe wasn’t impulsive. It was a well-considered decision, made together with his wife and young children.
“We really said to each other: if we do this, we do it properly. We sold everything and simply started over. Well, simply… It was exciting, and honestly pretty scary. You let go of everything that feels safe. But at the same time, it felt like the only way to truly move forward.”
The first step was Monaco. Professionally valuable, but also a place that made clear what they were actually looking for as a family.
“Monaco isn’t a real reflection of everyday life. It’s a unique place, but everything revolves around luxury and extremes. At some point I looked at my family and thought: this isn’t the environment where we want our kids to grow up. We were looking for something more real, with a better balance between work and life.”
That realization eventually led them to the Netherlands.
Arriving in the Netherlands with Middle Point
That’s when Middle Point entered the picture.
“It happened very organically. I got into conversations with the founders of the company, and it eventually grew into a friendship that I still really value.”
From the very first discussions, it wasn’t just about the role itself. They talked about expectations, culture, family situation, and long-term plans.
“What immediately stood out to me was that Middle Point looked beyond my résumé. They genuinely wanted to understand who we were as a family.”
They knew the maritime industry inside out, but they also understood the realities of international relocation.
Once in the Netherlands, the value of that preparation became clear. The process felt structured and manageable. And when both expected and unexpected challenges came up, especially around administration and official documents, Middle Point stayed involved.
“There’s a lot that’s possible, but the paperwork side remains technical and complex. It’s not just about arranging things correctly, it’s about knowing where to go and how to navigate the process. Especially when things threaten to get stuck. Middle Point played a truly crucial role for us. In the end, everything worked out.”
That support allowed Mathieu to focus on his work and settling into his new environment from day one.
Growing within the Dutch maritime sector
The Netherlands turned out to offer exactly what he was looking for. The technical level was high. Projects were complex, international, and intellectually challenging.
“You work with people who really master their craft. The discussions are sharp, the bar is high, and that forces you to raise your own level. You grow as an engineer without anyone having to spell it out.”
Over several years, Mathieu took on increasingly responsible technical roles. He started very close to design and engineering content, and gradually moved toward positions with more coordination and project-based responsibility. He became more involved in decision-making, cross-disciplinary alignment, and overseeing the bigger picture within complex maritime projects. The experience he gained during those years still forms a strong foundation for his career today.
Outside of work, life settled in just as smoothly. His children adapted quickly, learned the language, and found their place.
“Within a month they were already speaking full sentences in Dutch. That was incredible to see. As a family, we felt very welcome. Dutch people are very open, and it helped that in our region there were many expats from all over the world. It was a really soft landing.”
Knowing when a new phase begins
After years of enjoying both work and daily life in the Netherlands, a new opportunity presented itself.
“I had learned so much and felt it was time for the next phase. A role where I could apply my experience more broadly and take on something different. I’m now much more focused on overview and coordination, more predictability. I guess that comes with age,” he says with a smile.
Today, Mathieu lives in Switzerland together with his family. At this stage, he works in a more structured environment, applying his experience at a project management level. It fits well with where he is now, professionally and personally, and with the choices he and his family are making together.
Why Middle Point made the difference
Looking back, it’s not about one specific role or employer. For Mathieu, it’s about what Middle Point made possible for him and his family at key moments in his career.
The move to Europe, and later to the Netherlands, wasn’t just a professional decision. It was a mix of work, family, regulations, and timing. Middle Point helped turn that puzzle into something manageable.
“What really made the difference for me was that they saw the full picture. Not just the job, but what it meant for us as a family and for the long term.”
It wasn’t only about finding the right role, but about removing uncertainty. Knowing where to go, which steps to take, and having someone who understands the process.
“Relocation and paperwork might sound administrative, but they can determine everything. Middle Point knew exactly how these processes work and where things can get stuck. That gave us peace of mind.”
That peace of mind created space to focus. On work, on integration, and on building a new life in another country.
“They were very involved, and that gave confidence. Especially in that first phase, that really makes the difference.”
For engineers who aren’t actively looking, but who feel there might be more out there, Mathieu’s experience shows how valuable it can be to have someone who truly thinks along with you when a next step is about more than just a new job.
“I would recommend Middle Point without hesitation. They understand the industry, the people, and they’re closely involved in challenging projects. Absolutely.”
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