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Portrait of Julie DANEL (ISEN, 2021)
● HELLO, can you briefly introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Julie. I'm 26 and I'm a battery engineer at Decathlon.
● We're going to take a trip down memory lane. Can you tell us about your university career: training, specialization, associative life, projects, internships?
After obtaining my scientific baccalaureate, I went on to study at ISEN Lille's integrated preparatory program CIR (Cycle Informatique & Réseau). These first two years taught me rigor as well as scientific and technical knowledge, complemented by soft skills acquired during practical work in teams. At the end of my second year, I was lucky enough to go to the Netherlands for three months to work on the home automation of a fully connected house.
For my engineering degree, I specialized in embedded electronics. Indeed, my interest in computer science was not the same as my interest in programming. Third-year projects enabled me to discover my true calling. Electronics enables me to create the new technologies that have always attracted me, while retaining a very scientific aspect to which I am attached.
Since I was 16, I've had a very active community life as the leader of a cycling club. I didn't get involved in organizing the school's community life, but I enjoyed it throughout my studies. However, I did have the responsibility of being a class delegate on several occasions. Here I was able to develop my sense of responsibility as well as my relationships with others.
COVID disrupted my engineering cycle. I didn't do an internship in my fourth year (2020), but this motivated me to look for an exciting internship. That's how I ended up at Decathlon Electronics as a Prototypist in March 2021, to finish my studies in a real-life situation.
● What's the best memory of your studies at JUNIA (HEI, ISA and ISEN Lille) ?
In general, I have fond memories of my studies, thanks to the closeness and attentiveness of the teachers to the students. Amongst the students, the spirit of togetherness and camaraderie helped me a lot in periods of heavy workload or low motivation.
● During your studies, did you already know what you wanted to do and what position you were aiming for?
Absolutely not. As I said earlier, I entered the school with a view to deepening my knowledge of computer science, and I came out with a degree in electronics. You could say that I had an idea of my field of interest before I entered, but that ISEN enabled me to refine my subject thanks to the variety of courses on offer.
● What has been your career path since graduating?
After my six-month internship at Decathlon Electronics, I was offered a three-month fixed-term contract to pursue my internship subject. I was then offered a permanent contract for a new position: battery pack development engineer.
● What are the main tasks in your job?
There are two parts to my job: expertise and project management. Firstly, I work with my supplier to design the best battery to meet the specifications of a future product. Then there's project management, planning and certification. I'm usually working on around thirty projects at the same time.
● What role did the network (school, alumni association, family, professional) play in the development of your career?
My family and the people around me have played a huge role in my development. My parents never gendered jobs and always encouraged me to follow my passions. I have very fond memories of that. In high school, in 1ère, I decided to take a bac S, specializing in engineering sciences. On the first day of school, I found myself separated from my girlfriends and I wanted to change classes, even if it meant changing my major. My parents reminded me that I loved computers and that I shouldn't change classes.
● As a female engineer working in a professional environment that is often considered and stereotyped as masculine, would you have any advice for current female students considering a similar career?
Businesses and mentalities in general are changing.
Don't worry, the world now allows us to take our place. So it's up to us to be the best and seize the opportunity to aim high.
● Another message to pass on?
Doubting is normal; throughout my studies I doubted. I can assure you that ISEN Lille prepares us well for the professional world; thanks to scientific knowledge, but even more so thanks to human training and teamwork.
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