Meet the ReO members! Episode 4 - Carine Beltrami
© Carine Beltrami
Meet the ReO members! is a new series aimed at introducing the EPFL Research Office members. Meet Carine Beltrami, team leader, in the fourth episode!
How would you describe yourself in a few words?
My name is Carine, and I am the leader of the Administration & IT Systems team at the EPFL Research Office. I arrived at EPFL in 2011, in the former "Grants Office" and I have been in my current position since 2017. I am what we call "hyper active", always with projects in mind and I must say that I am rather spoiled in my job: no two days are the same and there is never a dull moment!
What has been your career path?
After an apprenticeship as a commercial employee, I left Switzerland at the age of 17 to learn German as an au pair, and then I had a series of jobs and employers before arriving at EPFL: secretariat, HR executive secretariat, training (IT tools), project management, database development and Access programming (VBA code, macros, SQL statements), financial control analysis and monitoring…
At the same time, I obtained my Federal Matura by attending evening classes, and then went on to obtain a Bachelor of Higher Vocational Education in Business Administration - again in evening classes.
The red thread of my career is in fact very logical because it is related to the opportunities that have arisen. I had many different employers but just before EPFL, I was lucky to work for more than 12 years at RSR, which became RTS and gave me carte blanche to develop new skills and change positions several times.
What does a “Team leader” at the EPFL Research Office do?
My team manages and monitors all registrations made on GrantsDB for third party funding of research projects, as well as taking care of institutional signatures. We assist Chronos users with any questions they may have and liaise with the VPO-SI and 1234 teams. We also validate all salary transfer and reversal requests involving third party funds.
On my side, I am in charge of the research-related tools: GrantsDB, Chronos, ServiceNow (generic address [email protected] and Knowledge bases), MoveIN (application platforms « Research », « Ethics », « Awards »).
What is driving you in your job?
People. I enjoy working with my colleagues, my team and the VPO-SI team. We come from such different backgrounds! I also like the "service" aspect, "being useful". I really appreciate the exchanges with the labs, especially with the administrative assistants who sometimes have difficult tasks and need support. In addition, I appreciate working in a good spirit of collaboration.
What are the main challenges you are facing on a daily basis?
Putting out fires! Whether it is to solve a technical problem, to train users on tools (sometimes complex ones), to clarify processes, or simply to manage the daily workload and emergencies, it is important to know how to manage priorities.
Outside EPFL, what do you enjoy doing the most?
I am curious about everything, so all experiences are good to have, especially human ones! Since 2019, I have had a house in the Landes (France), a few minutes away from the Dune du Pilat, and I manage all the rentals remotely, which requires a lot of work (more info: https://woodbisca.fr/). Otherwise, I like to spend time in my garden, if possible surrounded by friends and family and enjoying barbecues with a glass of good wine...
What are your life and/or career aspirations?
I would rather take it easy and have a little more time for myself! However, having said that, I think I am privileged to do a job I love with a great team. I have always let myself be guided by the encounters and opportunities that come my way: so let’s see what the future holds!