Can you tell us about your background and what led you to pursue a career in STEM?
My background is a bit unconventional. I started out as a Data Capture Clerk for a labour broking company, which is essentially a third-party employment agency. From there, I moved into recruitment, became a PA, and eventually began managing bids and tenders.
Even back then, I had an interest in STEM—I was the go-to person for setting up office networks and phone systems. My formal education was in Tourism Management, which has helped with project management and business knowledge, but I never had the chance to gain formal tech qualifications. Most of my technical knowledge is self-taught, whether it was learning how to implement point-of-sale systems or setting up networks. It’s a bit of a strange mix, but it’s given me a broad skill set that’s served me well.
What has been your biggest challenge as a woman in STEM?
I’ve been lucky not to face major challenges or discrimination as a woman in STEM. My biggest challenge was being in companies that didn’t offer opportunities for growth or allow me to pursue my desired career path.
That changed when I joined Expleo. The company has been incredibly supportive, promoting internal growth and helping me move into more technical roles within the talent acquisition team. I’ve been fortunate to have this kind of support, which has allowed me to carve out the career I’ve always wanted.
What attracted you to join Expleo, and how has your experience been so far?
The company’s reputation in the STEM space really drew me in because I’ve always had a passion for technology.
I was also excited by the chance to work in a global environment, collaborating with people from different cultures and learning how things operate in other countries. Expleo stood out as a company that not only supports career growth but actively encourages it. My experience so far has been fantastic—I’ve been able to grow professionally, move into more technical roles, and work on exciting projects that align with my interests.
How has Expleo supported your professional growth and development within STEM?
Expleo has been instrumental in my growth. When I joined, I was in recruitment, but I’ve been given opportunities to step into technical and project management roles. I’ve worked on various projects that have helped me build new skills and deepen my understanding of systems and processes.
The company trusts its employees, which has allowed me to take on challenging responsibilities and grow professionally in a supportive environment.
Can you describe a particularly rewarding project or achievement you've had while working at Expleo?
One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on is the Career Portal Project, which I’m co-managing. This project involves enhancing our external career portals to improve the candidate journey. I’m responsible for all the back-end configuration, including integrations, email templates, and system settings. It’s been a fantastic learning experience, and I’ve enjoyed every aspect of it.
More recently, I was given the opportunity to lead as a Project Management Representative on our new HR system. This has been a challenging but rewarding experience, allowing me to step further into project management while using my tech skills.
How would you describe the company culture at Expleo, particularly in terms of inclusivity and support for women in STEM?
Expleo’s culture is incredibly inclusive and collaborative. It’s a great environment where everyone supports each other.
I’ve never experienced sexist comments or discrimination here, and that inclusivity feels genuine—it’s embedded in the company’s DNA. Regardless of gender, race, or beliefs, everyone’s contributions are valued, and the culture encourages collaboration and mutual respect.
How do you see your future at Expleo, and what are your career aspirations within the company?
I see my future at Expleo as a journey of growth. I’m moving more into project management roles, particularly within HR and technical systems implementation. I’d love to take on more responsibilities in areas like learning and development or the Expleo Academy, helping implement new systems across different divisions.
For now, I’m focused on developing my skills and continuing this exciting career path.
What advice would you give to other women considering a career in STEM, especially those looking to join Expleo?
My advice is simple: believe in yourself and advocate for your ideas. Don’t let others speak over you, and don’t take a back seat. If you’ve got an idea, share it—even if it doesn’t work out, it’s important to make your voice heard.
Expleo is a great place for women in STEM because it’s supportive and collaborative. Take advantage of the opportunities here to grow, build relationships with mentors, and push yourself to learn and take on new challenges. If I had been more confident earlier in my career, I might have progressed even further, so don’t be afraid to step up and show what you’re capable of!
