Meeting each challenge head-on: Sebastien Fournet

Whether it’s at work or on the fencing strip, Sebastien Fournet is always seeking the next challenge.

The security analyst may only be in his first year of his full-time role at J.D. Irving, Limited, but Sebastien is no stranger to JDI IT. He first joined the division as a summer student after his second year of university. Returning the summer after his third year, Sebastien was offered a full-time job, one that would be waiting for him once he completed his Bachelor of Computer Science degree at the University of New Brunswick Fredericton.

Having a job lined up before he graduated meant Sebastien could focus on his studies in his final year without the stress of looking for work. For Sebastien, who specialized in cybersecurity during his degree, it also gave him the peace of mind that came with knowing he’d be working in a field he already found deeply rewarding.

“I’m someone who needs challenge,” he said. “My role at JDI IT is fast paced. There are new things that happen every day. You’re on your toes. There’s always something new to learn which is something I strive for.”

At JDI IT, Sebastien has found a role that offers just that, as well as plenty of opportunities to progress in his career.

Sebastien’s penchant for tackling challenges extends beyond the office. In his spare time, he is an accomplished fencer, competing across Canada and internationally.

It’s a sport he became involved in seven years ago. Over the years, he moved his way up at the provincial level and then began competing nationally. Last year, he attended his first international tournament, competing alongside Olympians.

Sebastien’s commitment to his sport, always reaching for the next stage, shows. Over the years he has accumulated many accolades, including provincial champion and East Coast Games champion. He competes nationally three times a year and has fenced at the Vancouver World Cup and Paris World Cup.

“It’s very mentally challenging,” he said of the sport. “It’s very creative, in a way. There’s not a right way and a wrong way to play the sport, so I like finding new ways to make it work and win some matches.”

Much like his job, Sebastien said he enjoys fencing because it is fast paced. Now, Sebastien gives back to the fencing community by volunteering as head coach and managing the operations of the Damocles Fencing Club in Fredericton, N.B. He’s inspiring the next generation of fencers and helping to train the Team NB fencing team for the 2027 Canada Games.

“I don't want to just rely on what I already know,” Sebastien said. “I want to always find new things to learn about and figure out.”

Interested in a career with JDI IT? Current postings are available here: https://careers.jdirving.com