A third-year engineering student in Aix-en-Provence, Mylène Tarnowski is on a professional training contract. Her goal is to gain experience so she can quickly enter the workforce.
Why did you choose to do your third year on a professional contract?
While researching my options, I found that it was much more interesting to pursue my expertise in "New energies for sustainable development" through a professional contract. I wanted to acquire more skills and build a network in the construction industry. My work placement in Longwy confirmed my desire to work in this sector. What's more, after Covid and distance learning, I needed to get my foot in the door of the professional world. The professional contract offers a smooth transition, allowing you to discover the world of work while still a student. I don't want to continue my studies after graduation, and the professional contract is a real advantage on my resume. I will have six months more experience than someone who has followed a traditional course of study. For an employer, this means that I am independent and can quickly become operational.
How did you find your company?
I did my second-year internship at iMOW!. The company, based in Marseille, was founded in 2016 by Arnaud Thibault, a former Arts et Métiers student Arts et Métiers worked in construction. It specializes in project management for building renovation and refurbishment projects in the Aix-Marseille-Avignon area. We support clients from project design to project completion. It's a small team of six people, experienced in construction, very young and dynamic, and I feel very comfortable working with them.
What does this experience bring you?
Being part of a small organization allows me to have an overview of customer relations. The iMOW! team enjoys sharing knowledge and answering my questions. They entrusted me with several projects during my summer internship, and now that I'm there one day a week, I continue to oversee one project. This responsibility allows me to learn a lot and meet different players in the construction industry, from local companies to large groups. I divide my time between the projects and the office, which allows me to see two complementary aspects of this profession. And then, having a salary when you're in your third year is also an important factor in getting started in life!
What next?
To improve my mobility, I have decided to go abroad for a few months on a road trip. When I return to France, I will look for a site supervisor position to gain some hands-on experience before perhaps returning to project management, which is a combination of site and office work that I really enjoy.
