Like many girls, I faced obstacles and discouraging remarks, saying that I couldn’t do it and that it wasn’t the right field for me. At first, I wasn’t particularly interested in science, especially maths. Over time, however, my perspective changed, and I could not see myself following a literary path. In high school, my technology teacher told me that studying medicine wasn’t for me, pointing out that I was ignoring an area in which I excelled. He encouraged me, even going so far as to talk to my parents. From that moment on, I knew that engineering was for me, and I followed that path with determination.
Your organization´s key sector and mission:
IDEMIA StarChip is a division of IDEMIA specialising in hardware and chipset technologies for a wide range of applications, including SIM cards for telecommunications, smart cards for secure payment and biometric identity documents (passports, ID cards, health cards) and smart cards in telephones. Our mission is to design and manufacture secure microcontrollers that meet the highest standards of security and performance.
Please tell us briefly about your role in the company/organization:
I’m a digital engineer, designing digital circuits. I’m the technical lead on a project, so I work with other engineers to integrate complete systems. I also design, verify and integrate with other components to create functional and reliable products. Designing a product requires a lot of code, a lot of verification and R&D, and because we’re working on banking and identity products, there’s also a lot of security to integrate.
Your interest in STEM
My inspiration has been and always will be my mother. From an early age I saw her working hard at an important job. Her independence and strength of character shaped the person I am today. I wouldn’t be the person I am without her. She inspired me from the very beginning and continues to do so every day.
Your studies
I did well in high school, but my biggest challenge was arriving in France. As a Tunisian, coming to France to finish my engineering degree was a real challenge. Combining my life as a student with that of a foreigner in a new country, especially for the first time away from home, was not easy. I had to work and study at the same time, which made me feel like I had to work twice as hard as everyone else. The pressure was intense, because I couldn’t fail with so many expectations around me. My challenge was not only academic, but also to succeed despite the weight of my family.
The most important piece of advice I can give is not to be afraid of asserting yourself. We often have good ideas, but we don’t always have the courage to express them. Another piece of advice is to go where others don’t dare to go, because that’s where we can shine the brightest. Finally, there are no bad questions; you just have to ask them and always stay curious. In a field like science, curiosity is essential. If we don’t question ourselves and look for answers, we can’t progress. Especially in R&D, where research means never taking anything for granted. Every piece of information must be examined from every angle to check its current and future validity, knowing that this future is constantly evolving.
You at work
When I arrived, there was already a Women’s Rights Day webinar showcasing women’s careers in the company, which was an excellent initiative. I was the second woman to join the digital team since Starchip was founded, which was something new for them. We have been working to achieve 50/50 parity in the team and we have succeeded. There are now 3 women and 3 men and I’m very proud of that. Achieving parity is a challenge because the work has to start much earlier. It’s difficult to recruit women, not because there aren’t enough candidates, but because few women are interested in these fields at school. Even at engineering school, only one tenth of the students were women.
What’s more, in terms of diversity, our team of forty people is very international, with members from Venezuela, Senegal, Brazil, Italy, Indonesia, Morocco and me from Tunisia.
I’m proud to have made my parents proud and to have risen to the occasion. For me, That is my greatest achievement.
For me, there’s only one golden rule: never let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. If you believe in your ability to achieve something, don’t pay attention to other people’s opinions, just go for it.
Your point of view
Salaries are often higher in technology, giving women valuable financial independence that broadens their horizons. As a woman working in an often male-dominated field, it is an incredible source of strength to be one of the few female voices in a meeting, discussing a subject that you have mastered. Although it can be difficult at first to feel like you don’t belong, it’s hugely empowering to finally be listened to. As a young female graduate, going into a meeting with men with decades of experience and defending your ideas can be challenging. They may be ignored at first, but with persistence they will eventually be taken seriously because they bring a fresh perspective that is often seen as innovative and valuable.
I’ve got plenty! Microelectronics is an exciting field in many ways. It offers constant innovation and diversity, from aeronautics to smart cards. Never repetitive, it always offers new challenges and opportunities. In microelectronics, you can delve into fields such as cryptography, with dynamic research and a multitude of these emerging every day. For those with a thirst for knowledge and a love of novelty, this is a field where there is no room for boredom.
I’ve noticed that the authors of many research articles are often men, which reflects a gender imbalance in the field. There is a lack of female expertise, especially in certain areas. If I had to pick one improvement, it would be to see more research conducted and published by women, and an increase in female expertise in all aspects of the microelectronics field.
To finish with
I’d say seriousness, because in this field you have to be rigorous. Dedication is also crucial, because this job requires total commitment to your work. And finally, thoroughness, because the smallest mistake can have far-reaching consequences.
New Project, new challenge.
In a few years’ time, I’d like to have deepened my expertise in my field and acquired a wide range of additional skills. I also plan to manage a larger team, with a higher proportion of female graduates.