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Testimony of Matthieu Guilhem, student in the “Ingénieur généraliste” (MSc) course

Matthieu Guilhem

Student in the "Ingénieur généraliste" (MSc) course

Testimonial Category :

Education

Date :

25 Jun 2025

Testimony of Matthieu Guilhem

What is your background?

I did a Bac S with an Engineering Sciences option at the Lycée Gustave Eiffel in Bordeaux. I did a PTSI/PT preparatory course at the same school.

Why did you choose ISAE-SUPAERO? What do you see as the school's strengths?

I’ve always been very interested in space, and the school has a great deal of expertise in this field, as demonstrated by the French astronauts who are alumni. I also appreciate the wide range of disciplines and the truly generalist teaching that is offered. Another guiding principle behind my choice was my desire to stay in the south-west of France for my studies. It’s a great place to live, I grew up there and I’m particularly fond of it.

Can you tell us about your academic mobility? How was it a rewarding experience, both personally and academically?

Firstly, I did my compulsory 1A work placement in Tanzania for a 2-month humanitarian internship. I didn’t want to ‘waste’ this month doing a job that didn’t interest me and didn’t contribute anything either personally or to others. On the other hand, with friends from the year, we went to do manual work in schools, which for us had a strong and concrete meaning for those in need.

I spent a semester on exchange in Singapore at the National University of Singapore (NUS). I took a wide variety of courses to explore my different interests: future energy, medical technology, astrophysics and marine biology. I chose this part of the world because I wanted to discover a new way of life and a culture I knew nothing about. It was also an opportunity to study at a prestigious university where academic excellence is recognised abroad. I love to travel and Singapore is a central location for visiting many countries in South-East Asia.

In the second part of my gap year, I did a second academic exchange at UNIS Svalbard in the Spitsbergen archipelago. For 6 months I studied the aurora borealis, a relatively unknown phenomenon that tells us a lot about the behaviour of our sun and its interaction with the earth. I also wanted to give time to another passion in my life: mountain sports, in particular ski touring.

At the end of this experience of life in the far north, a far cry from anything I’d known before, I worked for Ponant as an Arctic expedition guide for 2 months.

These different experiences allowed me to explore several academic disciplines in detail that I didn’t know about, such as bio-engineering, astrophysics and energy. In the end, this helped me decide on my final year specialisation. Personally, I’ve been able to travel on my own, get out of my comfort zone and confront a variety of difficulties. I’ve also been able to fulfil dreams and desires that might otherwise have led to frustration in my future working life. I’m honestly very happy to have spent this year for myself, it’s by no means a free year to do nothing – quite the opposite, it’s a year in which you grow more than ever and which allows you to approach the final year of study with peace of mind.

What areas and subjects have you chosen for 3A? Why did you make this choice?

For my final year, I chose the Earth Observation and Science of the Universe pathway (OTSU-SU) and the Design and Operation of Space Systems pathway (COS-TS). With the different courses that I took during my gap year, I chose to continue in what I’ve been passionate about for a long time, i.e. space. These two courses are the most space-oriented at Supaéro.

What is your career plan? SFE?

I’d like to work in the design and innovation of current space systems such as propulsion on launchers, satellites or interplanetary manned missions. I aspire to manage teams and projects. I’m going to do my end-of-study placement in Kourou at the Guiana Space Centre. I’m working with CNES on a study of the risk of in-flight lightning strikes on launchers.

A word about life in Toulouse and more particularly on campus?

As I said earlier, the south-west is a region that I love to live in. The weather is good all year round. Overall: The people are friendly. The location is great, about 1? hours from the Pyrenees (by car or train) and about 2/3 hours from the sea or ocean.

The campus has good transport links, despite the fact that it’s in the south, and the Canal du Midi is a very convenient major route. There is also a new metro line that will soon be operational. The campus is large, with a large number of sports facilities (rugby pitch, tennis court, basketball pool, etc.) and a student centre with premises for artistic and technical clubs. As a general rule, community involvement is very much encouraged, and all students can join a wide variety of clubs, or several clubs if they wish, from the first year onwards. The whole campus is available to students so that they can enjoy it at their own pace and according to their own desires.

