Did you know that Arts et Métiers a Grande Ecole Program with a military focus? The program is taught on the Angers campus. We met with Maxime K., a third-year student, who shared his rich experience combining military and academic pursuits with us!
Why did you choose the military career path?
After completing a PT prep course, Maxime discovered Grande Ecole Program in Military Studies At the same time as the Bataclan attacks, it was a revelation for him! Maxime decided to take the plunge and enroll at Arts et Métiers study for a degree inMilitary Infrastructure Engineer (IMI)." It was a great opportunity for him.
Following this program allows students to benefit from employment from the start of their training, receive remuneration, and access numerous career opportunities while gaining a solid academic and technical background.
What is the first year of military service actually like?
For his first year of military service, Maxime joined the Army to undergo two months of officer training at the Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan and Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan schools. Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan. There, he learned the basics of combat and command, the soft skills of military behavior, and developed his defense culture, all of which are essential knowledge for serving as an officer in an operational unit.
He then joined the 3rd Marine Artillery Regiment (3e RAMa) in Canjuers in the Var region for a six-month immersion course: "In particular, I was responsible for supervising young volunteers in this artillery regiment during their initial general training. It was a rich experience that allowed me to acquire organizational and supervisory skills."
Maxime then went on to complete a series of missions. These included a three-week commando training course in the Pyrenees, where he led a section of 30 soldiers, and an artillery raid as deputy section leader. "We were dropped off by helicopter with artillery equipment at strategic positions. It was a very enriching experience that allowed me to face reality," he explains.
Finally, he carried out his last mission at the Urban Combat Training Center (CENZUB) in Sissonne. The objective was to train in combined arms combat (coordination of artillery, infantry, air support, etc.) as part of the operational preparation of a unit before its deployment to a theater of operations abroad.
Maxime also obtained his military parachuting certificate during a two-week course atthe Airborne Troops School (ETAP) in Pau. A certificate of this type requires real personal sacrifice.
After spending a year fully immersed in military life, Maxime reunited with his 11 fellow IMI graduates at the end of the first year. Together, they took part in a series of training courses designed to build resilience and team spirit (commando training in Penthièvre in Brittany, mountain training in Modane in the Alps), activities that pushed them to their limits!
This first year has allowed me to develop my physical, intellectual, and leadership skills, and to discover the armed forces and the profession of officer. It pushes us to step outside our comfort zone and surpass ourselves to go beyond our limits.
And after this first year, what next?
IMI student officers join civilian students in the first year of the Grande Ecole Program. "We've already had a rich year with professional experience and responsibility. We need to quickly get back into the academic rhythm to keep up with the required level and achieve our goal: to earn our Arts et Métiers engineering degree Arts et Métiers As with other students, IMI students must complete an internship with a private company in their first year (in the construction sector for IMI students). Maxime completed his internship as a mechanic on the Aiguille du Midi cable car. As part of his international mobility program, Maxime spent two months in Nepal on a humanitarian mission to rebuild a school. Finally, Maxime will complete his 24-week end-of-studies internship as a construction engineer in a project management office building ski lifts.
Of course, IMI students participate in all campus activities: "When it comes to clubs and societies, IMI students are just as involved as other students and can take part in all the activities on offer," explains Maxime. They are full-fledged Gadz'Arts members too!
Once you have your degree, what career prospects do you have?
Once Arts et Métiers their Arts et Métiers engineering degree, young IMI graduates are offered their first assignment within the Defense Infrastructure Service (SID), which they join with the rank of lieutenant. Maxime, meanwhile, wants to obtain a position in project management or building maintenance engineering in the south of France. He will hold this position for around three years before moving on within the SID, as there are many opportunities available. A promising career lies ahead!
