Interview with Cécile Warluzel on the Place of Women in the IT Sector

Despite the progress made, positions in the IT sector are still largely occupied by men. As an IT group, we are conscious of the importance of promoting diversity within our sector. That's why we have decided to give a voice to our female collaborators through interviews, in order to explore their. 

What is your role at ANSAM?

As a Client Manager, my main mission is to develop long-term relationships for a portfolio of clients. With our Axelerateur brand, we assist our clients in addressing a lack of resources by providing consultants that meet their specific requirements. We ensure to meet their current needs and anticipate future ones.

Can you tell us about your professional journey in IT and the highlights of your career?

I started in IT in 1999 at Sun Microsystems, where I worked for 10 years. After taking a break to take care of my family, I joined Cambridge Technology Partners where I was involved in client prospecting. My career has led me to various roles, including that of a client manager. My interest in technological evolutions and my commitment to clients and candidates have always been at the heart of my journey.

What initially attracted you to the field of IT and how has this passion developed over time?

What attracted me from the beginning was the constant evolution of the IT field. Even though I'm not very experienced from a technical standpoint, I've always found it fascinating to see how technologies advance and influence different sectors.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your work in IT, and what motivates you to continue innovating?

Interactions with passionate individuals and the opportunity to stay constantly up-to-date with the latest technologies are key to my fulfillment in the field. Continuous learning and contributing to the sector's progression motivate me to innovate and stay committed.

What challenges have you faced as a woman working in the IT industry, and how have you overcome them?

At the beginning of my career, there were few women in IT, which sometimes gave the impression of not being taken seriously. However, by leveraging my interpersonal skills and offering a different perspective, I have managed to stand out and show clients that having a female interlocutor can add value. Fortunately, these challenges have not prevented me from progressing professionally.

What advice would you give to women who want to pursue a career in IT?

I would advise women interested in IT not to let stereotypes discourage them. The women I meet in IT are just as competent, passionate, and knowledgeable as their male counterparts. I would encourage them to find what they are passionate about in IT, to specialize, and to always seek to educate themselves. By encouraging them to embrace their passion, to persevere, and to break the glass ceiling by taking on leadership positions, we can create an environment where diversity becomes the norm and IT opportunities are within reach for all.

Have you noticed any positive changes in the IT industry regarding the representation of women over the years?

The emergence of initiatives such as École 42 demonstrates that if computer education is accessible from an early age, there is strong demand among young girls. Currently, in Switzerland, we are facing a talent shortage in the sector. To solve this problem, it is imperative to rethink our teaching methods in order to attract new profiles to our industry.

How do you support women in your current responsibilities?

Through our Axelerateur entity, we offer our clients a solution to fill the lack of resources by conducting searches on their behalf. We pay special attention to accompanying women, ensuring that they have the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Our goal is to ensure equity and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

What advice would you give to employers to encourage diversity and inclusion in their workplace, especially in the field of IT?

To encourage diversity and inclusion, it is essential to ensure pay equity and create an environment where women feel valued and respected. Employers should establish a transparent and fair framework for development and promotion opportunities. By recognizing skills and offering equal opportunities, employers can stimulate diversity and create a dynamic and inclusive environment.