Augustin, a fan of aeronautics

What was your education history before coming to ENSTA Bretagne ?

After obtaining my Baccalaureate (in sciences), I did my two years of preparatory studies at the Saint Louis High School in Paris.

Why did you choose the engineer training at ENSTA Bretagne ?

I chose ENSTA Bretagne for its technical training which is applied and recognized by major industrial groups (Naval Group, Thales, Renault,…). When I joined ENSTA Bretagne, I was lucky enough to know the path I wanted to follow and I was not disappointed in the quality of the training. ENSTA Bretagne also has many partnership agreements with other universities and schools. For my part, I was really interested in the possibility of doing my last year in aeronautics at ISAE Supaéro or in England at Cranfield University. 

How was your arrival at the school in Brest?

Brest for me was an unknown quantity, the ends of the earth ! My arrival at ENSTA Bretagne and induction were memorable. After coming out of two years of preparatory classes, at last you are rewarded. You discover the town, your year and you can take advantage of all the activities on offer at the school (sport, associations, the common room…) in a really nice and welcoming atmosphere. You can also go to some beautiful beaches near the campus to get away from it all.

How did you choose what specialization and option you wanted to do?

When I arrived t the school, I already knew that I wanted to go into mechanic. My objective was to work in the aeronautics sector. So, after my first year, I went for the “Advanced Modeling of Structures and Materials” option, which includes mechanical design and structural calculations. In the 3rd year, I had the opportunity to join ISAE Supaéro thanks to an agreement between the two schools.

Could you tell us about your 3rd year ? What did this complementary training bring you?

I did my last year at ISAE Supaéro. Indeed, a partnership agreement between ENSTA Bretagne and this school allowed me to do the final year of the engineering course at ISAE Supaéro. I chose to do “Aircraft/Structures and Materials Operations and Design” but it is equally possible to choose something else.
This course followed on from my training at ENSTA Bretagne and enabled me to specialize in the field of aeronautics. So, I was able to look for a final year internship in this field. That enabled me to do it in the Airbus studies office. This path makes it easier to find a job in the aeronautics sector.

What is the procedure to follow this path ?

There is a selection process based on an application file (results of your first two years in school) and on the candidate’s motivation. The partnership has been in place for a few years. You need to choose the Supaéro option you wish to join and obtain two reference letters from your teachers at ENSTA Bretagne. You receive the acceptance results during the month of June.

For you, what were the strengths of your engineer training at ENSTA Bretagne ?

The engineer training at ENSTA Bretagne is general training but it enables you to specialize in a precise field if you wish it. The core curriculum in the 1st year allows you to check that you have chosen the right option.

In the 2nd year, the theoretical lessons are accompanied by projects linked to real companies, which gives meaning to what you are doing.
We have access to the technical facilities in ENSTA Bretagne’s research institute which gives you hands on experience of what you learned in all your lessons.

I would like to add that all the classes are of a reasonable size which enables the teachers to really get to know us and to have personalized discussions concerning our choice of training. It is really nice.

What has the international mobility brought you?

I went to  the Université Polytechnique de Montréal, Canada in the 1st semester of the 2nd year.
Montreal is a very cosmopolitan city. I discovered another culture and other teaching methods.

I profited from this university exchange to visit cities in the East of Canada (Quebec, Ottawa, Tadoussac) and the great national parks. Travelling far away from your family and friends makes you become more autonomous and manage problems yourself. You become more mature with unforgettable experiences.

Did you become involved in any clubs?

I put a lot into ENSTA Bretagne’s aeronautics club, ENSTAéro. In the 1st year, I was head of communication for the association. I created its website which presented our activities and organized visits for the association members.

As for sports, I was a member of the ENSTA Bretagne Sailing Team. I also played a part in the association’s communications. We had a partnership with the Marine Nationale (French Navy) to have 4 (J80) boats that we could use on Thursday afternoons, it was really great!

What were the memorable moments for you at ENSTA Bretagne?

Every year, the gala is a must. Many students are involved in the organization of that evening. Just before the gala, there is the degree ceremony, a memorable moment where all the students, teachers, the management and former students come together.

I will never forget the visit from Jean-Loup Chrétien and Pierre-Eric Pommellet for the “godparenting” ceremony of my year in the 2nd year. Their vision of a career in engineering and the challenges that we will have to face really motivated me for when I start my professional career. 

What are your plans for the future?

When I finish my final year internship, I would like to work in a studies office specializing in aeronautical design. Ideally, For example, I would like to join a major, industrial group. 

Do you have any advice for students taking the competitive entrance exams this year?

The entrance exams are really challenging in length and intensity. You need to pace yourself during this period and give yourself time to rest. After each test, you need to concentrate on the next one. Never try to mark your own papers There can be some very nice surprises! In any case, I wish you success in these difficult times and I hope to see you in Brest soon!