What's it like to be a girl studying at Arts et Métiers?

Cyrine Mathlouthi, specialized engineering program in energy engineering, Paris: " Don't let anything slip by! "

"I chose Arts et Métiers I met students from the school who told me about their work-study programs. I was studying for a bachelor's degree in physics at the time, but I quickly realized that I was more interested in applications than in fundamental science.
There aren't many girls at Arts et Métiers. In my class, there were about ten of us out of 45 students. It's a burden, but it didn't stop me from thriving in my studies and having good relationships with my teachers and classmates.
I didn't feel any sexism during my studies, except sometimes in the phrases used by certain teachers, such as "Don't be such scared little girls." This is an example of patriarchy that must not be overlooked. Otherwise, it will be passed on to future generations. It is by reacting that we can bring about change.
At RTE, where I am on a work-study program, I am responsible for collaborative studies: I conduct context studies, for example for a major underground network renewal project in the heart of Paris. We have to work with the city council, associations, and experts to figure out the best route. We also work a lot with farmers.
I haven't felt any sexism at RTE. In fact, they're really respectful of family life, for both women and men. But I know that's not the case everywhere. During a previous internship, I heard problematic comments being made as jokes that a woman had to put up with every day: "Come on, sweetie, take off your panties, I'm in charge."There is also a more subtle form of sexism, where it is always the woman who is responsible for writing reports or making coffee.
In fact, in my studies and my work, I personally don't have any problems, but I am revolted by what I see in society, whether on the street, on public transport, or on social media: aggressors are everywhere and are men like everyone else. Contrary to what some people think, we have not achieved equality."

Emma Domingues, gap year, Grande École program: " I have truly flourished at Arts et Métiers. "

"More girls need to enroll Arts et Métiers, and it's a choice I would recommend to them. Even though sexism still exists at the school, it's clearly not one of its values. Quite the contrary. That was the very clear message we received from the second-year students during our orientation period.
I did my first two years in Lille. I enjoyed my studies, especially the second year, when we worked more on projects. I also really appreciated the strong bonds that were formed between the students. Mutual support and solidarity are not just empty words. Our classmates are there when we need them.
I felt completely integrated into my class, unlike in my preparatory years, where I had experienced sexism and homophobia. I was able to be myself.
In our second year, we organized a debate on sexist and sexual violence, with the participation of Pascale Rigaud, deputy director of the campus. The format was a play showing common situations, followed by a debate. This helped to raise awareness of the issue and make everyone aware of the problem.
I took a gap year to explore projects related to the environment. I already did an internship at a company specializing in renewable energy. Then I went to Scotland to work as a volunteer in a cooperative that promotes zero waste. I also plan to spend time in the United Kingdom with a permaculture farmer on a wwoofing basis: we are provided with room and board in exchange for our work. This will give me a comprehensive, multi-level view of what is being done for the environment in Europe, and what interests me or not.
For my third year, I plan to apply for expertise in eco-design or change management and sustainable innovation in Chambéry. In fact, it was for these two areas of expertise that I chose to apply to the school.

Fátima Andrea Cruz Solano, second-year student in the Bachelor of Technology program, Bordeaux-Talence: " We need to show that technology-related professions are important. "

"I am a former student of the Franco-Mexican high school in Mexico. After obtaining my STI2D baccalaureate with a specialization in Energy and Environment, I decided to pursue a bachelor's degree to acquire theoretical and practical skills in the industrial world.
I have always been passionate about energy and computer technology. I worked on various projects when I was in high school (biodigester, radio-controlled car, etc.).
The Bachelor's degree in Technology is the ideal opportunity to continue working on new innovative projects year after year. I particularly enjoy the practical work and the opportunity it offers to create pieces using different methods, while also taking design classes.
As part of the program, we are required to carry out projects that give us a practical approach to scientific and technological issues.
This learning is complemented by a large number of internships: a one-month executive internship in the first year, a three-month technician internship in the second year, and a professional training contract in the third year. For me, the program is therefore an opportunity to both practice the profession I want and take my first steps into the world of work.
The technology and science sectors are still heavily dominated by men, even though things are changing. We need to raise awareness among women from an early age about these issues to encourage them to choose this career path.
We also need to show, through our own experience, that technology-related jobs and professions are attractive, interesting, fun, and above all, that they are very important for the future of society.

Éloïse Minder, a second-year student in Master of Science program in Chalon-sur-Saône and in the PEIT track (Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation)
"At Arts et Métiers, being a girl is neither a hindrance nor an advantage."

 “After completing my BTS, I enrolled in a work-study engineering program. At the company, I was part of a team working on monitoring and instrumentation for welding operations in the nuclear industry. I was the only woman on the team, but I fit in well. I was dedicated to my work. The COVID period gave me time to reflect on the meaning of my work and the role I wanted to play in society.
I came across a post on social media about the Master of Science . I saw 3D technologies as offering freedom of action and applicable fields that could satisfy my search for meaning in my work.
I didn’t feel any disadvantages or advantages to being a female student in the Master of Science program. It’s motivation that counts. In our cohort, female students are in the minority (there was 1 out of 9 in the first year and 3 out of 12 in the second year), but that doesn’t prevent a good atmosphere and strong group cohesion.
In my first year of Master of Science, I participated in Entrep’ de Bourgogne (more information). It’s a program that provides the basics of how to carry out an entrepreneurial project.
Also in my first year, with a partner, we developed an app for the IEEE VR competition (more information). We also entered the Laval Virtual student competition and won an award presented by the Japanese IVRC community (more information). This allowed us to participate in the Japanese competition and win an honorable mention (more information). Encouraged by these awards and the feedback from the judges, we decided to continue the project.
This year, I am in Master of Science . I am participating in the PEIT program (Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation Track). I also hold national student-entrepreneur status (SNEE). Thanks to this status, I am completing my final internship on the project that won the Japanese award. The goal is to launch a startup, perhaps by next year.
This year, along with six other students from my class, we decided to enter the IEEE VR competition. We also submitted the project to the Laval Virtual student competition in April.
“What motivates me is the appeal of the challenge, which helps me build self-confidence. I also enjoy exploring new things and having a varied daily routine.”