Breaking the glass ceiling for more inclusive science

How do we make science more inclusive? Women in the field of science and engineering are making their voices heard with strength and determination. Julia Sartre, a second-year student engineer and President of the Students' Union (BDE) in 2023-2024 at Telecom SudParis, embodies this spirit of perseverance. With a passion for artificial intelligence and data science, she shares her path and personal challenges with us, and some inspirational advice on the role of women in scientific disciplines.

 

What are your tasks as President of the Students' Union?

As President of the Students' Union, I lead a team of 39 people. I’m also in charge of coordinating the various community life events on campus. I’m legally responsible for everything that happens in terms of student association activities and act as an intermediary between the School’s administration and the various clubs and organizations.

 

In that role, how do you manage the diversity of ideas and opinions to ensure a varied and inclusive program?

With regard to diversity and inclusivity, we tried to establish a comprehensive BDE list which is as representative as possible of the student population on campus. Throughout our term of office, we endeavored to remain attentive to others and close to students in order to offer a range of events which truly represent everyone.

 

What professional skills did you develop as president? And to what extent could you apply these skills to your future engineering career?

During my time as president of the BDE, I learned to manage a team of 39 people, which is like a small company. We also had to manage a substantial budget of around €500,000. I thus learned how to set up a strategy, work with others, communicate orally with more ease when interacting with companies, and gain more self-confidence.

These are qualities I can clearly transfer to the world of work and interviews for work placements. This helps me on a daily basis and enables me to adapt and work effectively with a group, be a good listener and ultimately create an efficient and close-knit organization.

 

As a woman in a leadership role, what challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?

Over the course of my involvement with student associations, I’ve come up against a certain number of challenges as a woman in this role, during both the campaign and my term of office. I’ve often been taken for “an idiot”. That happens quite often. I’ve had to deal with affable and friendly interactions mistaken for flirtation. It hasn’t been easy to maintain a very clear boundary between friendship and empathy.

To overcome this, I did my utmost to put forward well-defined arguments, to explain my logic from start to finish, why I see things this way, what the consequences are, what it implies, and why I am sure of my views on any particular issue.

I constantly had to be serious, which is difficult because, from an organizational perspective, if we address students too seriously, we become the subject of ridicule. Finding a balance has been very difficult, but I think I succeeded.

 

What initiatives could be taken to encourage more young women to study and work in this field?

There are two main aspects that must be focused on:

• Continue initiatives at middle schools to encourage girls to pursue studies and careers in science or engineering.
• Act on the environment by exploring why these basic stereotypes exist and where the ideas they convey originate.

These preconceived notions may originate in their personal circle or even from the professional spheres of science or engineering. Women must not say to themselves: “OK, I would like to be an engineer or scientist, but I must first put up with and fight against all those stereotypes.”

We have to create a more conducive environment so that women can pursue these paths more easily. In addition, efforts must always be made at middle- and high-school level, to explain why these careers are also open to women. Because it’s truly an experience not to be missed.

 

What advice would you give to girls hoping to study engineering, but with worries or doubts about life in an engineering school?

I think my advice would be to believe in themselves, be bold and not to limit themselves to anything. Life in an engineering school is really vibrant. There is so much to experience and learn about yourself and others.

Being a woman in an engineering school is actually an exciting opportunity, because your voice can be heard. You can take part in a variety of highly rewarding activities. It would be a real shame to miss out on that.

I would tell them to go for it, not to be afraid, not to limit themselves if they want to study or work in these fields; it’s something they absolutely must do.

In any case, it’s important to know that there are many initiatives underway in engineering schools to create a welcoming environment and ensure that women feel at home and can express themselves freely.

There is a real community and a strong sense of care. People look out for each other. It’s important to know that. This environment is well suited to each of them, and it’s up to them to seize this opportunity to get started. It’s a worthwhile experience.

 

Could you share a story or personal experience with us?

I have a slightly comical story. I once found myself face to face with a student who wanted to spray graffiti on a wall. This student was twice my size and width.

I kept saying to him, “no, don’t do that, stop, you can’t spray walls”. In fact, the student was convinced that his spray paint could be washed off with water. He towered over me, saying “yes, I’m going to do it. What are you going to do about it?” I had to assert my authority over someone who was twice my size. What’s more, this was going on in public, with a large crowd of onlookers forming. It was at the start of my term of office and I thought to myself “if I give in and he sprays that wall, my whole term will be compromised, and no-one will ever listen to me.” So I was very firm and insistent. It was a slightly childish discussion, and quite laughable seen from the outside.

He eventually handed over his spray can and that’s when I realized it wasn’t washable paint. There was nothing I could do physically, and there was a large crowd around me. I had no choice but to impose myself and insist to the very end, or it would have been disastrous for the rest of my term.