Ask a high school girl what she wants to be when she grows up. She will answer "doctor," "lawyer," or perhaps "literature teacher." But why not "engineer"? That's the path chosen by Delphine Richer, a first-year engineering student at the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers Lille.
Goal: civil engineer or construction engineer
Delphine decided on a career in science when she was choosing her high school diploma. After obtaining a scientific baccalaureate, she completed a double degree in Physics and Chemistry atParis Diderot University. Once she had her degree in hand, she took the GEI ( Grandes Ecoles d'Ingénieurs) entrance exam. Her top three choices were: Arts et Métiers. This school allowed her to study both theory and technical subjects. According to Delphine, "At Arts et Métiers, the atmosphere is different from that at university, which is very research-oriented. Here, we are much closer to the business world." The general engineering programArts et Métiers thereforeArts et Métiers ideal for the young woman who wanted to work in construction or civil engineering with a focus on sustainable development. But stereotypes die hard: is it really reasonable for a girl to attend engineering school?
"Arts et Métiers is a school for boys," say some of Delphine's acquaintances. Delphine has heard these claims many times before. Today, she wants to show high school girls that engineering is as much a profession for girls as it is for boys, and that girls have a place in a school likeArts et Métiers. So, on Saturday, March 17, the young woman took part in the "Ingénieure au féminin" (Female Engineers) initiative at IMT Lille-Douai.
Female engineers: raising awareness among high school girls about careers in engineering
"Ingénieur au féminin" aims to introduce high school girls studying science and technology to the various aspects of the engineering profession. The idea is to encourage them to diversify their career choices and consider training paths that will lead them to engineering schools.
On Saturday, March 17, Delphine gave a presentation to a large group of high school girls studying science, describing life as a student at Arts et Métiers the career opportunities available. She noted that the accessibility of engineering schools can be intimidating. "Today, high school girls with a scientific background need to feel that they have 200% of the skills necessary to apply to a school, and preparatory classes can be scary," explains Delphine. The young woman then explained to them that there are different ways to get into an engineering school: "Prep school isn't the only route," as her own university career demonstrates. It is also important for Delphine to emphasize how easy it is to adapt when entering Arts et Métiers: "You immediately find your place thanks to the student associations; everyone can play a role. It brings people together!" " Indeed, the first-year student is both a labor representative and secretary of theArts et Métiers Student Association.
After hearing from the students, female engineers talked about their backgrounds, careers, and how they balance engineering with family life. "I learned a lot during the day, but above all, I felt useful," said Delphine. She had just one thing to say to the high school students: "Do what you can, do what you want!"
