Capgemini

<p><i><strong>Douria Zennouche always loved science. But it was only when she entered the workforce that she discovered her two passions: the Cloud and Agile architecture. She talks about her journey with 50inTech, and the impact of Capgemini’s Archi Booster program in her life and career.</strong></i></p><h2>Douria Zennouche builds Architectures in the Cloud, Reaches for the Stars</h2><p>Douria Zennouche planned to become a doctor. With two engineer parents, the scientific spirit was ingrained in her very early on. However, intensive preparation for the medical school exam soon opened her eyes: medicine wasn’t her calling. A missed opportunity? Indeed not, because new horizons were about to unveil before her. While attending career transition forums, she crosses paths with the director of Polytech school. Speaking eloquently of his tasks as a software engineer, he takes his audience on a journey where technology shapes the future of humanity. For the young woman, who despises routine and insignificance, the idea of embracing a line of work where curiosity, creativity and an infinite capacity to change, adapt, innovate and learn are paramount, is more than enticing. Douria discovers a world of endless possibilities. She loves mathematics and logical thinking: she makes her decision on a whim, and wholeheartedly dives into computer science. In this new environment, she shows talent and passion: staying up to date with technology daily, seeking cutting edge insights and information, always going further… She’s found her path! Two years later, she joins Polytech.</p><p>Upon graduating, she’s quickly hired as a software engineer and immerses herself in the real world of a vast and ever-changing industry. No one can be a specialist in all things, and as Douria discovers technologies she never studied in school, she soon narrows her focus. She thrives in DevOps and finds her passion and daily universe: the Cloud.</p><p>And fate, once more, is at the rendezvous: on her first mission, the project’s architect must quit suddenly and isn’t replaced. He leaves a roadmap, detailed specifications. Armed with this transfer of knowledge, she understands, concretely, the role of the architect and has a foretaste of the requirements of the position and the vision necessary for the job.</p><p>Here again, intuition whispers in her ear and tells her of her next evolution: she, too, will be an architect. Not right away, not right now. She has neither the experience nor the network; not yet the professional maturity expected for this sensitive profession. But, incrementally, the project grows within her.&nbsp;</p><p>Douria stayed in touch with her classmates. The Tech universe is a village: everyone knows each other and crosses paths, exchanging tips on the best enterprises to work for. And for Douria, one company stands out. She feels that it might be the ideal place to seek the growth and support she needs. So, she applies and, during the first interview, shares her ambitions for tomorrow. She’s received with great benevolence. Moreover, they tell her that her plan to become an architect is perfectly doable. Such openness and such promise for the future are even more attractive than the prestige of the company itself. In October 2021, Douria joins Capgemini and walks through the door leading to her dream.</p><h2>Software Engineer Dev/Ops: An Agile State of Mind</h2><p>When you work at Capgemini, you’re offered an infinite playground of challenges and discoveries, day after day. For a personality like mine, curious about everything and eager for knowledge and action, it’s fantastic!</p><h3>The Cloud: So Far, So Close</h3><p>I specialized in Cloud Computing early on. I myself have a rather classic background, but one can flourish in this profession coming from less obvious paths. A great techno school, internships … of course, why not? However, people in retraining, not even with IT backgrounds, can do very well. Dare, seize opportunities, take initiatives, that’s worth a thousand internships. Of course, it takes a lot of motivation, hard work, time and sweat, but it’s feasible. If you want it, go for it!</p><p>To succeed in Cloud Computing, the first step is to be curious about all things ‘Cloud’. To know it, to understand its first principles. For the rest, you absolutely can train on open access platforms and pass, as I did, additional certifications.</p><p>At the top of my list of required soft skills: curiosity. Seek information, don’t hesitate to ask for help, be relentless and challenge yourself, always. And, be bold and proactive! These aren’t acquired qualities that you learn in the aisles of universities…</p><h3>Flexible and Creative: The Agile Method</h3><p>I’m a Senior Software Engineer. My job is to create the technical part of Capgemini solutions for our clients. I must consider all the potential technical constraints of clients who often have technologies already in place and functional. This is where we come in: we develop solutions that are compatible with the existing system. From the technical design to test phases and deployment, our role is to provide end customers, the users, with a perfectly integrated and coherent solution. These missions are daily challenges, a permanent commitment that pushes you to keep on your toes, think, imagine and innovate.</p><p>We often work in two-week sprints. This allows our clients to really follow our work, to have a clear vision of our achievements and to give us feedback almost in real time. Needs can evolve and change during a mission. Knowing how to adapt, doing a full 180 if necessary in an instant, that’s the whole principle of the Agile method, a way of reacting swiftly to any problem that may arise. It’s the antithesis of routine and I love it! And nowadays, clients love that synergy.</p><h2>Walking on the Cloud: A Solutions Architect at Capgemini</h2><p>I’m proud of all my projects, of my team’s achievements. However, nothing makes me prouder than the Archi Booster program. To have been part of it. Capgemini created this program to select among its people those who have the best potential to become architects in the upcoming months. They chose me, and for someone who likes a good challenge, it has been bliss. It’s as if it was tailor-made for me: problems to overcome and long, hard days, so much to ingest, but I’m deeply satisfied with the end result. In short, I had a blast!