If you had any words for students taking the CCMP?

Have confidence in yourself and dare to dream!

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Clémentine Lelarge

Student in the "Ingénieur généraliste" (MSc) course

Testimonial Category :

Education

Date :

25 Jun 2025

Testimony of Clémentine Lelarge

What is your background?

I began my career as a PCSI and then PSI preparatory student at the Lycée Les Lazaristes in Lyon, before taking the CCMP competitive entrance exam and joining ISAE-SUPAERO. In 1A, I followed the school’s core curriculum, while doing a one-month work placement as an HR assistant in a bookshop. I was also very involved in community life, joining a number of clubs, including volleyball, the European Aerostudent Games (EAG), SUPAEROWING, and OSE ISAE-SUPAERO, an initiative aimed at raising awareness of science among secondary school pupils, particularly girls from priority education areas.

In 2A, I followed the school’s core curriculum and opted for a semester at SUPAERO (S4), where the courses were less science-focused and more oriented towards business, management, biology and law. I did a three-month research placement at the Centre de Biologie Intégrative in Toulouse, where I worked on mathematical and computer modelling of biological processes to combat neurodegenerative diseases. As far as clubs are concerned, I continued my involvement in OSE ISAE-SUPAERO and was elected President of SUPAEROWING, as well as taking on the role of General Secretary of the school’s Gala.

For my 3A, I opted for a double degree in entrepreneurship with the X-HEC Entrepreneurs Masters. I spent my first year at École Polytechnique, where I specialised in the science of environmental challenges, while taking the X entrepreneurship certificate. I also did a six-month placement with Biomemory, an innovative start-up specialising in data storage on DNA molecules to decarbonise data centres.

Finally, in 4A, my second year of the double degree took me to HEC Paris. It was a year focused on business creation, where I had the opportunity to work on some very concrete projects. I was also lucky enough to go on exchange to Singapore Management University and do a six-month placement with Shift4Good, a venture capital fund focused on decarbonising mobility.

Why did you choose ISAE-SUPAERO? In your opinion, what are the strengths of the school and its training?

ISAE-SUPAERO is first and foremost a school on a human scale, which means that you really get to know everyone and enjoy a very family atmosphere. The scientific subjects are of a high standard, and the core curriculum offers a solid education that is not necessarily available in all engineering schools. The school also stands out for its rich community life. Not only can you take part in classic sports such as volleyball, but you can also obtain a parachuting licence, go skiing in the Pyrenees or organise events such as rowing regattas. The clubs are a real school for leadership and project management, and the skills I acquired in these associations are of great value in my current professional life.

What’s more, the location in Toulouse is ideal, just 15 minutes by bike from the city centre, with a very pleasant climate. The possibility of doing double degrees, in both science and business, is another major advantage of the school, as is the recognition of diplomas internationally, such as the X-HEC Entrepreneurs master’s degree. Above all, ISAE-SUPAERO remains a school of excellence in the fields of aeronautics and aviation, with a network of passionate and extremely competent alumni.

I chose ISAE-SUPAERO because the school made me aware of the challenges of climate change and the importance of technological innovation in meeting them. My time at ISAE gave me a solid scientific base and opportunities to get involved in impact projects, particularly through entrepreneurship. The school is a real crossroads of passionate people, people ready to revolutionise the world for the better.

What is your current position? What does it involve?

I’ve just finished my end-of-studies placement at Shift4Good as a VC Analyst. After this experience, I decided to move away from the financing sector because I felt that it lacked a direct link with the reality on the ground. So I’m joining a high-impact deeptech start-up, where I’ll be taking on the role of Chief of Staff. This position will enable me to work directly with management to help the company grow both operationally and financially, particularly by raising funds. It’s a versatile, very hands-on role, and I’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the C-levels (CEO, etc.), which is an excellent opportunity to learn about leadership responsibilities.

If you had any words for students taking the CCMP?

