Can you tell us about your background and what led you to pursue a career in STEM?
I joined Expleo in February 2022 as part of the graduate programme. I was drawn to Expleo because they informed me about their plans to restructure and incorporate more software and data science, which is a growing field. As I had completed my master’s in Data Science, I was very vocal about wanting to join their data science initiatives.
The interview process was interactive, involving team-building exercises and technical coding tasks. The graduate programme itself was well-structured, lasting about a month and a half, and included various training sessions on consultancy and client communication.
What has been your biggest challenge as a woman in STEM?
In the tech field, which is often male dominated, it can be difficult to be taken seriously, especially when you’re younger. Early on, I found it challenging to establish myself and build professional relationships. Often, I was mistaken for an apprentice or assumed to be the daughter of a senior engineer at meetings, rather than being recognised as a professional in my own right.
But over time, I’ve learned to be vocal about my skills and to stand firm in expressing what I want to achieve in my career.
What attracted you to join Expleo, and how has your experience been so far?
One of the main reasons I joined Expleo was their focus on data science, a field I’m passionate about. Expleo also appealed to me because of its reputation for innovation and its cross-sector experience. From day one, I’ve felt supported and have enjoyed the challenges that come with working on diverse projects across various industries.
How has Expleo supported your professional growth and development within the STEM field?
Expleo has been a great place for growth. They provide various learning opportunities and encourage skill development through training programmes. They also support you in pursuing certifications, which has been helpful for my career progression. I’ve worked on different projects, from consultancy to dashboarding, which has allowed me to expand my technical expertise.
Can you describe a particularly rewarding project or achievement you've had while working at Expleo?
One of my most rewarding projects was working as a Data Science Consultant on an energy utilities project. The aim was to help the client manage their data governance system and create open data principles while ensuring that sensitive data was protected. I developed pipelines for cleaning and uploading data to the cloud, and it was particularly fulfilling because it had a wide-reaching impact on the industry.
How would you describe the company culture at Expleo, particularly in terms of inclusivity and support for women in STEM?
Expleo has created an inclusive environment where I feel supported as a woman in STEM. The company encourages everyone to pursue their desired career paths and offers guidance throughout. What stands out to me is the strong support network—whether it’s through mentorship or connecting with others working on similar tech stacks, there’s always someone to offer advice or assistance.
What does visibility, support and recognition mean to you at Expleo?
Visibility and recognition mean being acknowledged for the work you do and the effort you put in, especially when it goes beyond standard expectations. At Expleo, I’ve felt that my contributions are valued, and I’m supported in my development. Knowing that I can rely on the Expleo team and that there’s no glass ceiling here reassures me that my hard work will be recognised and rewarded.
How do you see your future at Expleo, and what are your career aspirations within the company?
I’m keen to advance in my career, though I’m not focused on managing projects at this stage. My priority is to enhance my technical skills and gain hands-on experience with different technologies. I’m eager to continue learning and expanding my expertise.
What advice would you give to other women considering a career in STEM, especially those looking to join Expleo?
Don’t hesitate to apply for roles, even if you feel like you don’t tick every box on the job description. Often, women hold themselves back from applying, but chances are, you’re more capable than you think. Trust in your abilities and take the leap—you might surprise yourself with what you can achieve.
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