Since September 2015, the school has been rolling out a program that is unique in its purpose and ambition, designed to support students in building their career paths.
"Professional guidance has allowed me, among other things, to ask myself not only what I want to do, but also who I want to be and what matters to me."
(Charles Quinet, general engineering program, 2nd year)
"The involvement of the professional speaker in our group was a big surprise. His presence to share his experience demonstrates great determination and genuine altruism."
(Pierre Martin-Pico, general engineering program, 2nd year)
"The most striking thing for me was discovering that I don't easily accept criticism, and I promised myself I would work on that. You grow with each session, and it transforms you."
(Salma Belfaiza, general engineering program, third year)
"The professional prepared well for our meeting and provided me with relevant answers. It was a very informative discussion that helped me clarify any remaining uncertainties I had about my career plans."
(Iliass Amara, general engineering program, 3rd year)
A human, sustainable, and global perspective
These four student testimonials illustrate the strengths of the professional support provided to students, designed witha"human, sustainable, and comprehensive approach," as explained by Marie-Claude Bonnet, who coordinates this support within the Deputy Director General's Office for Training.
The aim of this program is to "support students throughout their studies, with a focus on autonomy and responsibility, to enable them to build their professional identity and career plans, develop cross-disciplinary skills, and increase their employability."
Building your professional identity
"That's what makes this project so innovative," Marie-Claude Bonnet continues. "It's not just about learning how to 'sell yourself' and write a resume and cover letter. Here, students build their professional identity through the in-depth and inspiring relationships they forge with business professionals and school professionals involved in the program. The culture and values Arts et Métiers this approach possible."
Another strong point is that the project draws on around 200 high-level professionals from the business world who are committed to working with students.
A dynamic company
As Xavier Dufresne, Director of Initial Training, points out, "professional support is part of a corporate dynamic. It encourages students to progress on an individual level, while drawing on the collective strength inherent in the culture and values of Arts et Métiers. Students prepare themselves to assume their professional identity."
Already 3,000 students affected each year
Today, 3,000 students benefit from progressive professional support from the first to the third year of their studies. This support, provided to students in the general engineering program by advisors on all campuses, consists of more than 60 hours of individual and group support, or 11 to 14 hours per semester. Students' professional involvement is recognized through the school's assessment system, with 1 ECTS credit per semester.
An initiative welcomed by the CTI and HCERES
The program has been praised by the Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur (CTI), which highlighted professional support as one of the strengths of general engineering training, describing it as "well-structured and effective."
Similarly, the High Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (HCERES) appreciated the program so much that it proposed extending it to otherArts et Métiers students and doctoral candidates.
Note: The Arts et Métiers Foundation Arts et Métiers most of the Arts et Métiers this program.
Rollout to all students in initial training
"This unique and distinctive program is a powerful magnet for talent, which we can use to attract the best students," emphasizes Xavier Kestelyn, Deputy Director General for Training. "Today, the goal is to consolidate the program and roll it out to all students in initial training."
A professional system co-developed by all stakeholders
Four project teams, comprising more than 60 people, participated in the joint development of the Professional Support for Students program.
The program was developed in project mode. After a pilot phase, it was rolled out in production and development on almost all campuses in September 2015.
Alignment with the vision, goals, and objectives, in accordance with the framework, is one of the key factors in the success of this type of program.
"Students, teachers, and professionals from the school, Arts et Métiers engineers, Arts et Métiers business professionals have all been working together since 2014 to create and develop the most relevant and appropriate system in a real dynamic of collective intelligence, "explains Marie-Claude Bonnet.
Pictured above are Maryline Rochery, Agnès Bourg, Catherine Goetz, and Sophie Duchamp, teachers responsible for the program at the Châlons-en-Champagne, Cluny, Bordeaux, and Lille campuses.
