VIE@ALTEN – Gaëlle Poizot

What is your professional background?  

Originally from the north of France, I obtained my degree as a chemical technician specialising in analytical chemistry and quality. This qualification led to my first two professional experiences in France before I moved to Belgium, specifically Brussels, to join Alten Belgium as part of my VIE (Volontariat International en Entreprise).   

What are the benefits of the VIE contract? What were your expectations? 

The VIE program offers a secure framework for young people wishing to test themselves in their first experience abroad. It allows for personal and professional challenges, exposure to different working methods, and the opportunity to bring fresh French expertise. Additionally, it helps to expand one’s network of professional and personal contacts.

How was your first contact with ALTEN?  

Eager to explore new opportunities and curious about what was available elsewhere, I uploaded my CV to the Business France website with no particular expectations, mainly out of curiosity. ALTEN quickly contacted me to offer a VIE contract, which I accepted due to our pleasant exchanges that already reflected the Belgian spirit! 

Do you have any future opportunities?

I signed a permanent contract with ALTEN Belgium following my VIE. Although I am not currently looking to change jobs, it is clear that my CV is more robust than when I first arrived in Belgium, and I am contacted by recruiters much more frequently.

What is your current mission at ALTEN?

After two years working in quality assurance on a deviation platform, where I started as a deviation coordinator and quickly became a team leader, I currently hold another team leader position, this time in a department related to quality control.   

Why did you choose Belgium?  

Being from the border region, I didn’t specifically choose Belgium but rather Brussels, a dynamic and cosmopolitan European capital. It was an opportunity to explore new horizons without straying too far from France, and to travel through the encounters I made throughout my VIE. Some of these connections have turned into friendships, allowing me to travel across France and Europe to meet up regularly.