Charlotte – Project Manager

In a few words, can you tell us about your career so far?

After a STMG diploma (management sciences and technologies) specialised in finance management, I took a bachelor’s degree in business at ISC Paris to follow a general education before specialising with a master’s in expertise, auditing, and control at the same school.

I joined SYSTRA as an intern in financial performance, which allowed me to have a comprehensive view of financial management beyond the purely accounting aspects. Following this internship, I was offered a work-study programme, an opportunity that I immediately accepted.

During these two years my assignments evolved, and I particularly discovered the budget management of projects. Subsequently, I obtained a fixed-term contract, with responsibilities more focused on budget management for various projects. Today, I am on a permanent contract for a Grand Paris project.

Why did you choose a work-study programme at SYSTRA?

I had the opportunity to do my internship in a large company, and from the moment I arrived, I was struck by the warm welcome and the stimulating environment. I quickly took pleasure in coming to work, which made me want to continue with the programme.

The work-study programme at SYSTRA allowed me to develop varied skills such as collaboration, communication, adaptability, and financial management, to step out of my comfort zone and work alongside professionals with different areas of expertise, which has been extremely enriching.

What do you think are the advantages and benefits of a work-study programme at SYSTRA?

One of the main advantages is the diversity of tasks and the support from colleagues who train you and share their knowledge.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work on different aspects of financial and budget management, which has given me a comprehensive view of the profession.

Moreover, at SYSTRA, we are trusted, and I have had the chance to be involved in major tasks. The work-study programme also allowed me to develop a strong professional network by interacting with experts from various fields.

Finally, the company promotes learning and development, which allowed me to turn my work-study programme into a permanent contract, serving as a stepping stone for my career.

The engineering profession attracts more men than women; how do you feel about the feminisation of the profession?

It is true that the engineering sector has historically been male dominated, but women have every right to be in these jobs and succeed just as well as men. It is essential to talk about this to younger generations to break these stereotypes and encourage more women to pursue these careers.

Today, engineering schools are making real efforts to attract more female talent, and it is important for companies to continue this momentum by showcasing female role models. Gender diversity is a strength, and the more we progress towards parity, the more we will benefit from complementary visions and approaches.

Without being indiscreet, what were your plans or professional wishes once you obtained your degree?

Since my graduation in September 2024, my goal was to stay at SYSTRA and work on more complex projects, which has been achieved with my current position.

In the future, I want to continue learning in project management and develop new skills beyond budget management. My ambition is to broaden my area of expertise to add even greater value to the projects I work on.