My journey from Chef to Cybersecurity

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In our digital age, cybersecurity plays an important role in ensuring the safety of the essential systems that support our daily lives. At Schneider Electric, we are always on the lookout for people who can transform their bold ideas into reality through digital innovation and help keep our world safe and online. Let’s meet with Martin Jalenques, Digital Risk Analyst at Schneider Electric to understand how his career journey led him to his current digital role.

Martin at the Schneider Electric office

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Martin Jalenques and I am 28 years old. Since October 2021, I have been working as a cybersecurity manager at Schneider Electric in Grenoble.

Before joining Schneider, I worked as a pastry chef, a career I thought I would pursue after school. However, I realized this was a difficult job, with low compensation, and with no work life balance. Hence, after some time working as a chef, I stopped and wanted to study and prepare for the transition to a new career. I always had an interest in IT (Information Technology) and cybersecurity, so I joined a school named 42 in Lyon (France), and through their work-study program, I began to work with Schneider Electric.


How did you make the transition from the bakery to the cybersecurity world?

Initially, it was hard for me, but I had strong motivation because I really wanted to pursue a new career. I invested my time in understanding the concept of cybersecurity and took extra classes so that I could devote more time to implement what I learned. It was difficult for me to adjust to the shift, but now when I look back at my journey, everything was worthwhile.


What is your role at Schneider?

I’m responsible for handling cybersecurity incidents in the region of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This involves checking whether we have new incidents and ensure that the incidents are professionally managed and properly handled by the people in charge. I also debrief the executive team on all the incidents.


I find this experience amazing, and am incredibly happy working here. I’m not only getting international exposure working with colleagues from different countries, but I am also being immersed in a global company with such a culture of empowerment helps me gain confidence and become more productive.

What is the best part of working at Schneider?

I have been exposed to various people across the organization working on different topics like policies and such. I have developed a great network outside my cybersecurity responsibilities. For instance, I have worked with the legal, HR, and IT teams during various projects and got a chance to learn from their experience.


How do you feel about the cybersecurity work environment and how it aligns to our employee value provision: Inclusive, Empowered, and Meaningful?

I never felt isolated during my initial days. Along the way, my colleagues have encouraged me on my journey and they were always open to providing me with help and support while inspiring me to challenge myself. The empowerment I have felt also extends into the learn everyday culture at Schneider Electric.


Do you want to share any other thoughts with us?

When I applied for my work study program, I also had a proposal from another company. But I chose Schneider Electric because working in a global company is a huge benefit. There are so many opportunities throughout this company that you will always find something you enjoy.

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At Schneider Electric, we are always daring to disrupt – innovation is our middle name. Good is never good enough, and that’s why we are constantly experimenting, taking risks and disrupting the status quo. We are always looking for people who are curious and constantly in beta mode. If this sounds like you, check out our careers page today!

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