“Women bring a fresh perspective that can
improve project implementation.”

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• Name: Julie D’Hallewin
• Age: 35
• Studies: Master Industrial Engineering, with a specialization in Electromechanics (Haute École Louvain en Hainaut Mons)
• Function: Project Engineer
• Hobbies: Running and spending time with her children

Did you encounter difficulties when you decided to pursue a technical profession?

Julie: In my senior year of high school, I had no idea what profession I wanted to pursue, but I knew I had a passion for science, which was inspired by my mother who was a physics teacher. Therefore, I chose to study engineering, although at the time, like so many girls, I was still considering becoming a teacher after I graduated. In college, I found myself sharing the auditorium with almost exclusively boys. This could make a lot of girls reconsider or even abandon their studies. Fortunately, I grew up with three brothers and a father with no gender bias, so I quickly felt at home despite the lack of diversity. It wasn’t until my graduation internship that I discovered the real business world and realized that this was a better fit for me. Project work immediately appealed to me and gave me the opportunity to further develop myself. I believe that diversity in companies is the key to success, which is why it is important to get more girls interested in technical studies by introducing them to the many career opportunities available.

Have you ever experienced being treated differently as a woman in the tech industry?

Julie: I initially felt insecure due to my lack of experience, which is quite normal when starting out after school. On top of that, I was one of the first women with a technical function, but I never compared myself to others based on gender. When I first met colleagues they were somewhat surprised, as female team members were still quite rare at the time. Thankfully, now, ten years later, I see more and more women joining the team. I have also noticed that, as a woman, there is less prejudice in the technical sector than I initially expected. Employers are increasingly recognizing the value women bring to the team, especially because of the different approach we offer. I genuinely believe that women bring a fresh and different perspective that can enhance project execution. For instance, in one project, my personal on-site intervention allowed me to correct communication errors with the subcontractor and successfully complete the project. This emphasizes the importance of listening and empathy — traits that often stand out in women. At the same time, my male colleagues bring different strengths to the table, and it is precisely this combination of qualities that creates perfect synergy in our teamwork.

Is there a specific aspect of your professional journey that you’re especially grateful for?

Julie: I first discovered VINCI Energies during a job fair and started working there right after finishing my studies. Early in my career, I was fortunate to have a colleague who enjoyed sharing his knowledge and believed in my potential, which helped me grow quickly. Finding a mentor like that is essential because they can help you develop your skills and build on your strengths. I am also grateful for the opportunity to change roles within VINCI Energies while staying with the same employer. I initially worked as a Project Engineer for another brand within the group that specializes in power plant regulation, but recently I transitioned to Cegelec because this field aligns better with my interests. I love my job because it allows me to tackle technical challenges, ensure people feel comfortable in their working environment, and improve the environmental impact of buildings. It also brings me great satisfaction when people are happy with my contribution to a project. In addition, I am part of a dynamic and enthusiastic team, which has had a positive impact on both my performance and motivation.