From CERN to Center Stage: The Inspiring Journey of Juweel
Julia Mikulec, known artistically as Juweel, is no stranger to groundbreaking environments. Born near Geneva, Switzerland, she was immersed in the scientific world early on, with both her parents working at CERN. Yet, she carved a unique path of her own—one filled with melody, creativity, and passion. Read on to discover her remarkable journey.
A CERN Connection from the Start
Julia’s journey to CERN began at home—literally. Growing up near Geneva, with parents who both worked at CERN, the Organization was woven into her life. In her teens, she had a taste of the institution's working world through a summer internship in the accounting team in the FAP department. “It was fascinating to see how everything worked behind the scenes,” Julia recalls. “Even though my skills leaned towards literature and music, I loved experiencing CERN’s collaborative and international spirit.”
Her internship, while short, planted the seeds for her current role in accounting. “It’s funny how things come full circle,” she laughs. “I never imagined that the same skills I honed at CERN would now be integral to my job at a music label.”
The Pull of Creativity
Despite her analytical prowess, Julia’s true calling lay elsewhere. Music had always been her escape, her way of expressing emotions that couldn’t be confined to spreadsheets. From playing the clarinet as a child to experimenting with a keyboard her parents bought her, she found her passion for music early on.
For many children of scientists, there is often an unspoken pressure to pursue a similar path. However, Julia’s parents took a different approach. While they shared their love of discovery and problem-solving, they never pushed Julia towards a scientific career. “I’m very thankful for that,” she says. “They allowed me the freedom to explore what I truly loved.”
But the path to her dream wasn’t straightforward. After her CERN internship, Julia initially enrolled in a programme in event management and economics in Freiburg, Germany, hoping it might align with her creative side. “It didn’t feel right,” she admits.
She decided to study music professionally, diving deep into vocal performance, production, and songwriting. “Those years were transformative,” she reflects. “I learned not just the technical aspects but how to channel my emotions into music.”
Striking a Balance: Numbers by Day, Notes by Night
In 2020 Julia moved to Berlin where she lives and harmonises two seemingly contrasting worlds. During the day, she works as an accountant for a Berlin-based music label, and by night, she pours her soul into her music.
Her dual career might seem worlds apart, but she sees it differently. “Accounting gives me structure and stability, which I need to support my music,” she explains. “And working for a music label allows me a backstage pass into how the industry operates—priceless knowledge for an artist.”
This balance isn’t just practical; it’s strategic. By day, Julia immerses herself in spreadsheets and budgeting, avoiding burnout by saving her creative energy for evenings spent writing and performing songs.
Julia’s bilingual background adds another layer of depth to her artistry. Singing and writing in both French and German, she draws on her dual heritage to craft songs that resonate across cultures. “In French, my writing tends to be more emotional,” she says. “In German, it’s more reflective and grounded. It’s like having two sides of my brain,” she says. “Each language brings out a different aspect of my creativity.”
The Influence of CERN: Collaboration and Community
Although Julia’s time at CERN was brief, the Organization’s spirit of collaboration left a lasting impression. “The international environment at CERN was incredible,” she says. “People from all over the world come together to achieve something greater than themselves.” This ethos resonates with Julia’s experiences in the music industry, where collaboration is key to success.
“Whether you’re creating music or conducting research, it’s all about working together and combining different strengths,” Julia explains. She also credits CERN’s inclusive and welcoming culture with shaping her approach to teamwork and mentorship.
Julia carries this collaborative spirit into her workshops for young people. In Berlin, she has led rap and songwriting sessions that empower participants to express themselves creatively. “I see it as a way to pass on what I’ve learned, much like CERN’s mission to share knowledge,” she says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to help others find their voice.”
Her workshops often take place in schools or youth centers, where she works with teenagers from diverse backgrounds. “At first, many of them say they can’t do it,” Julia shares. “But by the end, they’ve written and recorded their own songs. It’s amazing to see their transformation.”
Looking Ahead: Ambitious Dreams and New Horizons
Julia’s ambition remains as dynamic as her career. She dreams of producing a bilingual album—one side in French, the other in German—and hopes to release it on vinyl.
As she looks to the future, Julia also entertains the idea of returning to France, perhaps to join Marseille’s vibrant music scene. Wherever she lands, music will remain at the core of her journey.
Staying Connected: The CERN Alumni Network
When asked about the CERN Alumni Network, Julia’s enthusiasm is clear. “It’s a great way to meet interesting people, exchange ideas, and even find opportunities,” she says.
Recently, she attended an alumni event in Berlin and was struck by the diversity and camaraderie among former CERN people. “Everyone came from such different fields and backgrounds, yet we all had this shared experience at CERN,” she says. “It was inspiring to see how people had taken their CERN foundation and applied it to such varied careers.”