Testimonial

Geoffroy GISCARD D’ESTAING

Grande École Program, 2022 - Operations Management

Production Manager, Polaris

French

My choice of higher education career was difficult because I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do after high school. In the end, I decided to study at IÉSEG, in particular for its student associations, the variety of career opportunities and the unique student experience provided (internships, semesters abroad, student life, etc.). But it was above all the academic excellence of the school that convinced me. 

I took the 5-year Grande École program. The courses were taught mainly in English, to help us improve our language skills as much as possible. In the Master’s program, I chose the “Operations Management” major because it’s a very practical curriculum that provides training for jobs close to the field, with a quantitative approach to the world of work. In this master’s program, we study optimization methods, transport networks and ops project management. Finally, for my thesis, I worked on a consulting project with a company. Our research led to the design of a board game used to train the group’s employees.  

I think what I liked most about IÉSEG is the opportunity given to each student to build his or her own student experience. There’s something for everyone! Two fine examples are the choice of going abroad, where we have the opportunity to go to a wide variety of countries with cultures that each have a lot to offer. We come back with a wealth of memories, starry eyes and a head full of dreams. 

The other example is the associations I’ve been involved in for 4 years. We have associations for everything, from art, culture, sports, and even games, to more individual commitments. In each association, you can take on a coordinating or leadership role, or simply take part in the organized activities. So, at IÉSEG, you can create your own tailor-made student experience. 

One of my favorite courses was Project Management. It was a very enriching learning experience. Our lecturer is a professor who combines the acquisition of academic skills with a very concrete and fun environment. We had plenty of practical exercises and group projects that made us want to excel. He also oversaw my consulting project. 

I took the 5-year Grande École program. The courses were taught mainly in English, to help us improve our language skills as much as possible. In the Master’s program, I chose the “Operations Management” major because it’s a very practical curriculum that provides training for jobs close to the field, with a quantitative approach to the world of work. In this master’s program, we study optimization methods, transport networks and ops project management. Finally, for my thesis, I worked on a consulting project with a company. Our research led to the design of a board game used to train the group’s employees.  

I think what I liked most about IÉSEG is the opportunity given to each student to build his or her own student experience. There’s something for everyone! Two fine examples are the choice of going abroad, where we have the opportunity to go to a wide variety of countries with cultures that each have a lot to offer. We come back with a wealth of memories, starry eyes and a head full of dreams. 

The other example is the associations I’ve been involved in for 4 years. We have associations for everything, from art, culture, sports, and even games, to more individual commitments. In each association, you can take on a coordinating or leadership role, or simply take part in the organized activities. So, at IÉSEG, you can create your own tailor-made student experience. 

One of my favorite courses was Project Management. It was a very enriching learning experience. Our lecturer is a professor who combines the acquisition of academic skills with a very concrete and fun environment. We had plenty of practical exercises and group projects that made us want to excel. He also oversaw my consulting project. 

I chose to get involved in the association system right from the first year, firstly to make it a way of integrating into the school, through my passions, and then to learn how to manage a team and a project. I started in the sailing association before joining the BDA (Arts Bureau), then I listed BDE ( Student Bureau) and finally, I spent two years with the Student Federation, which were the most instructive moments. We were responsible for relations between students, associations and IÉSEG staff. We also went through the COVID crisis, which was very challenging. 

Associations are also an excellent way to learn to work as a team, to rally around a common goal and, of course, to become more professional. We operate like a company: with the good aspects, as well as the less pleasant ones at times. 

On a personal note, the associative aspect has definitely contributed to making my IÉSEG experience a tailor-made one, which has kept me stimulated throughout my 5 years at school. 

I have many anecdotes and vivid memories of my time at IÉSEG. If I had to pick just one that had a particular impact on me, I’d say it was the associations. It enabled me to meet other students from my class or from other classes, to make friends who will stay for a long time, and to have a good time. These encounters are one of the pillars of our academic career.  

After graduating from IÉSEG, I started working in mass retail. I had the opportunity to discover all kinds of structures: start-ups, unicorns, large groups, subsidiaries of international business leaders. However, I decided to give more space to my passion. So I went back to school for a year, specializing in audiovisual management, to work in the music and entertainment sector. I’m currently doing a work-study program as a production manager at Polaris. In a few years’ time, I’d like to develop my career in the field of live music production, concerts, tours and festivals. 

My years at IÉSEG were a springboard to join this Master’s program, and to direct me towards my passion, while combining my solid management skills. 

My only advice is to make the most of your experience at IÉSEG, to take full advantage of everything that’s available in terms of courses, support, facilities (the Incubator, for example), associations and networks. To make these years a unique experience, a time of learning of all kinds, a time to grow and enjoy. 

My IÉSEG experience will remain a strong memory, with exceptional encounters, varied professional discoveries and opportunities to be seized. 

Published on: May 13, 2024