Mission Protectas: Elizabeth Clément

Who are you in a few words? 

I am Elizabeth Clément, a Cameroonian national. I studied tourism in Cameroon and Italy. I then worked as a ground hostess at Milan Malpensa Airport for Alitalia, as well as a receptionist in 4-star hotels. 

When I arrived in Switzerland, I first worked in a bilingual nursery (French/English) and then volunteered for five years at the CHUV. 

Currently, I work as a security auxiliary at Protectas, which allows me to carry out various assignments, notably with EVAM. 

I am also the president and founder of the association Cradef.ch, which supports orphans, underprivileged children and women living in rural areas in Africa. 

Among my passions are volunteering, reading, travelling… and sports! 

What motivated you to work at Protectas? 

A job ad for a security receptionist caught my attention.

With a background in tourism and hospitality, and a good command of several languages, I decided to apply – and I have no regrets! 

Can you tell us about your beginnings at Protectas?

I have been working at Protectas for three years now.

My beginnings were not easy: my first assignment involved night patrols in a large school or monitoring construction sites at night.

It was a demanding but very enriching experience. 

What are your current responsibilities?

I am not in charge of a team, but as an auxiliary, I carry out many different assignments.

I work at events, as a receptionist, and currently I am mainly assigned to EVAM, a facility that welcomes migrants and supports their integration in Switzerland. 

What do you like about your job? 

I particularly appreciate the flexibility of my schedule, the human contact, and the variety of environments in which I work. 

What has been your biggest challenge and how do you handle it?

The biggest challenge for me is night work, especially when collaborating with  colleague who is not very communicative.

In such cases, I remain patient and keep my objectives in mind. 

Which value resonates most with you and why? (Integrity, Vigilance, Helpfulness) 

All three Protectas values are essential and complement each other: 

• Integrity, because it is based on respecting rules and principles. 
• Vigilance, which is crucial for anticipating problems and preventing risks. 
• Helpfulness, which fosters cooperation and strengthens bonds between colleagues. 

These three values interact positively and are at the heart of our profession. 

How do you experience being a woman in your profession? 

I experience it very positively. I feel fully integrated and respected. Of course, being vigilant is important, but by staying true to yourself, you naturally find your place. 

What advice would you give to women who want to work in security? 

Believe in yourself. Trust your abilities.

The security sector needs strong, committed, and determined women. Don’t be afraid to take on the challenge!