Personal accounts (specialised software and computing course)
Thomas Lepercq, class of 2021
« In the MPSI/MP stream at the Lycée La Fayette in Clermont-Ferrand, I discovered computer science and decided to enter an engineering school that offered studies in this field. I passed the Mines-Télécom competitive examination and succeeded in entering the Enssat where I obtained my diploma in computer science engineering.
Why did you choose to join Enssat?
In the preparatory classes, I discovered computer science and quickly developed a taste for it. Following the results, my professors mobilised me to go deeper into the courses outside the required work. This passion for algorithms and "resourcefulness" in problem solving was born and enriched during these two years and pushed me to enter Enssat, a school for computer engineers in the Mines-Télécom competition...
My best memories are the projects with short instructions and a lot of freedom for their resolution that gave them to me. In particular, in parallel with my experiences outside the university curriculum, I developed during my experience at Enssat a particular attraction for advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence, which quickly became my professional goals for the post-graduation period.
My life during the course was punctuated as much by classes and projects as by personal clubs and ventures over these 3 years.
My "mantra" today in engineering school is the same as it has been since high school: no matter what happens, only my goals guide me and push me to succeed. If I had to give advice to a student of pre-preparatory school who hesitates to take the competitive entrance exams, I would tell him to try. Without trying, there is no chance of succeeding, sometimes your presence and an ounce of motivation are enough to convince you to continue.
Moreover, the Mines Télécom competitive entrance exam opens up a variety of career paths and specialisations, all through public schools, which reduces the cost of the competitive entrance exam, especially for candidates with grants. »
Adam Rivière, class of 2021
« After the BAC, I did two years of preparatory classes PCSI and PSI in Raincy, in order to stay in a high school atmosphere and a scientific curriculum quite general compared to the university. After passing the Mines-Télécom exam in 2018, I joined Enssat for computer science and the possibility of trying out several courses before making a final decision (via the common core of the 1st semester, NDLA). Today, I am currently an IT engineer at Sopra Steria.
What are/have been the highlights of your time at Enssat?
The most memorable moments of my time at Enssat were undoubtedly the moments I spent in the various clubs that exist within the school, whether it was during the evenings in class or remotely during the confinements.
Daily life at Enssat is fairly classic and punctuated by the life of the clubs, although this has slowed down since the pandemic. The size of the classes also makes it possible to maintain an atmosphere close to that of high school and preparatory school, without having two hundred people in an amphitheatre.
When I finished my course, I was immediately hired in the company where I did my end-of-studies internship, even before it was over!
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitating to take the Mines-Télécom exam?
"Go for it! Forget that you have no chance...". Or more seriously, "To succeed, you have to try".
And then, the main advantage of the exam is, in my opinion, that it opens a lot of doors to different schools for all levels. »
Thaï Tran, 2009 academic year student
« After completing a computer technology degree in Orsay, near Paris, I applied to join a number of engineering schools and I quickly set my sights on ENSSAT.
Why did you choose to join ENSSAT?
A number of factors led me to choose ENSSAT. The variety and flexibility of the training courses on offer help to shape well-rounded engineers. ENSSAT focuses strongly on teaching future managerial skillsets, something that is often overlooked in other schools, providing thorough training for future engineers...
Located near to the coast, ENSSAT offers an excellent range of sporting and aquatic activities. Using sporting activities as a way to gain experience of team dynamics similar to those one will later experience in a professional environment struck me as being an extremely innovative approach. I particularly liked the flexible training options available in the 3rd year of the course, notably those enabling students the spend time abroad through overseas partnership programs. »
How did the final year of your engineering studies go?
At the end of August 2008, I went to the university of Laval (in Quebec, Canada) to complete an 8-month exchange program completing my engineering course syllabus. This period abroad was carefully prepared with ENSSAT's assistance. Above all, it represents an end-of-studies life experience. Even when overseas, the school continues to provide support with all administrative formalities and remains in regular contact. This gave me peace of mind throughout my time in Canada.
It proved to be an incredibly self-enriching journey providing a perfect way to get away from my familiar surroundings whilst studying in a new environment. Well integrated and warmly welcomed, I got great pleasure from studying in Laval where students can select lessons in line with their interests. I enjoyed the friendly atmosphere between students and the members of the teaching staff. There were fewer weekly lessons than in France but the amount of coursework is considerably greater. However, there were still ample opportunities to enjoy the numerous outdoor pursuits and cultural activities.
Very pleased to have made the most of this opportunity made possible by ENSSAT, I feel my horizons are broadening in a country I may call home in the future. »
Cédric Seureau, 2005 academic year student - Architecture engineer working at Orange Labs
« After my two-year preparatory classes, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in engineering and joined ENSSAT. The school was my 1st choice: the training course syllabus fit perfectly with my expectations and I very quickly came to appreciate Lannion and its surrounding areas.
I began a 3-year training course specialising in computer science. My strong involvement with the school's student associations taught me a great deal with regards to interacting with others and proved helpful as I prepared to join a company. When I left ENSSAT, I initially spent a few years with a computer engineering service company before joining Orange labs in 2010. »