Florence Chimot : 25 Years of Growth and Evolution in IT

I never expected to work in IT. My background was in documentation when I initially joined the European Commission as a consultant in 2000, providing training on internal IT tools. My role involved testing new versions, offering technical support, and writing user documentation. Over time, my career took unexpected turns, leading me to become a project manager—a title that, to me, implies coordination, knowledge-sharing, and adaptability.

At the beginning of my journey, I found myself in a heavily male-dominated environment. I had to learn to be assertive, something that didn’t necessarily come natural to me. However, thanks to the support of my colleagues and employers, I grew into my role and found my place. Today, as a project manager for WESTPOLE at the European commission, I coordinate a team of trainers from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that training projects align with client needs and that documentation remains up to date.

Over the last 25 years, I have seen workplace dynamics evolve. The road has not always been smooth—there have been moments of doubt, shifts in direction, and the need for resilience. But through it all, I have learned to navigate change with optimism.

Despite the progress we have made, gender equality is not yet fully secured. Our achievements, both professional and personal, must be continuously defended. I hope that my daughters will be able to work in an environment free from stereotypes and limitations, one where they are seen as professionals first and foremost, without labels or constraints.

 “From trainer to project manager, my journey in IT has been one of growth, resilience, and learning. Over 25 years, I’ve seen progress, but we must be attentive and ensure a fair and inclusive future for the next generation.”