5 questions for Cristina Lopes, IS Engineer at Paradigm
Cristina Lopes is an IS Engineer at Paradigm. In a world where information systems are central to performance, security and innovation, her role is essential in ensuring the reliability and development of Paradigm's technological infrastructure. Beyond her technical skills, her career path illustrates the diversity of profiles and talents that shape today's tech sector – a field that is constantly changing and rich in opportunities.
- Where did your desire to work in tech come from?
Honestly... it didn't start out as a "desire"!
Tech kind of found its way into my life. I've always been comfortable with computers, helping my friends and family with their problems, tinkering around to understand how they work. It wasn't premeditated, but something that became obvious over time: I'm good at it, I enjoy it, and I realised that I really felt at home in this world.
- Your career path: how did you become an IS Engineer at Paradigm?
I originally studied graphic design. I quickly realised that it wasn't for me. While I was looking for a job, I happened to receive an email offering me training at Interface3. I didn't even know it was reserved for women! Curious and already attracted to IT, even though I hadn't yet clearly expressed it, I thought, "Why not?" I took the entrance exam, passed it, and went for it. A year of training, followed by an internship at CIRB, now Paradigm. The internship went really well, I loved the team and the work... so I did everything I could to get a job.
- Interface3: What did this training programme bring you?
Interface3 is a training centre dedicated to women who want to get into IT — an environment that encourages, demystifies and opens the door to a sector that they don't naturally gravitate towards. I took a course in infrastructure and networks: Active Directory, permissions, networks, DHCP, machine management... A very broad programme, even if in practice, in a company, you cannot take on everything. But above all, it's a training course that allowed me to discover myself: understanding, digging, testing, repairing... exactly what I've always loved to do. And that's what led me to my first job at Paradigm.
- How has your job evolved since you joined Paradigm?
I was hired as an IT technician at a time when the team was still small. I worked on a lot of different things: DNS, proxies, creating virtual servers, supporting the major services offered by Paradigm.
Then a colleague introduced me to database management. It wasn't part of my training at all, but I love learning — so I got into it. When he left, I found myself managing the entire database universe. It's the most hidden part of the iceberg, the part that users never see, but which keeps all services running.
Since Atos arrived about four years ago, my role has changed a bit: I supervise more than I do hands-on work. But technology is still what I'm most passionate about.
- What advice would you give to young women who want to get into tech?
First of all: don't be afraid.
From the outside, IT can seem like a magical or inaccessible world. But the truth is, you don't have to understand everything right away. You start somewhere... and move forward.
Secondly, being a woman is absolutely not a hindrance. We are neither less capable nor less legitimate. Sometimes our attention to detail and organisational skills can even be an asset.
And above all: if there are still few women in tech, it's because we aren't encouraged to pursue it from childhood. Toys, discourse, expectations... everything is still a bit gendered. Fortunately, things are changing, but we must continue. IT, maths, logic: these are also playgrounds for women!
It's a constantly evolving field where you never stop learning. And that's what makes it such an exciting career.
We would like to thank Cristina for this fascinating discussion. Her career path reminds us that in tech, nothing is ever set in stone: curiosity opens doors, and training gives you wings.