I chose digital! Agathe Hinsberger, future IT security and cryptology consultant
Femmes du Numérique:To begin with, what is your definition of “digital”?
Agathe Hinsberger:It’s the biggest global economic revolution in human history. Today, digital technology is revolutionizing the way we consume worldwide. Online shopping offers us phenomenal opportunities to compare prices and products. Almost unlimited access to knowledge, instantaneously and free of charge, is an unprecedented mutation for education and training processes, which are set to undergo major changes. All sciences and techniques are impacted by digital technology. They are all undergoing massive change.
But above and beyond its technical and economic aspects, the digital revolution will profoundly change the moral, ideological, political and philosophical dimensions of our society.
Women, an opportunity for digital. Digital, an opportunity for women. What do you think about it? Why did you choose this sector?
Throughout human history, the roles of men and women in society were clearly established… and very separate. The industrial revolution of the 19thcentury brought a considerable economic boom to the West, but also a new social organization. Since then, women have gradually acquired a “new place”.
Digital technology is clearly a fabulous opportunity for women to take a predominant position in tomorrow’s new social organization, and it’s up to them to play an active part in building this new social order.
Are women a digital opportunity? Yes, of course, because change and progress are nourished by ethnic, geographical and cultural differences… and by feminine sensibilities. Young women of my generation can bring different insights and original points of view to actively contribute to these changes that will profoundly alter our daily lives.
Did you encounter any difficulties in choosing your career path, or on the contrary, did you receive support? How did your teachers, guidance counsellors, family, friends and parents view your choice?
Like all high school students, I was asked to choose a career path in ninth grade. To be honest, I didn’t have any particular vocation, nor did I have the slightest idea of what job I’d be doing. I was very comfortable in scientific subjects, so I opted for an S bac.
From1ère onwards, I took part in a number of post-baccalaureate fairs and open days at schools and universities. Little by little, my choice took shape: I wanted to pursue a technical career. At a trade fair, I visited the EPITECH stand (a digital school that is EPITA’s “little sister”). I found the training program, the curriculum and the school’s style very interesting. A few months later, I took part in an open day at EPITA, and it all clicked.
At my high school, my choice was clearly atypical. In their final year of high school, most of the students in my school chose to go into medicine or law. In my final year S class, only 20% of students chose to go to engineering school. There were four of us who chose a course in digital engineering… and I was the only girl, whereas several of my female classmates had chosen the Computer Science and Digital Science option.
I joined EPITA in September 2014 and I only have one regret: the low representation of girls in the graduating class. We represent only 5% of the workforce.
In your studies and internships, how do you feel about working in a predominantly male environment? Do you feel you’re treated differently from male students and interns?
Quite honestly, I don’t feel that I’m at a clear advantage or disadvantage. I believe that when it comes to this issue, you shouldn’t put yourself in a position of differentiation or victimhood. Positive, proactive behavior often wins the respect of men. It’s up to each of us to adopt appropriate postures to encourage egalitarian attitudes towards ourselves.
Tell us about your career plans. How do you see your career?
I’m only at the beginning of my training at EPITA, and it’s presumptuous to predict the future, but let’s talk about my wildest dream: to set up my own company providing expertise and consultancy services in the field of IT network security and cryptology.
Digital technology is a fabulous opportunity for progress and freedom, and I detest the idea that some people can pirate, misappropriate or exploit data of any kind for their own benefit and against the wishes of individuals, companies or institutions. In my opinion, there is no place for cheats who seek to exploit or control key and intimate information. They are a danger to democracy and freedom. It may sound idealistic, but there can be no democracy without securing the intimate sphere, and I want to make my contribution to this major challenge.
Ideally, I’d like to work with a small, creative, diverse and international team, where everyone knows each other and trusts the members of the group. Living the digital adventure every day isn’t just a question of technique, it’s also a matter of commitment and generosity.
You’re a member of Generation Y. How do you view gender equality issues?
Old clichés are still around. Even today, and even if things are changing, in the educational and professional world, for equal positions, women have to be more efficient than men to be recognized. But then, in the face of adversity, you have to be tenacious and know how to get your skills and talents recognized.
What advice would you give to a high school student hesitating to enroll in a digital curriculum?
Just don’t hesitate. Thinking outside the box isn’t the easy way out, but the field of action in digital is immense and infinite.
To draw a parallel with music, which is my second passion: computer technology is like music theory. It’s hard to learn, but it’s essential if you want to play properly. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can play any instrument, alone or in a group, rock or classical, you just have to let yourself be carried away by your passion, and passion is a very feminine trait!
Biography
I’m Agathe HINSBERGER, I’ve just turned eighteen and I’m originally from Thionville in Lorraine. After a Bac S, specializing in Computer Science and Digital Science, in September 2014 I entered the 1st year of integrated preparation at EPITA, which is an engineering school specializing in digital technology and whose training is spread over five years.
Outside my student life, I have two passions. Classical dance, which I’ve been practicing for fifteen years. I’ve taken part in dance galas and ballets. This activity has enabled me to develop team spirit, rigor and perseverance. My second passion is music. I’ve been playing the piano since the age of eight and took five years of violin lessons. Like dance, music has given me a strong work ethic. But for me, these two passions are above all about pleasure and creation.
That’s exactly what I’m looking for in my future professional life …. rigor, discipline, teamwork, all combined with the pleasure of creation, and that’s what I find in digital.