Juggling between coding and kinesiology: hear about Verena's inspiring story

Groupe Mutuel: Verena Ferraro, a kinesiologist who chooses overnight to join the “42 Lausanne” computer school, isn't that unusual?

Verena Ferraro: After the lockdown in 2020, I felt the need to continue to train, in particular to create more personalised websites. A friend told me about “42 Lausanne”, a free, highly technical coding school. I already had a little training in web design thanks to my graphic design background, but I wanted to go further. I was immediately attracted by the idea of joining an innovative school, with no traditional teachers or courses, that focused on practice and collaboration. I like challenges and discovering new things. “42 Lausanne” represented a unique opportunity to push myself.

Groupe Mutuel is one of the sponsors of this school, which has a reputation for being incomparable. Was this also the case for you?

“42 Lausanne” is really unique. I took the online entrance tests and then the famous “swimming pool” session, an intensive four-week immersion course. It was a daring challenge to take on such a dense course while working on the side, but I never regretted my choice, because it was also an extremely enriching experience. It gives you a lot of freedom while also being free of charge. You're not “stuck” like you would be in a traditional school because you're not financially committed and you can decide to stop whenever you want. In addition, it's possible to follow the course while working because you manage your hours and schedule completely independently. It's open 24 hours a day. This school has given me a very thorough insight into the world of programming. I discovered many different professions and met some incredible and inspiring people. “42 Lausanne” not only helped me acquire technical skills, but also a new way of thinking and solving problems. Empathy and collaboration are at the heart of this training, which has enabled me to develop essential human skills.

I'm thinking of getting my federal diploma in kinesiology so that I can be reimbursed by... health insurance.

Once the school was finished, what happened next?

After “42 Lausanne”, I joined Groupe Mutuel as a developer. At Groupe Mutuel I find the same atmosphere as at “42 Lausanne”. Serious (but) enjoyable and friendly work in an atmosphere of mutual support and friendliness that helps everyone to progress. Also, in both cases you have the opportunity to develop your skills on a variety of subjects, which makes for a rewarding and stimulating experience. My main task is to work on a tool used by managers to manage individual customer claims. My background as a therapist and graphic designer has given me a unique perspective and transferable skills. For example, my knowledge of insurance and my experience as a freelancer have helped me to better understand clients' needs and to provide appropriate solutions. Groupe Mutuel saw in me an atypical but complementary profile, which has enabled me to flourish in this new role.

The human element seems to be central to your work?

My career has been marked by a number of personal and professional challenges. I experienced burnout, which made me question my life and my choices. That's when I decided to retrain as a kinesiologist. This training strengthened my understanding of the importance of balancing body and mind. I opened my own practice and began helping others to overcome their own challenges. This experience has profoundly transformed me and enabled me to refine my listening skills and my understanding of human behaviour, while integrating new tools to find tailor-made solutions. I'm able to turn my personal experiences into useful resources to support my customers on their life journey. What's more, each meeting with my clients is a source of inspiration and motivation to continue learning and evolving. I have developed an acute awareness that enables me to understand my clients and to guide them on their healing journey.

How do you organise your two jobs?

At the moment, I devote around 80% of my time to my professional activity with Groupe Mutuel and 20% to my kinesiology practice. This dual role creates a balance and allows me to continue to learn and develop in my two chosen fields. It's an unusual harmony, but one that's incredibly enriching and strangely complementary. In everything I do, I'm constantly having to find solutions, whether it's troubleshooting a computer bug or helping a client overcome an emotional block.

What's next for you?

At this stage of my life, I'm looking for more stability. I love what I do, whether as a developer or a kinesiologist. My aim is to continue to develop my skills in these areas. Funnily enough, I'm also considering taking my federal diploma in kinesiology so that I can be reimbursed by... health insurance.

What advice would you give to people who sometimes feel stuck in their career?

My career has been rich in experience and learning. I began by studying visual arts and graphic design, then went on to work in various fields, including at Apple. Kinesiology helped me to better understand and heal my own emotional wounds. My time at “42 Lausanne” was a revelation and today I feel at home at Groupe Mutuel. To sum up, every experience gives you new skills, valuable encounters and new perspectives. If you find yourself at a dead end, remember that nothing is set in stone: you never succeed as well as in what you really love. At any age, it all starts with getting to know yourself better and learning to believe in yourself. Trust yourself, that’s the key!