This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) offers voice to Laure-Aline Baheux, Power & Renewables BL Manager at Omexom – Vinci Energies. She mentioned corporations ought to ask why they want extra girls, and think about the challenges of recruiting and retaining them. “It is essential to adapt job provides and profession paths. For instance, recognizing that girls often solely apply if they’ve extra {qualifications} than males,” he mentioned.
The renewable power sector is a journey of progress, studying, and overcoming distinctive challenges. Unlike lots of my colleagues, I didn’t enter the trade with a technical background, which could be a hindrance. In a area the place operational information and technical expertise are extremely valued, I needed to work onerous to construct credibility. However, I at all times consider that my completely different perspective is an asset, resulting in new paths that may in any other case be ignored. My enthusiasm throughout web site visits and curiosity fueled my progress.
One of essentially the most significant experiences in my profession was main worldwide tasks. Exposure to completely different cultures and methods of working broadened my perspective and strengthened my management expertise. My present position requires greater than technical information; it requires a deep understanding of individuals, tradition, and the flexibility to encourage groups throughout geographies
The photo voltaic trade, though comparatively younger, nonetheless faces gender fairness challenges much like conventional industries. However, this additionally implies that it presents a singular alternative to create workplaces that embrace range. The objective is to not contain girls for the sake of it, however to draw expert girls who can drive the expansion of the trade. Great, expert girls undoubtedly exist, and it is very important present alternatives for these keen to hitch the PV sector.
Companies ought to ask Why they want extra girls, and think about the challenges of recruiting and retaining them. It is essential to match job provides and profession paths. For instance, recognizing that girls often solely apply if they’ve extra {qualifications} than males.
Staying is not nearly accommodating maternity depart; it is about creating paths that acknowledge completely different profiles and desires. Without alignment, corporations will wrestle to retain gifted girls.
I hear corporations say they’re doing their greatest to draw and retain girls, however they nonetheless do not. This jogs my memory of how we initially approached issues of safety by merely counting accidents. Today, we take the time to research the explanations and share insights. Likewise, with EPC providers, particularly on development websites, we have to ask if every part is actually there. I’m satisfied that range in groups results in good challenge outcomes.
Networking has been a robust instrument in my profession. I based the French Chapter of Women in Green Hydrogen (WiGH), which boosted my self-confidence. The mentorship loop turns into a virtuous circle of steering and inspiration. Catherine Gras, Board Member of Storengy, is the rationale I would like to completely decide to this trigger. Her affect impressed me and empowered me to encourage younger girls within the trade.
I consider that everybody wants a mentor. This is an easy however efficient instrument that corporations can implement. They also can assist by means of collaboration with organizations similar to “Elles Bougent” (affiliated with Omexom/Vinci). Through such initiatives, I’ve met unbelievable girls who’ve helped me develop personally and professionally.
It is essential to emphasise that initiatives like WiSEu usually are not about creating unique teams. Like every other trigger, we want assist from society. We want the assist of males to advertise gender equality and drive change. While there may be progress, we should transfer ahead.
Laure-Aline Baheux is the Power & Renewables BL Manager at Omexom – VINCI Energies, managing tasks throughout 37 international locations and collaborating with 470 Business Units to drive strategic decision-making and assist progress. His skilled journey is marked by a powerful background in consulting and challenge administration inside the power sector, with roles starting from proposal improvement to key account administration. His expertise spans the complete power worth chain, from fuel to electrical energy, giving him a singular, complete understanding of the trade. Laure-Aline has an International Marketing & Business Development diploma from SKEMA Business School, one of many main establishments in France. He additional specialised within the power sector in his last 12 months on the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in Seoul, the place he honed his industrial expertise. Beyond her skilled achievements, Laure-Aline is strongly dedicated to selling range and inclusion.
Interested in becoming a member of Laure-Aline Baheux and different girls trade leaders and consultants at Women in Solar Europe? Learn extra: www.wiseu.community
The views and opinions expressed on this article are these of the creator, and don’t essentially mirror these held by pv journal.
This content material is protected by copyright and is probably not reused. If you need to cooperate with us and need to reuse a few of our content material, please contact: [email protected].