Every year, Arts et Métiers Etude (AMJE) takes on numerous entrepreneurial challenges.
The 2020 AMJE team from the Aix-en-Provence campus is handing over the reins, providing an opportunity to take stock of its term of office.
Still mobilized despite the pandemic
The 2020 term was quickly marked by a first lockdown, which prevented AMJE from attending trade shows and entrepreneurial events. The team then decided to step up its commercial activities in order to overcome the health crisis, but also to help and support entrepreneurs in the region, since more than 70% of its clients are entrepreneurs or very small businesses.
AMJE was able to adapt very quickly to remote working. This responsiveness, both in terms of monitoring studies and commercial prospecting, enabled it not only to carry out its projects but also to grow the organization. In fact, it saw a growth of more than 100% in turnover compared to the previous year (17 studies completed for a budget of €35,000).
A highly educational entrepreneurial experience
"The company wanted wanted to automate its shutters. They entrusted us with the study," explains Thomas Le Mouroux, 2020 president of AMJE. "First, the two people in charge of this project carried out a state-of-the-art study on automated shutters, focusing mainly on their motorization, obstacle management, and locking system. They then carried out the dimensioning of the components (mechanical and energy) as well as a cost study."
This testimonial illustrates the undeniable added value of a Junior Study project linked to industry for improve students' technical knowledge and take their first step into the professional world.
Matthieu Seimandi, a second-year student in the Grande Ecole Program (PGE) , sums it up : "We were quickly confronted with the demands of the professional world, which are radically different from those of a traditional student project. During this study, we were able to develop a number of skills and knowledge, as well as an awareness of the mistakes to avoid in order to ensure the long-term success of a professional project."
Morgan Grémont, also a second-year PGE student, adds, "I realize that, although we have learned how to design and dimension technical elements, we haven't really learned how to use and select specific industrial electronic components, for example."
He emphasizes that "proximity to the customer and discussions with various company representatives allow us to familiarize ourselves with the professional environment and understand all the difficulties of project management."
What we are looking for in a project with Junior Etude is, first and foremost, professional experience to complement our training and our first-year internship. Beyond adding another line to our CV, it's really about confronting our limits and strengths to consolidate our idea of our profile as engineering students and our knowledge, concludes Matthieu Seimandi.
Now it's time for the handover.
Everyone is working together to train the newly elected team with the aim of ensuring the organization's long-term future and providing all the tools necessary to continue the AMJE's growth. This new term of office includes two new members and a revamped internal organization to better meet the expectations of their clients.
A first step into the professional world
The new team is made up of 16 students, all attracted by the world of business and entrepreneurship. The structure is organized into four complementary divisions: presidency, study monitoring, treasury, and communication.
The qualities required for members of the Presidency division are unsurprising. Organization, leadership, and business acumen are essential skills.
Students in the treasury division must develop legal rigor and applied accounting skills. The study monitoring division will develop a keen business sense and strong managerial skills. This unique entrepreneurial experience will allow members of the communications division to learn the basics of marketing.
