I graduated from EPITA in 2014. I have always been passionate about tech, that’s why CodeCase Software project convinced me right away: we really enter inside the code to understand its meaning. CodeCase Software is about automatically processing code. It’s just the beginning of the projects. There are many challenges and just a little research on this concept, so we are experimenting. Today, I live in London where I work on projects using the CodeCase tool.
I chose Margo for several reasons. Firstly, the job offer was based in London and it was matching my life plan to live abroad for a few years. Moreover, I found it interesting to work both on R&D and with the client. This allows us to have a global view of the product and feedback. It’s really useful when you’re working on an innovative concept such as CodeCase. We can observe the concrete application of R&D directly connected to the real world. The goal is to help industries, the tool is adapted to companies. Another reason is that we are working on the Programming Language Theory so we use many programming languages. This is really educational. Last but not least, the size of the company and its start-up culture convinced me. I believe it’s more stimulating and it brings more freedom and responsibilities. Once again, it’s very challenging.
How does Margo/CodeCase help you to evolve and manage your career?
I quickly improved my skills and gained responsibilities. I benefit from a regular follow-up from my HR and Business Managers. Margo also gives me the opportunity to attend conferences about Machine Learning and Data Sciences and even sometimes, I am the speaker. Xavier, one of the founders, and the whole team coach me for these different talks: Meet up Paris Machine Learning Application Group (speech), France is AI, Women in Machine Learning and Data Sciences Paris.
According to you, what are Margo’s values across the CodeCase project?
Reactivity and adaptability. Business needs are moving fast, such as the constraints, the technical environments, the experience of our interlocutors. Thus, you have to deliver something relevant and adapted. Working on a tool-offer allows us to be flexible.
CodeCase is a tool-offer which allows code modernization. We analyze code to find the technical debt and help, plan and realize – mainly automatically – huge migration projects. The goal is to reduce the identified technical debt.
You have chosen to work in London. What do you like about this city?
Beyond the fact that people speak in English – that is a good way to improve – it’s really interesting to watch the differences between the two cultures. British people don’t work like French people do (different work schedules, different efficiency). Observing other ways of working is enriching. You question yourself and try to take the best of both worlds. In addition, London is close to France, so it’s quite easy to regularly come back.
For you, what is London’s greatest asset?
Unlike in France, presentism doesn’t exist. Meetings are short and British people really try to minimize their working day with a quick lunch break. As soon as something is understood, they deal with the next point. You have to be efficient, concrete, bring proof of what you’re saying. But on the other hand, there is less tolerance for mistakes. Afterwork begins at 5pm!
As a woman Engineer, what can you say to encourage young women to do this job?
It’s an amazing job! You have to look for solutions, it’s at the same time, very concrete and very large. Everyone can find her place, depending on the company and the position: we are far from the cliché with a team only composed of men, asocial and geekish! We work with people with a great variety of backgrounds, with different skills that can be useful. We have to diversify these jobs.