Skip to main content
Brussels Capital-Region - Homepage

5 questions for Julie Koplowicz, Application Support Manager at Paradigm

In a technology sector that is still largely male-dominated, women who design and implement digital solutions for the public good play an essential role, one that is sometimes not sufficiently visible. Through their careers, they show that technology is above all about impact, collaboration and meaning.

Published on

At Paradigm, Julie Koplowicz contributes to the deployment, use and continuous improvement of one of the eCitizen solutions, such as IRISbox, used on a daily basis by Brussels administrations and citizens. Between coordinating stakeholders, supporting administrations and ensuring the quality of digital public services, she embodies a pragmatic, human and committed approach to technology.

Meet a woman who is playing a concrete role in the transformation of public action through digital technology.

 

  1. Can you explain your role as Application Support Manager and what motivates you on a daily basis in this position?

My official role is Application Support Manager, but the implementation aspect better reflects my day-to-day work. I support the implementation of one of the digital solutions in the Paradigm catalogue, in particular IRISbox, from the deployment phase to its actual use by government bodies. This includes training in its use, incident monitoring and post-deployment support. My role also covers application support and customer relations: I am one of the direct points of contact for users and I make sure that their needs are communicated to the technical teams. In concrete terms, I ensure that the solution is understood and adapted for users who are sometimes uncomfortable with IT.

What motivates me on a daily basis? The interpersonal aspect, the diversity of situations and people I deal with, and the satisfaction of making life easier for Brussels citizens and administrations through useful and accessible digital solutions.

  1. What was your career path before joining Paradigm, and how did you get into the tech world?

I studied communication and worked in print media for the first few years. Then I explored associative and institutional communication in various Brussels municipalities. Before Paradigm, I was at the municipality of Berchem-Saint-Agathe, where I discovered online form projects and collaborated with one of my former IRISbox colleagues. I quickly realised that I enjoyed this field. During a meeting, this colleague asked me to join his team at Paradigm: I was enthusiastic and seized this opportunity to reinvent myself professionally. It was the perfect turning point to move into tech, a sector that had always fascinated me, and I am very grateful for this opportunity.

  1. When working on digital solutions for citizens, what do you think are the most important issues to keep in mind?

One of the challenges remains simplification. Some procedures, whether new or existing, can lack clarity for citizens. The vocabulary used or the steps to be taken, particularly in the case of more complex requests, can be obstacles.

Simplification is also an issue in terms of inclusion. For our part, we have a duty to guide, direct and encourage administrations to accompany their digitalisation with a simplification process.

Together, we must remain attentive to this.

  1. What makes you most proud in your professional career?

My greatest source of pride is the team I work with. It is a complementary, motivated team that believes in our product/service and is very committed. The last few years have been a bit turbulent, but this internal solidarity has enabled us to keep moving forward and maintain the quality of our services. Being part of this team, which is capable of collaborating and innovating together to serve citizens, is truly rewarding.

  1. As a woman in tech, how do you feel about your career today and what message would you like to convey to women who are still hesitant to enter this sector?

I would say to young women: go for it! At Paradigm, we have several women on the team, including two ASMs, a tech lead, our analysts and a tester, and gender diversity is progressing. IT remains a predominantly male field, but it is essential to move beyond clichés.

 

Thank you to Julie for this inspiring and authentic conversation. Her career path reminds us that behind every digital solution are committed women and men who are capable of putting technology at the service of citizens with high standards, meaning and determination. Julie perfectly illustrates the value of human support in tech.

Back to top