</p><h3>The Archi Booster Program: Empowering Builders of the Future</h3><p>The program is divided into two axes:</p><ol><li>Remote training. Future architects are scattered throughout France, and it would be complicated to bring together assets in the same physical location. We learn all the aspects of the business: what it entails, how to build strong architectures and think with a broad vision. Take into account all the axes to build the ideal solution. Become aware of the responsibility that is ours as an architect. Of course, we also develop soft skills: how to make our presentations to the client in an optimal way, where to focus the interest, depending on the request and the person in front of you. We learn to argue, to negotiate.</li><li>Personalized mentoring. The program is truly designed to fit the individuals for whom it’s intended and their specialties; like the Cloud for me. We receive ultra-targeted support. A senior architect accompanies each of us throughout the course. I was supervised by a very seasoned architect, over twenty years of experience, a wealth of knowledge. He checked my progress at least once a week to ensure that I had properly assimilated the elements of the training. Above all, he gifted me with his invaluable expertise by giving me advice adapted to my profile, my background and my technical experience. He brought me so much!</li></ol><p>Over the months, we had to deliver presentations in front of a jury of highly qualified Capgemini architects. They played the role of the demanding and picky client and we had to offer complete solutions, from design to cost estimation. Ultimately, the whole spectrum of the work that falls to a future architect. At the first presentation, adrenaline is at its peak, there’s so much stress, but you get better with time. I have only encountered honesty and kindness.</p><p>The last presentation sanctions the program. This is the most important and also the most complicated presentation: the subject is revealed 24 hours in advance. Twenty-four hours to build the architecture, take care of the form, and polish our speech like our pitch. No, I haven’t slept much! And yes, it was worth it!</p><h3>An Architect in the Cloud</h3><p>I still have to complete my current missions, but my dreams have come true: I am an architect.</p><p>Working as an architect means having a global vision, looking at the mission from a higher point. The software engineer only envisions the product he’s working on, nothing else. If a problem occurs, it’s usually rather easy to correct one element or another; at this level, it happens all the time. Conversely, an error in the architecture can lead to heavy and complex consequences which will be difficult to fix, in terms of time, cost…&nbsp;</p><p>Architects are at the birth of the projects: they need to look at the full spectrum, and to consider and understand the way in which different products interact. Their decisions are crucial, so they must have a very solid and extensive technical background. It’s a special profession, but also a natural extension of my experience and, for me, an obvious choice.</p><h2>The Way Ahead for Tech … and I&nbsp;</h2><p>If the IT professions were better known, the brakes for women would be much less powerful. We need to spread information about the Tech fields. In my opinion, they’re ideal for women of all ages.</p><h3>IT: It’s a Good Place for Women</h3><p>The Tech universe is particularly well calibrated for women. When I entered this world, I was somewhat biased. However, Being an IT professional I could work remotely and balance my personal and professional life. I can only imagine how wonderful that would be for women who need to take care of their children at home and also achieve their ambitions, thanks to remote working, is quite a luxury. Tech companies also provide many other advantages to women, because they want to attract them massively!</p><p>I care deeply for the place of women, especially young women, in the world of Tech. As a student, I joined an association, ITD (technicians and engineers of tomorrow). We visited schools in remote areas to explain our future jobs to middle school students.</p><p>What I witnessed was young girls adamant not to go into IT jobs. I realized that it was a mixture of ignorance and fear, and it really saddened me. This idea that you have to be a math buff to succeed, that it’s too complicated for them. Students lack knowledge about IT careers. The lack of information was glaring. I did my best to help these young girls to see IT as a very special field that gives everyone a chance: you don’t need to be an engineer, even if it’s far from unattainable!</p><p>We must reach out to girls early, when they don’t know what they want to become tomorrow. If a young girl wants to get into IT, as a woman, I can only strongly encourage her: she won’t regret it, 100% guaranteed!</p><h3>Five Years From Now</h3><p>In five years… I picture myself as a senior architect, with many great projects behind me, many great meetings with clients, having explored technologies that still feel beyond reach. I know that I’ll still be learning, training myself to meet needs that don’t yet exist. With the Cloud for horizon, always…</p><p>And then, there’s the subject of women in Tech. I want to participate in women’s mentoring programs, such as the Capgemini ‘Elles Bougent’ program. When I was younger, I myself benefited from a similar system, I was the mentee, and over the years, we kept in touch. Mentorship offered me to discover the realities of the workplace. Now, it’s my turn to do my part. If I can inspire other women, positively impact their lives, and pave the way for them to embark on their journey, that will be a beautiful achievement!</p>

"Walking on the Cloud: A Solutions Architect at Capgemini"

Julien Londeix