FemSpin, inspiring female entrepreneurship: meet Melany Barron

How did you get into the world of entrepreneurship?

Ever since I was very young, I've dreamed of setting up my own business. The courses I'm currently taking at HEG have strengthened my determination to take the plunge and given me the confidence to get started. The WeJob project, initially founded in 2018 by two former HEIG students in Yverdon, was looking for entrepreneurs to take over. As luck would have it, I knew one of them, which meant I could seize the opportunity to inject my vision and bring new life to the project.

And what exactly is WeJob?

WeJob is an innovative platform that connects IT job seekers with companies looking for talent. By 2025, we'll be integrating artificial intelligence to support candidates in their application process and to help human resources in the recruitment process. The aim is to simplify administrative tasks while maintaining human validation for important decisions. We are also aware of the challenges associated with algorithmic bias, which is why our AI will be rigorously trained to evaluate candidates fairly, focusing solely on their technical skills and professional experience.

At the same time, we've just launched “WeCast”, a podcast that explores the latest industry news, best professional practices, challenges encountered and many other relevant topics. It's our way of adding even more value to our community and staying at the forefront of market trends.

Your project is currently incubated by Pulse Incubateur HES, how did you hear about this hub?

When I was hired as president of the HEG student association, we collaborated with Pulse on a promotional action on the networks. I discovered the premises on that occasion and it piqued my interest. Eventually, I signed up with WeJob. It's a really great place to meet other young people like us who are in the entrepreneurial business. We can give each other advice if we run into difficulties. Pulse also gives us access to a whole range of resources, including premises, training and a professional network.

Have you experienced any particular difficulties as a woman entrepreneur?

When I approach customers on the phone, I sometimes feel a lack of consideration, especially in the technical and IT fields. It's not uncommon for people to be reluctant to talk to me, in the mistaken belief that I don't master the subject. In response, I confidently tell them that I'm perfectly competent to talk about technical matters. It's true that women are still under-represented in the IT sector. By putting my image forward at the head of WeJob, I hope not only to prove that women have their place and can excel in this field, but also to inspire other women to take the plunge.

What advice would you give to women hesitating to become entrepreneurs?

It's essential not to be afraid of exploring new avenues. Failure doesn't mean the end, it's an opportunity to learn and grow through our experiences. Taking training courses can also boost your self-confidence and enable you to put the knowledge you've acquired into practice<

In entrepreneurship, ups and downs are frequent, so it's perfectly normal to lose motivation at times. The important thing is to know how to pull yourself together and keep moving forward. As for me, I'm juggling my studies with running my business. I've had to sacrifice certain activities like sport, which I love. Now, I'm trying to better organize my schedule to regain balance. It's crucial to learn to set limits, especially when tasks are not urgent, and to give yourself time for yourself.