Portrait of Mathilde VIGNANCOUR (HEI 2020)

• HELLO, can you briefly introduce yourself?

Hello, my name is Mathilde Vignancour, I'm from the HEI 2020 class in the ITI program and I'm RSSI at the Agence du Numérique de la Sécurité Civile.

• We're going to take a trip down memory lane. Can you tell us about your university career: training, specialization, associative life, projects, internships?

Early on, I was drawn to cybersecurity and the desire to lead projects. I studied computer science and information technology at HEI. I did my internships at Inquest as a cyber analyst and at Wavestone as a cybersecurity consultant. On the community side, I was part of the HEI JUMPING team, first in communications and then as president. Soon after graduating, I wanted to continue in the field of cyber, which is very promising, with a multitude of different professions.

• What's your best memory of your studies at JUNIA (HEI, ISA and ISEN Lille)?

It's hard to pick just one! I'd have to say my friends, and through them a multitude of memories I've shared, the trials and tribulations of IT projects, the joy of graduation, hazelnut coffees in the break room and Chtis restaurants.

• When you were studying, did you already know what you wanted to do and what job you were aiming for?

I knew I wanted to work in Cyber, but what job I wanted was another question! I wasn't very technical and I didn't like coding very much, so I was looking for jobs more concerned with projects, governance and innovation.

• What has been your career path since graduating?

When I left school, I joined Vona, a cybersecurity consulting firm, where I worked as a junior then senior consultant for 3 years. I had the chance to work for the French Armed Forces on a long-term assignment, then for the ANSC (Agence du Numérique de la Sécurité Civile). Until January 2024, when my career took a turn, I had the opportunity to join ANSC as a CISO to continue working on securing the agency and the NexSIS 18-112 project.

• What are the main tasks in your job?

As Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) for a government agency, I have a wide variety of missions - no two days are alike! I advise teams on how to integrate security into projects, and make them aware of good IT hygiene practices (watch out for anyone who leaves their session open when they leave!). I work with ministry bodies such as the cyberdefense center on cyber alerts and incidents, and I apply government guidelines to our projects. It's all very rewarding! In short, it's a balance between the technical and the human.

• How has your network (school, alumni association, family, professional) played a role in the development of your career?

The network has been a real pillar and still is today! Every encounter during my schooling and afterwards helped me to do the job I do today: find an internship in cyber, learn about the field, find a job, meet other professionals in the sector and share. Some of them have become good friends. You can't be afraid to be curious, to ask questions, to like to understand... in fact, it's staying a student all your life *laughs*.

• 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 path?

Go for it!

It's still a very male-dominated field, but there's a place for us in it, and we bring our skills, our character and our vision to the table. There's a sense of solidarity among the women in the sector, so that each can find her place.