Testimony of Mateo Tobar Meneses, Master in Aerospace Engineering student (Aerospace Structures).

First name : Matéo
Surname : Tobar Meneses
Age : 26 years
Country : Ecuador
Program : Master of Science
Major : Aerospace structures
Current situation : Internship at ATR

Could you introduce yourself?

My name is Mateo Tobar, I am 26 years old and I am from Quito, Ecuador. I joined ISAE-SUPAERO after completing my Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida.

What are the features of your city/country?

Quito is the capital from Ecuador. It has over 3 million habitants in its metropolitan area, thus it is a bigger city than Toulouse. Ecuador does not have the same facilities and capabilities as France, especially on the scientific field. One of the things that surprised me the most is how France and specially Toulouse, being a smaller city, allocates an impressive amount of resources to forming scientists and developing newer technologies. The presence of big aerospace companies makes it an important industrial pole. Also, some important research institutions like ONERA, CNRS, CNES, are present.

Why did you choose ISAE-SUPAERO and apply for our Master of Science?

I completed all my elementary, middle and high school cursus in a French school abroad sponsored by the French Government in Quito. I obtained the Baccalauréat Scientifique and, although I didn’t come immediately after graduating, coming to France to study was always within my personal goals. Most of my friends who came after graduating high school told me that ISAE-SUPAERO had a reputation to be one of the best aeronautical engineering schools in Europe. This convinced me of applying to ISAE-SUPAERO’s Master of Science. The possibility of having industry professionals teaching the lectures was also an important asset.

Which are your career plans?
My goal is to gain some experience for a few years as an engineer in one of the leaders in the Aerospace Industry. This experience gained will help my way back to Ecuador in order to promote industrial development and, in general, to promote newer technologies, especially for the Aerospace Industry. I believe, as France, Ecuador has very good professionals, researchers and an amazing potential for growth, yet we lack of leaders who promote entrepreneurship projects towards newer technologies.

What would you say to a student who will come to ISAE-SUPAERO Toulouse?
I would definitely tell him to take advantage of every course taught and to get to know every professional who teaches the course during the Masters. Academically, the cursus is very good, and there is also a very good networking opportunity with professionals that people generally don’t realize until they are looking for internships.