Can you tell us about your background and what led you to pursue a career in STEM?
I entered this career 24 years ago because my brother was in this field. At that time, very few women were in STEM. I really struggled to get into this field initially because when I applied for my master’s in computer science my university lecturers discouraged me, saying that I shouldn’t apply as they had seen many girls in the programme who couldn’t succeed. But I insisted, wanting to pursue a master’s in computer science. I managed to complete my studies and received the highest honour. In that sense, I proved them wrong. There were just two girls in my entire master’s programme, and we both did very well in the end.
What has been your biggest challenge as a woman in STEM?
I have faced many challenges as a woman and struggled to prove myself. Often, I felt undervalued and undermined by those who didn’t believe women could perform as well.
During job interviews, I always showed my certifications and previous work, going above and beyond to convince them that I was right for the role.
In the past, I always encountered problems initially at a new workplace and had to go the extra mile to demonstrate my abilities. However, once my managers saw my work and realised I could do the job, they were happy, and I began making progress in my career, gaining experience through different companies.
I’ve also observed an increasing number of women in testing, coding, and project management roles, reflecting a positive trend of more women entering STEM fields.
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?
Can you describe a particularly rewarding project or achievement you've had while working at Expleo?
How would you describe the company culture at Expleo, particularly in terms of inclusivity and support for women in STEM?
I’m part of the Women@Expleo group, where we meet twice a month to openly discuss our challenges and share anything on our minds.
Consistency can be a challenge because we work with different clients, each with their own unique issues. Despite this, we can still share the problems we encounter and support each other in resolving any issues specific to women, thereby raising awareness.
For example, I’ve been with my current client for over a year. They have seen my work and know what I’m capable of, which is why they continue to keep me on the project.
What does visibility, support and recognition mean to you at Expleo?
How do you see your future at Expleo, and what are your career aspirations within the company?
What advice would you give to other women considering a career in STEM, especially those looking to join Expleo?
I believe more women should join this field because there are many excellent opportunities here. It’s a vast area, encompassing much more than just coding. There is testing, application development, AI, and many other specialisations where women can excel and thrive.
There are plenty of opportunities for women, and the field offers great flexibility. For those who need to work from home due to childcare responsibilities, this profession accommodates that. I work from home full-time. Occasionally, I need to visit client sites, but overall, the field supports remote work because we utilise our own cloud technology.
I encourage women to consider this profession and pursue a degree in it, just as I did 24 years ago.
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.
