To mark International Women's Day, we spoke with three of our employees who have a non-traditional career, in a field with less than 33% of female employees.
At Soucy, we interviewed Audrey Sauvageau, manufacturing technician, Dounia Boutaib, project coordinator and Caroline Leclerc, cost technician and. Throughout their careers, these three women have worked in a predominantly male environment. In these interviews, you will better understand the challenges they overcame and why each of them considers doing the best job in the world!
Audrey Sauvageau, Manufacturing Technician
Working in production, Audrey is often one of the only women in her thermoforming department. We asked her a few questions about her career path.
As a woman, have you had to overcome any prejudices related to your job in production?
"Yes, many times! I've often been told that ‘a girl doesn't belong in a shop’. Also, when you only work with guys, you have to be open-minded. The jokes are not always funny.
I would say that the biggest challenge is to fit in. I've always been the only girl in my classes, and at work, there aren't many of us either."
Do you feel any differences in the way you approach your job compared to your male colleagues?
"Depending on a person's personality, the work won't be done in the same way. Being a perfectionist, I can see right away when someone wants to skip steps. On the other hand, men will see other things that I won't notice. Different personality types complete each other and create a better balance."
What advice would you give to other women who would like to enter your field?
"Don't be afraid to be yourself! You'll manage to make your place just like I did mine. Getting up in the morning and wanting to go to work is priceless!"
Dounia Boutaib, Project Coordinator
Also working in the engineering field, Dounia talks about her professional experience as a woman.
Have you had to overcome any prejudices related to your job?
"Yes, but especially during my studies. I was often told that the professions related to mechanical engineering were destined for men. However, when I started my career, employers trusted me. They gave me a chance and were not disappointed."
Do you feel any differences in the way you approach your job compared to your male colleagues?
"I don't feel any difference, except when it comes to convincing. In those cases, I feel like it takes me more effort in argumentation. It's a little harder to get ideas across, but we hold our ground, explain and get people on board with our project."
What advice would you give to other women who would like to enter your field?
"Don't be afraid! Engineering is a rewarding profession. Despite the challenges, I enjoy what I do and I invite you to get into this field as well."
Interview with Caroline Leclerc, Cost Technician
Working in the engineering field, Caroline Leclerc is used to operating in a male-dominated environment. We asked her a few questions about her career path.
What are the biggest challenges you've had to overcome?
"I often felt that I had to do more than my male colleagues to make a name for myself in my field, both in school and at work. I was involved in several projects to acquire more technical skills. For example, during my final year in mechanical engineering, I would stay after class to ask for advice from the teachers in machining, welding and sheet metal work to make the parts myself."
Do you feel any differences in the way you approach your job compared to your male colleagues?
"On a day-to-day basis, I don't feel any difference in the way I approach my job. In my opinion, it's mainly our personality and interpersonal skills that play an important role. On the other hand, I do see differences in certain aspects of my job. For example, during conventional machining courses, it was very important to clamp the workpiece tightly in the lathe jaws and I had difficulty doing this on my own. So, my male colleagues were happy to help me out. In return, I didn't hesitate to help them in other aspects."
What advice would you give to other women who would like to enter your field?
"I would tell them to go for it and not to stop at the stereotypes associated with a profession. If they like the field, they will naturally get involved and thrive in what they do without having to worry about prejudice. However, when faced with a problematic situation, don't hesitate to talk about it with your teachers, bosses, or colleagues from the very beginning. Fortunately, I am convinced that society has evolved, and that people are now aware of these issues."
Despite the obstacles that come with their non-traditional background, they all agree that they have the best job in the world! If you are interested in a non-traditional career, do not hesitate to consult our list of jobs available at Soucy.