Powering the Future: Romane's Journey as a Product Manager in STEM

The future is being shaped by those who push boundaries. At CE+T Power, we believe in amplifying the voices and stories to inspire the next generation to dream bigger, innovate further and create solutions that will power a more sustainable and resilient world.

As the world celebrates the achievements of women in STEM (Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), we sat down with Romane, one of our Product Managers, to hear about her journey in Applied Sciences. From her early doubts to discovering a passion for bridging the technical and commercial worlds, she shares valuable insights on her career, her field and work in the energy sector, and the lessons she has learned along the way. Let’s dive into it!

Can you tell us about your journey in Applied Sciences? What inspired you to follow this path?

Initially, I was hesitating between studying business and engineering, so I decided to take the engineer entrance exam. After passing it, I did not overthink it anymore and began my studies in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the University of Liège. In the end, with a bit of hard work, I managed to get through my studies without too much trouble.

Did you have any role models or mentors who influenced your career path in Applied Sciences?

Not really. I just focused on getting through and making things work!

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

I was fortunate to start in a position that was halfway between technical and commercial work, which turned out to be a perfect fit for me. I appreciate the organizational aspect of my job and the fact that I do not need to be deeply involved in the technical details, yet I still understand what is happening. I also enjoy translating complex concepts into simpler terms for those who are not engineers. My role has introduced me to an industry I truly enjoy since my company works in the energy sector, an area increasingly relevant to our daily lives.

We are now facing global energy challenges that can be addressed with solutions such as renewable energy. Over time, I have realized that my studies taught me how to learn, an invaluable skill that allows me to take on various tasks throughout my career. The variety keeps things interesting, and I know I will not get bored anytime soon!

Can you describe a project you’re currently working on or one that you are particularly proud of?

During my first year on the job, I worked on projects that provided electricity, primarily through renewable energy, to remote areas in Australia that had no access to power. These areas were previously reliant on diesel generators. It is incredibly rewarding to know that these places are now powered by the sun, a sustainable and limitless energy source.

What advice would you give to young girls and women who want to pursue a career in this field?

Even though my initial choice of studies (engineering) might not have been the perfect fit compared to business engineering, I have no regrets. I pushed myself, made great connections, and found that this environment was very collaborative rather than competitive. Thanks to my studies, I now have a solid understanding of critical environmental issues, which are highly relevant today. While my formal education has ended, I believe there’s always time to learn new management or non-technical skills to keep evolving.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self starting engineering school?

I would tell her not to worry if the concepts being studied seem abstract at first. Over time, she will learn how to understand complex ideas and that will open doors to a wide variety of roles. These roles will keep challenging her and make her career both dynamic and rewarding and that is invaluable!