What is your background and what led you to pursue a career in STEM?
What has been your biggest challenge as a woman in STEM?
I’ve felt in the past that I didn’t get the more technical opportunities because I’m a woman, and my colleagues were generally male. That’s not the case at Expleo, where I get a lot of challenging opportunities.
I trained myself for two years as a business analyst and did a master’s in applied and professional ethics at the University of Leeds. That taught me a lot as a professional, and there’s just so much technology out there that’s evolving all the time. I then started researching more into the technical skills I’d need to build my career. In business analysis, there’s a service framework where you provide expertise in gap analysis or requirements gathering, and you need to understand technology.
What attracted you to join Expleo, and how has your experience been so far?
How has Expleo supported your professional growth and development within the STEM field?
If there are any knowledge gaps, I can leverage the training courses available at the Expleo Academy, whether that’s agile, DevOps, or testing.
Can you describe a particularly rewarding project or achievement you've had while working at Expleo?
The infrastructure data projects are fantastic opportunities to gain experience and develop your skills. Additionally, working with solution architects, developers, and testers is a brilliant chance to broaden your expertise. I also get to use JIRA and Confluence, build user stories, make modifications, and maintain the product backlog. While developing my skills, I can also showcase my creativity, I worked on two projects related to customer regulatory and risk, which was very exciting. Engaging and collaborating with BA managers as a Business Analyst allowed me to learn a great deal, as they were equally or even more knowledgeable than me. This experience allowed me to leverage their insights and develop my skill set by exchanging ideas with senior business analysts.
How would you describe the company culture at Expleo, particularly in terms of inclusivity and support for women in STEM?
It’s amazing that we empower younger generations of women, showing them it’s possible to become engineers even in a male-dominated industry. We need more women, and organisations like Expleo can make it happen.
What does visibility, support and recognition mean to you at Expleo?
- Visibility
My work-life balance is fully supported here, and I’m provided with tools and techniques such as working groups, peer reviews, and many useful platforms. Expleo is doing a lot and has specific targets to ensure that women feel valued and are given opportunities. I truly feel that. - Support
At Expleo a work-life balance is actively promoted. It’s not just about asking if someone feels they’re achieving it; we’re providing the necessary tools. We have a community where we invite other women from the business to share their experiences and discuss the support they need. Expleo pursues activities that make women feel more included and ensure they can grow in the areas they choose. - Recognition
We are recognised, but we also have men supporting this movement, and they too must be recognised.
What advice would you give to other women considering a career in STEM, especially those looking to join Expleo?
Be optimistic and positively embrace the experiences and opportunities that you are given. Be persistent in building networks, and good working relationships with account managers. Be open-minded and willing to try other things out.
LIFE AT EXPLEO
Be Yourself
Providing an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees feel valued and supported. We want you to be the best version of yourself and we will support you in building a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live, and an environment to reach your full potential.
