Maya MAATOUK: In command of computer networks and parachutes.
Hello to all SciGi readers 🙂
My name is Maya Maatouk and I’m a Senior Network Engineer at DELL in Montpellier. I’m part of the level 3 support team, which is mostly made up of men. My duties mainly involve responding to complex technical inquiries that are not common and often require deviation from standard procedures.
Being in a purely male environment can sometimes be a stress factor and often pushes me to prove myself in the field to legitimize my place. But I’m fortunate to work at DELL, a company that respects “gender equality and promotes diversity in the workplace. We have internal policies that define a framework for” professional interaction between colleagues and limit sexist remarks.
Despite this, we sometimes receive comments from clients on the phone like: “’Sorry, but could I have one of your male colleagues on the line instead?’” or “’We need a female voice for the phone greeting message!’”
My reaction to these remarks depends on the situation with the client: sometimes it’s enough to play dumb, but sometimes, you can’t let it slide!
Fortunately, my skills are not always questioned, but it can happen. For a little anecdote: one of our clients had refused to let me handle his request on the pretext that I am a woman and that my skills don’t extend beyond the kitchen. So I decided to transfer his case to my colleague who unfortunately didn’t have the skills to handle it. In the end, the case came back to me and I solved the problem. I can tell you that taking back the client’s case, solving his problem, and getting his recognition gave me immense joy and satisfaction!
Want to know how I ended up here?
Well, I entered the engineering school in Lebanon after my baccalaureate and was admitted after my first year to the student exchange program between France and Lebanon (a program piloted by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie). In France, I joined UTBM (University of Technology of Belfort-Montbéliard) in the telecommunications and network program where I obtained my engineering degree in 2014.
After my degree, I had my first professional experience at D2T in Trappes, Yvelines. I was recruited as part of a two-year network infrastructure migration project. My role was to analyze the existing network, design the new topology, configure the equipment, and maintain the infrastructure in operational condition. In March 2016, I was contacted by “DELL’s HR team, who offered me to join the” Network support team as a level 2 engineer.
As the project at D2T was completed, my work within the IT team was becoming monotonous and no longer met my professional expectations. So I agreed to start the recruitment process at DELL, and following several technical, HR, and management interviews, I joined DELL in April 2016.
I would say that the most difficult part of my journey was leaving Lebanon to adapt to the rules of a country different from mine. Assimilating French rules and know-how required a lot of physical and moral energy!
My work occupies a good part of my time, but contrary to what one might think, being a woman in science doesn’t prevent you from taking time for yourself; it’s all a matter of organization. Plus, if you’re in a job you’re passionate about, you’ll enjoy working!
As for me, I go swimming 3 times a week and hiking every other Sunday! (not bad, huh 😉). I also love thrills!!
If there’s one piece of advice I can give you, it’s not to set limits for yourself! Dare, give yourself the means, and you’ll succeed! My philosophy? NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!
Written by Monika