My advice would be not to focus solely on the ranking or the professional opportunities. It’s essential to think about your quality of life and the experience you’re going to have during these three years. These are great years, during which you’ll develop human skills and have unforgettable experiences. Choose a school where you feel at home and where you can develop both personally and professionally. And above all, don’t forget that all roads lead to Rome if you’re motivated and ready to invest yourself!

Testimony of Jeanne Jault, student in the “Ingénieur généraliste” (MSc) course

Jeanne Jault

Student in the "Ingénieur généraliste" (MSc) course

Testimonial Category :

Education

Date :

25 Jun 2025

Testimony of Jeanne Jault

What is your background?

I passed my baccalauréat in science with a maths major in 2019 at Lycée Stendhal in Grenoble. I then went to preparatory school at Lycée du Parc in Lyon in the PCSI stream, then PC and PC* in 5/2.

Why did you choose ISAE-SUPAERO? What do you think are the school's strengths?

I chose ISAE-SUPAERO because it’s a reputable general engineering school, with an aerospace component that interested me in particular for fluid mechanics and space mechanics.

I was also aware that a lot of double degrees were possible, particularly with Sciences Po.

I already knew that I wanted to make the ecological and social transition the core of my future career, and that it was possible to choose the ‘Energy, Transport, Environment’ specialisation in my final year. As well as all these educational aspects, I’d had lots of positive feedback about Toulouse and campus life!

One of the school’s strong points is its specialisation for people with a particular interest in aeronautics and aerospace, while remaining a general engineering school, which means that people who are simply curious about these fields can flourish here. Other important assets are its student life, its geographical location and the working environment on campus.

Can you tell us about your double degree with Science Po? Why did you make this choice?

I’m currently doing a double-diploma with Sciences Po Paris between the second and third years of the engineering course at Supaero. I’m doing a Masters in European Affairs with a specialisation in ‘Energy, Environment, Sustainability’. I chose to do this because it’s a great opportunity to look at energy and environmental issues from a public policy perspective. I learnt a lot about the economics and regulation of energy, how policies for the ecological transition are made and how environmental issues are taken into account at several levels. I now know that I would like to participate in the ecological and social transition by working on energy markets or in Earth observation to monitor changes in our environment.

I did my semester abroad at the Technische Universität Berlin. There I was able to take courses in space mechanics, meteorology, water management, adaptation to climate change and the circular economy with an engineering approach. It was a great experience to develop these subjects that interest me with a slightly different teaching approach. I was able to enjoy Berlin, its culture and the people I met – it’s a very pleasant city, especially in summer. I was able to discover other German cities as well as Prague and Copenhagen. It was a very enriching experience that reinforced my professional choices and plans.

What areas and subjects have you chosen for 3A? Why or why not?

I chose the ‘Earth Observation’ field because I discovered during my studies at Supaero, my semester abroad in Berlin and at Sciences Po that Earth observation satellite data are essential for monitoring changes in our environment and thinking about solutions (for example, for monitoring land artificialisation, flooding or water resources). I chose the ‘Energy, Transport, Environment’ field because I’m very interested in energy issues, particularly energy markets, which I studied at Sciences Po, and because I’d like to contribute to protecting the environment.

What are your career plans?

I haven’t yet defined a precise career plan. One possibility would be to work in the public administration for the ecological transition (different departments of the ministry or state agencies), or in the energy markets. I’m also very interested in working as an Earth observation engineer and on scientific space missions. I think that the dual engineering profile of Supaero and Sciences Po is just the thing for working on these issues!

A word about life in Toulouse and more particularly on campus?

Life in Toulouse is really very pleasant. I feel like I’ve seen a lot of sunshine, the campus is well located on the banks of the canal and you can take advantage of all the sports facilities! I’ve been able to enjoy the Pyrenees with the school’s mountaineering club, as well as rowing on the Garonne, cycling and running around Toulouse. It’s a great place for outdoor activities! I’ve also been able to get involved in various clubs on the subjects that are most important to me: Supaero For Earth (a student club that raises awareness of environmental issues), the school’s social outreach programme, and the student office’s solidarity and ecology section.

