STEPPING ONTO THE LADDER’S FIRST RUNG  STEPPING ONTO THE LADDER’S FIRST RUNG  STEPPING ONTO THE LADDER’S FIRST RUNG 

STEPPING ONTO THE LADDER’S FIRST RUNG 

  • People
  • Prosperity

As a technology company, SOMFY is also a family-run, humane company. It is open to young people looking for their first professional experience and open to a challenge. SOMFY takes them in and trains them to one day become tomorrow’s talents of smart living.

BEFORE THE BACCALAUREATE

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1/ AN INTERNSHIP AT 15-year-old

Site visits, job fairs, panel discussions in secondary schools or discovery courses—the SOMFY Foundation increases awareness for industrial jobs among youth seeking a career path. This year 24 employees guided 16 teenage schoolchildren on a journey to live their work life for a week. 

How did this experience inspire you?
This internship allowed me to target areas close to my interests: I discovered three professions: interface design, product design, and communication.
What do you remember from this week of observation?
Product design caught my eye. There's drawing, modeling, and working on materials. After this internship, I contacted design schools to help me choose my options for the baccalaureate.
What would you say about SOMFY?
It is a dynamic, modern, and efficient company. I was so excited that I asked the Product Design Manager to hire me, but I’m not old enough and don’t have the qualifications!

Emma Brisson,
15-year-old student
hosted in Cluses (France) 

AFTER THE BACCALAUREATE 

2/ MY END-OF-STUDIES INTERNSHIP 

For students of higher education looking for an internship to validate their degree, SOMFY offers professional experiences to put into practice and deepen their knowledge.  

Do you like working in the industry? 
Working in this sector has taught me connected home technologies. I particularly like working in industry, especially with this international dimension. 
What did this internship bring you? 
It allowed me to apply everything I learned at university and in my master's degree. Communicating with people from other countries allowed me to learn more about their culture when launching a local campaign.  
What did you like best about SOMFY? 
I had the freedom to come up with creative idea campaigns within the social networks and put them to the test. Even though I was an intern, the teams trusted me, and that's great! 
What words would you use to describe SOMFY?  
International and learning. 

Paulette Alvarez, 
Ecuadorian graduate intern
based in Barcelona (Spain)

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3/ MY WORK-STUDY

From the first day of onboarding, work-study students benefit from a personalized program based on significant milestones. They can learn more about the company's trades, participate in the Foundation's days, and acquire soft skills.

What is your job at SOMFY? 
I am the international communication assistant for the organization & supply chain function. I help improve communication between the eleven factories around the world.
How did you get the job? 
I found the ad on Indeed after seeing many positive comments about SOMFY and its employee management. The process was fast, transparent, and productive; I had two interviews and a positive response within ten days.
Do you like working in the industry?
I have rediscovered the world of connected homes. I learned how the home of the future will help us save energy, avoid over-consumption, and keep our home safe at all times. 
How would you describe SOMFY?
This is a visionary company where you can challenge yourself, learn every day, and be creative.

Emilia Depresle Alvarado, Guatemalan work-study student based in Cluses (France)

AFTER GRADUATION 

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4/ MY V.I.E

Present in 58 countries, SOMFY offers one- or two-year international volunteering programs (V.I.E) to acquire new skills and gain exposure to multicultural practices.  

What position do you hold at SOMFY? 
I am a project coordinator and software engineer. In particular, I develop motor software and ensure Nanxun teams enjoy the skills they need to use our tools and processes. 
What interest do you find in working in this field? 
Being able to combine software and hardware has always been important to me. When the product contributes to improving our daily life, it’s a plus. 
What is this V.I.E. bringing you? 
I was looking for a culture shock, and China did not disappoint. The V.I.E allowed me to leave my comfort zone and grow personally and professionally. It’s an excellent springboard for the future. I’ll not be able to have an experience like that anytime soon.  
How would you describe SOMFY? 
It's a big group, but it feels like a family.  

Antoine Delemotte, V.I.E
based in Nanxun (China) 

5/ MY FIRST LONG-TERM JOB 

At the end of their work-study program, the best employees can be hired and continue their development within the Group. It’s a win-win policy for employees and the teams they join.  

What position do you hold?  
After an enriching work-study program at SOMFY, I was hired as Secure Access Product Manager in Somfy France’s marketing department. My activity is focused on alarms, cameras, videophones, and connected locks.  
Do you like working in the industry?  
I feel genuine pride in serving a French industrial company. It is a sector full of new challenges to be met, products to be developed, innovations to be thought of, and market opportunities to be seized. 
What would you say about the atmosphere here at SOMFY?  
I particularly appreciate the employees’ mindset. People are friendly and accessible, and that fosters collaboration every day. 

Vincent Archenault,
formerwork-study employee, hired on a permanent contract
in Cluses (France)

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