CERN alumnus, Kevin Monneron, shares his experiences in the world of start-ups, CERN, and his current role in the energy sector.

A Dream Ignited: Kevin's Quest for Environmental Change

Kevin first gained experience in mechanics, electronics and materials during his training in Annecy, where he developed a passion for environmental protection. It was during this time he first encountered CERN through a presentation and was fascinated by the Organization, even though he admits he didn’t understand everything about it at the time. Kevin’s journey to CERN, however, was not a straightforward path.

While carrying out an internship in a Parisian start-up, Kevin quickly rose to the role of leader in the mechanical and electronics division. But after working for three years in Paris, he became disenchanted with his work due to environmental concerns.

“I started as an assistant project leader and soon was handling the company's Mechanical and Electronics division. I loved my job, my team, and the responsibilities that came with it. But I was also deeply bothered by the environmental implications of our work, as we were producing massive amounts of plastic products."

He decided to make a change and pursued his dream of working at CERN. Despite warnings about the difficulties of being recruited, Kevin applied and was accepted to work for a project dealing with the maintenance of the LHC. Later on, he worked on the manufacturing of superconducting magnets, a project that is still ongoing.

Quality Management and Effective Communication: Lessons Learnt at CERN

During his time at CERN, Kevin encountered many opportunities for growth, both professionally and personally. He eventually found himself under the guidance of group leader Arnaud Devred and later, Rosario Principe. Both mentors offered insights into quality management and taught him how to communicate ideas effectively, something he appreciates to this day.

“Working under Rosario Principe was really an enriching experience for me, thanks to all the knowledge that he shared with me. He was both someone who was very specialised in quality as well as in management thanks to his impressive communication skills. I was able to learn from him on several different levels.”

During his time at CERN, Kevin developed an interest in aerospace and energy and began looking for opportunities in these fields once his contract was coming to an end.

Exploring the Energy Sector: Kevin's Move to Newcleo

When he heard about a new company, Newcleo, offering innovative energy solutions, he was instantly captivated. This introduction came from a friend and colleague at CERN. "she suggested  I register for a CERN alumni event that was featuring Newcleo in a virtual company showroom," Kevin recalls. "I took her advice, registered for the event, and was immediately drawn to the company's mission. I knew I had to apply."

Kevin credits his success in the interview partially to his association with CERN. He asserts that being part of CERN imparts credibility and places individuals in a unique category and he recalls how he leveraged this association during job interviews and other engagements.

Besides landing a job at Newcleo, his CERN credentials helped him secure a voluntary role in alpine lakes research at EPFL, which later opened doors to opportunities like participating in a scientific expedition to the North Pole through PolarQuest.

Asked about his current role at Newcleo, Kevin explains, "I was initially brought on board as a project planner. However, the nature of our work is incredibly fast-paced, and I soon found myself deeply involved in management and organisational tasks. Presently, my daily responsibilities include closely assisting the project management office and contributing to the overall structure and organisation of our projects. Despite the heavy workload, there's a sense of fulfilment in knowing that my contributions are making a significant impact. Being a recent addition to the team, I am still learning and discovering ways to contribute effectively to the project."

Leveraging CERN's Credibility: Opening Doors and Building Networks

Reflecting on his career journey, Kevin encourages other alumni whose contracts may be nearing completion to join the CERN Alumni network for its powerful networking opportunities.

“The CERN alumni network provides a powerful platform for building an international network. It offers an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and share experiences. The network's global reach and the credibility associated with CERN can open doors and present exciting opportunities.”

He also suggests considering other companies that can offer wonderful opportunities and fulfilment. According to him, CERN can be utilised as a stepping stone to international projects or a lever to bolster future applications, leading to other captivating prospects.

"You have to remember that your affiliation with CERN can bring a lot of credibility... you have to be determined to continue in your direction because you have already achieved a great feat being part of an organization like CERN."

Kevin’s journey exemplifies the vast array of opportunities available to those with determination and a willingness to learn. Whether working in a Paris start-up, an international research institute like CERN, or an innovative energy company, he has continuously sought out new challenges and ways to make a positive impact on the world. As Kevin attests, the value of experiences gained during one’s career journey is immeasurable, often opening doors to new opportunities and paths.