What if you had a word for students taking the CCMP?

Be confident, and take care of yourself during this period!

Testimony of Fabien Delcan, student in the “Ingénieur généraliste” (MSc) course

Fabien Delcan

Student in the "Ingénieur généraliste" (MSc) course

Testimonial Category :

Education

Date :

25 Jun 2025

Testimony of Fabin Delcan

What is your background?

I first went to a state secondary school in Pau, Saint-John Perse, before entering the MPSI-MP preparatory school at Camille Jullian, a small preparatory school with only one MP and one PC. There weren’t many people admitted to the grandes Mines, but I had some excellent teachers and some very good friends!

Why did you choose ISAE-SUPAERO? What do you think are the school's strengths?

Like many of us, ISAE-SUPAERO was my goal even before I started preparatory school. As the son of an air traffic controller and private pilot, I was quickly immersed in the world of aviation. In my little prep school, I hung in there and gave everything I had to get into my dream school.

Like many people at ISAE-SUPAERO, I was also admitted to higher-ranked schools, but I made this choice for several reasons:

Apart from Polytechnique, almost all the grandes écoles are the same in the world of work. The key is to differentiate yourself.
I wanted to do mechanics and physics in particular, and I got what I wanted! I was particularly interested in aviation and space, and it’s the best school in France in this field.
I was president of the rocket club and a member of OSE, as well as rowing, baseball and poker.
The many academic opportunities, in France and abroad.
Going to the same school as Thomas Pesquet is quite something, isn’t it?

Can you tell us about your double degree with X-HEC? Why did you make this choice?

After just over a year at ISAE-Supaero, I decided to be more than an engineer. I chaired the Institute’s large rocket construction club (+120 people) and got a taste for project management and steering.

The double degree takes place over two years:

A first year at École Polytechnique in 3A, where you can choose any subject (PA for friends) and take an entrepreneurial certificate. You also do a 3A internship like the Xs, usually in a start-up.
Then you go on to the MSc X-HEC Entrepreneur, a very practical master’s programme, with little theory and lots of guidance to help you launch a business. The classes are made up of one third engineers, one third business profiles and one third from other backgrounds, which encourages the formation of multidisciplinary teams.

I wasn’t born an entrepreneur, but I want to work in a dynamic environment, without fixed positions or rigid hierarchies. This double degree is the best option for me: it allows me to quickly gain experience in technical and business management while taking on a fascinating challenge: designing, managing a growing team, finding a market and convincing investors!

What areas and subjects have you chosen for 3A? Why or why not?

As part of my double degree, I did my 3A at École Polytechnique. I chose the Mechanical PA, coupled with an entrepreneurial certificate. I wanted to acquire a solid grounding in mechanics so that I could design autonomous systems such as drones. Mechanics is a bit of a catch-all area in engineering. I already had some knowledge of software and automatic control, which I wanted to complement with a mastery of tools and methods in fluid and structural mechanics, to better understand the challenges of design and prototyping. As for the entrepreneur certificate, it was a natural choice to gain experience before my final year in entrepreneurship.

What are your career plans?

I’m not completely sure about my future yet, but what motivates me is the start-up environment, its dynamism and its challenges. I hope to be able to found or join a very technical start-up, probably in the field of drones. But it all depends on the people I meet next year: a start-up is above all a human adventure and a close-knit team!

A word about life in Toulouse and more particularly on campus?

Toulouse is great fun! Most of us stay on our super campus, including at weekends, which means we can organise lots of community projects and events.

I know that the community aspect is often overlooked when choosing a preparatory school, but on a day-to-day basis it has a real impact. Getting involved in an association means making new contacts and developing personally and professionally. At ISAE-SUPAERO, there are significantly more associations per student than on the Plateau de Saclay, with many technical and aeronautical associations run by real enthusiasts.

If you had any words for students taking the CCMP?

Whether this is a huge challenge for you or a formality, bear in mind that the questions are often very theoretical: take the time to go into the subjects in depth!