Julien Gabiot: Returning to School

Julien Gabiot completed the Master 2 FESup INTRANET * / Agrégation program as part of a career change initiative.

(*) Higher Education Training in Computer Engineering, Signal Processing, Automation, Digital Electronics, and Telecommunications / with a specialization in electronics, electrical power, and automation from Paris-Saclay University.

Julien Gabiot, what is your educational background?

I have a DUT in electrical engineering, supplemented by an engineering degree specializing in mechanical engineering. I furthered my education by earning a master’s degree in innovation project management (a dual degree from ENSAM and ETS Montréal).

Why did you decide to return to school?

After a career in industry as a design office manager at Safran, and while teaching a few courses at Polytech Paris-Sud, the first lockdown led me to reflect on my goals and expectations for the next phase of my career.
From a very young age, I’ve been drawn to technology, and more recently, I’ve discovered the joy of teaching through my work at engineering schools. I wanted to devote more time to this educational and formative activity by pursuing a career in teaching.

Why did you choose ENS Paris-Saclay?

I’ve maintained close relationships with my former professors at the IUT. One of them, now a professor at ENS Paris-Saclay, advised and guided me in my new career path. He highlighted the challenges inherent in returning to school, but he also explained how the faculty teams were attentive to the students and supported them throughout this year of training. The quality of the training provided and the high success rate on the agrégation exam were also key factors in my decision.

What are your initial thoughts after these first few months of training?

My decision was carefully considered and discussed with my family, but the pace of work and the shift to conceptual approaches after years of hands-on experience in the field are not easy to manage.
Working in small groups during the program allows us to support one another when difficulties arise, including on a personal level. The momentum of preparing for the exam also creates a ripple effect and keeps us motivated throughout the program.

It is, therefore, a demanding but very rewarding experience. Passing the competitive exam remains my goal for this year and would allow me to pursue a career in teaching, which I would then like to carry out at a higher education institution such as a university institute of technology.

For many years, the School has offered the opportunity to resume one’s studies through continuing professional education by providing access to master’s programs in the fields of basic sciences, engineering sciences, and humanities and social sciences. 

These programs are open—subject to application review—to employees or job seekers who wish to acquire new skills to secure their career paths or pursue a career change. They take the same courses as regular students and receive specific, individualized support throughout their program.

Enrollment is under the status of “vocational training intern,” which—depending on the individual’s situation and eligibility—allows them to pursue training while receiving pay or compensation and, in some cases, to have their training costs covered by an OPCO, an employer, Pôle Emploi, depending on the type of program selected (professional transition project, skills development plan, CPF, etc.).