Ihssane Baraghen and Mohammed Derssi, a Moroccan student, are in their second year of the Grande École Program on the Cluny campus as part of a dual-degree program with ENSAM Casablanca.
Before arriving in Cluny, Mohammed Derssi completed an engineering program in industrial mechanical systems engineering in Casablanca. His education led him to work in mechanical design, materials, manufacturing, and programming. Ihssane Baraghen, for her part, completed a two-year engineering program in electromechanical engineering. Her projects and internships focused in particular on electromechanical maintenance and industrial automation.
Two paths, one choice for mobility
The partnership between the two institutions provided both students with an opportunity to supplement their studies with an international experience. At Cluny, international students are supported by the Office of European and International Relations (BREI), staffed by Anne-Lise Grenaud and Nathalie Laroche.
“For me, a dual degree represents a real opportunity to complement my education in Morocco with an academic and personal experience in France,” explains Mohammed. For Ihssane, the complementary nature of the programs also played a role in his decision: “I was looking for an experience that would strengthen my education while giving me a broader perspective on industrial engineering.”
In Cluny, new landmarks to be built
Mohammed is struck by the tranquility of the town of Cluny, its history, and the historic buildings on campus. Ihssane, for her part, highlights the importance of student life, club activities, and community life. The first few days, however, require a period of adjustment. You have to settle in, understand how the campus works, meet other students, and get used to new study methods. “The first challenge is to adapt quickly to a new way of working and a new environment,” Mohammed sums up.
Learning in a Different Way Through Projects
Both students highlight the emphasis placed on projects, independence, and hands-on experience in their program at Cluny. Mohammed, in particular, is working on designing a music box. The project combines several aspects: designing parts, selecting materials, manufacturing, sizing, and assembly. Ihssane, for her part, appreciates the lessons tied to projects or case studies, which require her to draw on a variety of knowledge to solve a single problem. The experience equips them with transferable skills: teamwork, project management, independence, communication, and adaptability.
Building Their Engineering Profile
Meeting students from different countries inspires their career plans. Mohammed hopes to pursue industrial and technological projects, particularly in the energy, nuclear, and industrial systems sectors. Ihssane is considering starting his career in robotics, embedded systems, or industrial automation. In the longer term, she also hopes to explore a career in research and is considering a Ph.D. To students who are still hesitant about pursuing an international exchange, their advice is the same: “Going abroad involves changes, challenges, and adjustments, but it also offers the opportunity to establish new points of reference.”
Three words sum up Mohammed’s experience: “Discovery, adaptation, and ambition.” Ihssane, for her part, chooses “Challenge, discovery, and growth.”
