Loïc: “I wanted a more human dimension of my work”

Discover Capsens from the inside with an interview with an employee. Today the floor is at Loïc Adjanohoun, project manager.

1. What did you do before joining Capsens (studies and professional career)?

I studiedfluid mechanics engineer, in numerical simulation to be precise.

I then spent two years in an aerospace research lab to do a thesis, I went there without asking myself too much. It was a logical continuation of my diploma and the research master that I had done in parallel. But unfortunately that didn't happen...

I then worked for a service company where I had a mission at Dassault in acoustics and another at the CEA (atomic energy center). While both experiences were very valuable to me, they also showed me that it was not exactly what I was looking for. I like to solve problems, and the science sector is perfect for that, but I wanted a dimension more “human” than my work.

2. Why did you join Capsens?

Before having the opportunity to work at Capsens, I did not think that I could work in the fintech field. And it was a combination of circumstances that brought me here.

Before leaving my old company, I already knew that being an engineer as I was doing it was not what I wanted to do in the long term. Covid and my period of partial unemployment allowed me to realize this and to think about a job that could combine my desires with my strengths and my character.

• I like to be of service to people,
• I am multitasking,
• I like to solve problems,
• that there is a technical part because, even if I no longer wanted to be an engineer, this aspect is still important for me,
• have a job whose objective changes every day.

3. How did the recruitment process go?

As I said just before, during the first lockdown, I had time to think but also to start training on the job of project manager. My aim was to reorient myself in the medium term. I had discussed it with Jullian (friend since high school) of my project. On the first day of my mission at CEA, I received a call from him to tell me that Capsens was recruiting and that if I was up for it, I might as well try my luck.

I was lucky enough to meet Nico first and to be honest It was the most pleasant interview I ever had. Even though we didn't lose sight of the purpose of the interview, it really opened my eyes and I couldn't see myself staying where I was. Fortunately, the interview with the other project managers went as well and I was able to integrate Capsens.

4. How did you get onboarded at Capsens?

When you arrive at Capsens, you are not left alone. I would even say that Capsens considers training in general, as a key aspect to be based on. To welcome a new project manager, this training lasts between 3 weeks and 1 month. During this time we are introduced, through training courses and a great Welcome Board Trello :

• Capsens as a whole and its core business
• processes
• quality standards
• The customers
• tips to be more effective...

While putting our foot in the stirrups on increasingly complex topics. The entire team of project managers is invested in training, which allows you to feel confident to try for yourself or ask questions.

Also, the new project manager is doing his job In pairs with a former Capsens employee and is gradually becoming autonomous.

5. What does your role as web project manager at Capsens consist of?

The role of project manager at Capsens is essentially based on the relationship with our customers. There is of course a commercial aspect, as we sell weeks of development. But most of our work starts with understanding the needs of our customers. Indeed, our goal is to understand what he wants to do and especially why. This then allows us to advise them in the best possible way. It is not uncommon for a customer to come up with an idea and for the result to be different because it is better adapted to their real needs.

Once the need is well defined, we move on to the next step which is The specification. It is from this stage that we work in collaboration with developers. We define the procedure to follow to reach the final result (logic to be implemented, choice on technology...).

Then come the developments where our role will be to test them to make sure that everything is in line with expectations.

And of course, if there is any problem on an online platform, we will fix it as soon as possible!

6. What is the main quality to be a good web project manager?

If I had to say just one, I would say that a project manager should be methodical. It is quality that suits us avoid the most worries. The most telling example for me is reflected when developing a specification. If we do not foresee all possible cases, then we are exposed to the production of behaviors that are not wanted or even the stopping of a platform. Proceeding methodically allows us to minimize this risk.

7. Do you want to share with us an anecdote from Capsens?

I don't know if it's an anecdote but when I arrived at Capsens, teleworking was extremely recommended and even mandatory at certain times. I admit that at first I was more than happy to see that I could extend my nights and take advantage of the practical aspects that remote work offers. But now after 1 year and a half at Capsens, I have realized that I prefer to sleep a little less and come to the office. I have a better day at Capsens than at home !

So much for Loïc's interview! And if you want to apply to Capsens, do not hesitate, click here The Capsens recruitment page !