Following on from Industry Week, we'd like to shine the spotlight on the men and women who shape Soitec on a daily basis. Through a series of interviews, discover their inspiring career paths, the wealth of their talents and share the passion that drives them for their profession. It's a great opportunity to recognize their commitment and their essential contribution to the innovation and industrial excellence that are Soitec's strength!

Could you introduce yourself and describe your role at Soitec?

My name is Anne Paquet, and I'm Process Integration Leader at Soitec, which specializes in POI technologies, particularly piezoelectric and insulating materials. My job is cross-functional: I supervise various projects at the Bernin site. My role is divided between monitoring POI prototypes, from design to production, and managing ESG projects, for example, to reduce water consumption in the cleanroom. My aim is to optimize processes while minimizing our environmental impact. What I particularly enjoy is supporting the teams, watching them develop their skills and contributing to concrete environmental initiatives.

What was your background and why did you choose industry?

I have a scientific background, with a Baccalauréat S followed by an engineering school in chemistry, then a thesis in partnership with the CEA in Grenoble and Arkema. This experience confirmed my desire to work in a technological, hands-on sector that emphasizes applied science. I always knew I wanted a career in industry, because it combines innovation and concrete achievements.

What motivates you most in your job?

The diversity of the challenges! No two days are the same, there's no routine. Working in collaboration with other departments, looking for innovative and concrete solutions to complex problems, all this makes each day unique and motivating. I also like the fact that I'm constantly exchanging ideas and working in cohesion with other departments to better “function together”. The challenge is to find innovative and concrete solutions to complex problems, which pushes us to constantly evolve.

What skills are essential in your field?

Rigor, organization and good communication skills are key to working with multidisciplinary teams. You need to know how to federate and support teams, while remaining passionate. And of course, passion for your work helps you overcome obstacles!

How does Soitec value its employees?

Soitec values commitment and initiative. In my 5 years at Soitec, I've moved up to different positions, and I've felt supported every step of the way. When you show your investment, opportunities appear. Soitec offers career opportunities and increased responsibilities to motivated employees.

What role does innovation play in your day-to-day work?

Innovation is at the heart of our work. We're constantly looking for ways to optimize processes and reduce costs. Whether it's to optimize, improve or reduce costs, every new idea is a form of innovation.

How can you attract more young talent to the industry?

It's essential to raise the profile of industrial professions at secondary school level. Many young people, including myself at the time, didn't know exactly what was involved. We need to show that engineering is much more than just a purely technical profession: it also involves project management, optimization and a great deal of collaboration. Internships and immersions are also essential to encourage vocations.

What advice would you give to young women hesitating to enter the industry?

I'd tell them to dare. The industry offers great opportunities, and it's essential to break down stereotypes. If a woman is passionate about a field, she'll find her place in it. There's no need to be afraid of an environment that's often perceived as masculine. The important thing is to believe in your abilities.

As a woman, do you think your gender has had an impact on your experience in the industry?

No, not really. Sometimes I'm the only woman in a meeting, but it's never bothered me. I'm proud to express myself and to feel listened to. Soitec makes real efforts to promote equality and the advancement of women, and this is reflected throughout the company.

What makes you proud to work at Soitec?

I'm proud to work for a company that values internal development and takes initiatives for sustainable development. For example, I led a project to reduce water consumption in the cleanroom. It's a collective project, involving several departments and showing that Soitec is making concrete commitments to the environment. Seeing the results of these efforts and the collective awareness is very gratifying.

A final word to encourage young talent to join the industry?

The industry offers unique opportunities to learn, grow and make a real impact. For young women, I'd say don't hesitate and go beyond preconceived ideas. The industry needs your talents and your vision!