Did you know? Worldwide, women account for just 28% of engineering graduates, and in France, 24% of engineers are women. On International Women and Girls in Science Day, it's important to reflect on the progress we've made, applaud the change-makers and, above all, recognize the areas where women's participation needs to be strengthened.
Today, we shine the spotlight on two of our customers who are engineers in the fluid networks sector. We invite you to discover a little about their career paths and their points of view.
Nadège FONTAINE holds a master's degree in physics and an engineering diploma in mechanics and energy, obtained from Polytech Marseille in 2006. After these studies, she worked in three different design offices before setting up her own design office, NFTI- Thermique & Ingénierie, in 2015. She believes that her interpersonal skills and high standards are attributes that have helped her develop her business.
Three words that characterize your job?
Precision, Versatility and Technique.
What are the key missions of your job?
The design of an installation that best combines user needs and energy optimization.
Rigorous site supervision with end-of-job testing and monitoring of installation behavior with in situ measurements.
Pedagogy in the condominium environment to explain the recommended recommendations.
What advice would you give to a young woman who wants to study fluid power engineering?
My advice is to start out in a design office before setting up your own business straight away. And to ask lots of questions, so as to fully understand a system.
Anaïs BARBET has always been attracted to the world of science, and it was her middle school technology teacher, Mr. Quintanel, who motivated her and steered her towards science and engineering. This prompted Madame Barbet to pursue a scientific baccalaureate in engineering sciences, followed by a technical diploma in physical measurements (DUT) and, finally, a L3 and a Master's degree in housing engineering. From an early age, she was aware of energy consumption and this led her to want to advise building users to consume as little energy as possible.
Three words that characterize your job?
Versatility, Efficiency and Energy.
What are the key missions of your job?
Being an energy efficiency engineer is a very versatile job, with many different assignments. That's what I really like about it. It's also what requires rigor and organization. I'm involved in design: sizing and defining the customer's needs, design: choosing equipment, drawing up plans on Trimble Nova, and finally execution and site supervision. It's a very rewarding job!
What advice would you give to a young girl who wants to study science?
Go for it! It's 2024, so there's no question about whether or not you can study science. Go for what's right for you, and do it for yourself! That's the best reason of all.
We thank Ms. Fontaine and Ms. Barbet, and all the other women engineers around the world, for their commitment to their profession and for their invaluable contribution to the evolution of society. Their determination and achievements are a powerful reminder of what women can achieve in the sciences, and inspire us to continue fighting for gender equality in all areas of life.
