ENSTA Bretagne : portrait de Chloé, ingénieure en matériaux et structures

Chloé, materials and structures expert

30 January 2024
Chloé chose to specialize in "Advanced Modeling of Materials and Structures" in order to combine her professional life as an engineer with her passion for sports. After her end-of-study internship with Decathlon working on bicycle tires, she decided to join a company in Grenoble as a calculation engineer for cooling systems in the nuclear industry. A geographical location that allows her to practice her favorite sport: skiing.
Chloé
Class of 2023
Calculation engineer

What did you do before enrolling at ENSTA Bretagne?

After high school, I completed two years of preparatory courses in Besançon. I chose ENSTA Bretagne because of its high reputation and its specialization in mechanical engineering. I always wanted to do something that would allow me to work in the world of sports. In high school, I studied sport-studies in skiing, and I’ve always wanted to combine this passion with my job.

What did you choose to specialize in?

I chose to specialize in Advanced Modeling of Materials and Structures. It’s a generalist specialization in the sense that it allows you to work in a wide variety of sectors, since materials are found in all fields. You can then go on to work in aviation, the marine industry, railroads, health care...

For me, it was THE specialization that allowed me to pursue my passion in sports.

What was your training experience like? What do you remember most about it?

Of all my years of study, I enjoyed the last one the most. The professors were always willing and available to help. There was no barrier between professors and students, and we were treated like professionals.

The last semester included a lot of projects. We were no longer cramming everything in, which gave a sense to what we were doing.

And student life?

I made the most of it! ENSTA Bretagne is a great place to study and there’s a wide range of clubs and associations to choose from. I got involved in the sport association as a communications manager. I also enjoyed the Foy’z, a really nice place to relax after class.

Where and in what sector did you do your internships??

In my 2nd year, I went to Hanover in Germany to work in a research center. This experience made me realize that it wasn’t for me: I needed to see what the calculations and studies I was developing would be used for. It wasn’t relatable and it was too specific.

For my end-of-study project, I joined the Decathlon teams in Villeneuve d’Ascq, at the BTWIN Village. I worked on characterizing bicycle tires. I had the task of sizing inner tubes and characterizing tire grip. It was a great experience.

I was able to complete my sizing project and test the first prototypes. I really enjoyed the atmosphere in the team. 

 

And after your end-of-study project?

After a few weeks off and a road trip to Norway with my partner, I signed a permanent contract as a calculation engineer for cooling systems in the nuclear industry. The job looks very interesting and it’s based in Grenoble, so it’s close to the mountains!