With a scientific background, I first obtained a Bac S specializing in Mathematics, before joining the ISEN engineering school in Lille with an integrated preparatory course, specializing in Robotics, with a focus on Software Development and AI. During my studies, I did several internships in robotics in laboratories and companies.
I chose to pursue a career in technology at a very early age. I wanted to help people who were suffering in particular as a result of life’s accidents, or who were born with deformities that could be improved or resolved thanks to technology. This idea came to me after watching a report on post-war Vietnam. It showed children who, in order to survive, had to work and live near land infested with anti-personnel mines. According to the report, young children and adults ended up stepping on these mines and losing the use of a limb. I felt a deep sense of injustice for these people, who were not responsible for this war and who are still suffering such consequences today.
The myth of a “purely” technical job
Today, I’m Team Leader of an R&D development team. My responsibilities include organizing the team’s work to meet the various needs of our product development, and making decisions about the progress of projects. I’m involved in all phases of the project, as well as taking part in technical developments. I also try to challenge ideas and maintain a good atmosphere within the group.
My job gives me great satisfaction and I’m glad I chose it. I love what I do every day. I like the interaction with the team and teamwork… Solving problems and finding solutions… Developing a product to make it more efficient and innovative…
I really feel I’ve found a place where I feel useful and where my skills can be of use to others.
Dealing with entrenched stereotypes
Despite my rather positive experience of the job, I did encounter a few difficulties, mainly due to the fact that my work wasn’t always taken seriously. For example, during technical meetings with men, I was particularly shocked by the lack of credibility given to my presentations and answers to questions. To put it more clearly, when I presented our needs, the person opposite me from a partner company would turn to my male colleague to validate everything I was saying. I found this behavior extremely unpleasant and, above all, it’s important to know that this type of situation is a blow to one’s self-confidence.
Finding a job where I was finally respected enabled me to face up to these situations and overcome them emotionally. The kindness of the 3DS OUTSCALE staff really helped me to feel at ease in my job and in my profession. I met some wonderful people who helped me to grow and develop.
A word for women looking to work in the Tech sector
Technical professions and the tech sector more generally are generally dominated by men, and yet it’s a field of activity just like any other! If you like technology, if you like software development, there’s no difference between a man and a woman. We all have the same abilities and the same opportunities to do a great job!
