Discover People at Soitec

A former Process Engineer, Marjorie is now an Internal Communications Officer at Soitec. Her journey illustrates how industrial rigor and creativity can merge to shape a new career path.

What is your current role at Soitec?
I have been an Internal Communications Officer since March 2025. My missions are very diverse: I create visual and editorial content for our intranet (Yuzit), manage on-site posters, and organize employee events such as conferences or "Strategy Talks." Additionally, I provide support to all other departments that need to communicate.

What was your career path before joining Soitec?
I was a Process Engineer in additive manufacturing for six years, from 2018 to 2024. I worked in the medical sector for a company of about 400 people. It was a very multifaceted job where I moved from production with operators to developing new "recipes" to improve product quality. 

Even though everything was going well - supportive manager, good relationships, interesting missions - I felt after three years that "the spark" was going out. I realized the problem wasn't the company, but the engineering profession itself, which no longer suited me. I decided to pivot.

How did you initiate this career shift?
It all started in 2022 with a skills assessment specifically designed for women. It’s a true exercise in introspection that helps you understand what you love in life, not just at work. I then took personality tests and interviewed people from different circles (family, high school friends, university). It’s fascinating to see common qualities emerge from people who don’t know each other. 

The breakthrough was realizing I could reconcile two sides of my personality: my "structured" and rigorous side, inherited from my six years in engineering, and my need for creativity. Communication appeared as the perfect compromise. 

To solidify my plan, I earned a communications degree through a remote school while remaining in my position. This allowed me to build the foundations before finally leaving my permanent engineering contract in April 2024. By breaking my project down into small steps, I managed to complete this three-year transition.

How was your arrival at Soitec?
I wanted to stay in the industry because I love technology. My integration happened through a one-month immersion internship, a program offered by organizations like France Travail or Transition Pro (French administrations to help people in career transitions) to test a profession in real-world conditions. The experience went so well that Soitec offered me a fixed-term contract. My background as a former engineer was seen as an asset: I understand the industry codes and the reality of the field.

What motivates you daily in this new profession?
Versatility is the very essence of internal communication. In a single day, I can write an employee portrait, create a visual, and then handle site posters. Moving from one subject to another is incredibly stimulating. There’s no room for boredom. It’s rewarding to see that my rigor as a former engineer is a strength in ensuring the smooth flow of information within the company.

What is your takeaway from this career change?
It is extremely positive and has swept away my own prejudices. At first, I was afraid. I thought career changes were only for 50-year-olds who didn't want to end their career on a bad note, and I felt almost illegitimate wanting to change after only a few years. One book in particular gave me a boost: “Réinventer sa vie professionnelle... quand on vient de la commencer” (Reinventing your professional life... right at the start of your career) by Marion de la Forest Divonne. Reading it made me realize that everyone, regardless of their profile or age, has the right to have doubts and question their career. 

Today, that feeling has vanished. This experience taught me that a career is not set in stone. I’ve realized that work shouldn't be a constraint. If my desires evolve again in a few years, I know I will have the strength and the tools to bounce back.

What advice would you give to someone hesitating to change paths?
My first advice is to soak up what’s out there: I read many personal development books and listened to podcasts on career changes to deconstruct my prejudices. Then, take advantage of free and accessible resources available in France like the Career Evolution Advice (CEP), Transition Pro, CPF, APEC, or France Travail in France for example. 

If someone had told me at the beginning that this project would take three years, I might never have started because I like quick results. But by applying the "baby steps theory" - first the skills assessment, then the degree, and finally the immersion internships - you move forward without noticing the time passing. Don’t hesitate to reach out to these external organizations to speak freely, especially if you don’t feel comfortable discussing it with your employer at first. 

In short: get informed, get support, and go for it. There is no age limit to reinventing your professional life.