OPTIM enabled Angelina to step into the shoes of an engineering student.

Isabelle was not alone; three female engineers accompanied her: Sandrine Spelleman and Isabelle Geoffray, respectively process engineer and process development engineer at CEA Valduc, and Sandrine Bénat, design office engineer at General Electric Oil & Gas. Five engineering students also made the trip. Among them was Margaux Delbé, Angélina Ricotta's OPTIM tutor. Angélina, a sophomore, had the opportunity to visit the Cluny campus during the special welcome event for OPTIM students and their families during the open house on January 28. Her motivation to join Arts et Métiers confirmed during the Women in Engineering Day. At her request, she was able to enjoy a day of immersion on the Cluny campus. Margaux and Angélina look back on this experience.

Immersed alongside her tutor and engineering students.

Normally a sophomore at Lycée Parriat, on March 30, Angélina Ricotta found herself in the shoes of an engineering student at our school. Starting at 7:45 a.m., she attended classes in communication, then mechanics (beam theory), and finally foundry work. Confused? No, Margaux Delbé, her OPTIM tutor, was there to guide her. "Although [the beam theory class] covered concepts she hadn't yet learned, the professor used mathematical and physical tools she is currently studying. " For Angélina, these classes have helped her understand the learning conditions and the level of work required to obtain an engineering degree. Motivated? Even more so since that day when she was able to talk with Margaux's ED group classmates. Together, they talked about their backgrounds, which were all different, of course, but which had all enabled them to pass the Arts et Métiers entrance exam. Angélina took part in the creation of a wooden model during a foundry practical, carrying out operations like an engineering student. "The goal was to introduce her to the teaching methods, but also to the spirit of the school, where mutual support is paramount, " Margaux emphasizes. For her part, Angélina is charmed by the location, the Abbey of Cluny, which combines historical heritage with engineering training. Originally from Blanzy, she studied at the Antoine de Saint-Exupéry middle school in Montceau-les-Mines and then attended the Parriat high school. She learned about OPTIM through her classmates.

The aim was to introduce her to teaching, but also to the spirit of the school, where mutual support is paramount,emphasizes Margaux.

For Angélina, this day with Margaux and Isabelle only confirmed her desire to attend Arts et Métiers. Next year, she will enroll in the 11th grade engineering science track and then continue in the 12th grade with a focus on physics or engineering sciences. Finally, she would like to attend a preparatory class at La Prat's high school or one in Lyon.

For Margaux, this day was extremely positive for her. Explaining her choices and her career path allowed her to take a step back and reflect on her desires in order to build her professional project.

An upcoming immersion day? 

"This initiative must come fundamentally from the high school students themselves and their motivation, so that we can answer their questions and ensure the success of this type of day. But it is also up to our OPTIM volunteer engineering students to identify this desire in young people with potential talent. This immersion should be seen as a springboard. We will be following Angélina's progress very closely," emphasizes Isabelle Duband.