ENSTA Bretagne : Etudiante Servane en bas du bâtiment P

Servane: an engineering student in Naval and Offshore Architecture

20 June 2023
After obtaining her French-Italian scientific baccalauréat (ESABAC), Servane continued her studies in the MP preparatory classes. She decided to specialize in Naval and Offshore Architecture, with the goal of eventually working on submarines.
She is currently completing her second year internship at an Italian naval architecture firm, which has given her the opportunity to practice her second language.
Servane
2024
Engineering student in Naval and Offshore Architecture

What did you do before enrolling at ENSTA Bretagne?

I followed a fairly standard education path. After obtaining an ESABAC (French-Italian) scientific baccalaureate, specializing in mathematics, I wanted to join the French Navy as a submariner. So I took two years of MP (mathematics-physics) preparatory classes at the Lycée Naval in Brest. In the end, I couldn’t join the Navy for medical reasons, so I decided to enroll at ENSTA Bretagne, where I could work on submarines.

Looking back on your time at ENSTA Bretagne, what have been your most memorable moments?

The induction month was a particularly memorable moment for me. I met new people, took part in different activities and took in the surroundings. It was an incredible experience that everyone should be able to enjoy. 
I also remember the ski trip, which was a great opportunity, especially for someone from Brest like me.
The most rewarding part was my internship abroad in my second year. If you start the ball rolling early enough, you can easily get an internship in a country you are interested in, and I was able to get an internship in Italy, a country I have always wanted to go to. I have had the opportunity to work in a foreign country, speak the language, get to know the people and immerse myself in a new culture that I really enjoy, for a total of 4 months. It’s been a great learning experience on all fronts, because living on your own in a foreign country is a wonderful opportunity to expand your mind and discover new things! 

Can you tell us a little about your day-to-day life at ENSTA Bretagne?

Daily life at the school is excellent. The student’s common room is a great place to relax between classes, or even to meet after work. There is a remarkable sense of community on campus, and the atmosphere makes it a really healthy and enjoyable place to be. There is a wide range of associations on campus, from sports clubs to video game groups, artists to sailing enthusiasts - there’s something here for everyone! We also have access to a gym with good equipment that allows us to do bodybuilding and Crossfit on our own, which is a real bonus for me.

What do you plan to do after your engineering degree?

I’d like to go abroad for a while, travel and see the world, if possible through my work. After that, I’d like to work for a company that builds submarines or is involved in the submarine industry. Looking back on my studies now, I realize that my degree will give me many opportunities, so I am open to any project that interests me more. 

What would you say is your motto or mantra?

Better to try and fail than not to try at all! You only have one life, so make the most of it and follow your dreams. When you give it your all, you can’t help but feel proud of yourself, and that’s what matters most in the end.