1. Studying in Paris: Courses and Life
By WANG Wenjing
In late September 2024, seven of us boarded a flight to Paris and began our exchange program at Mines Paris-PSL. The university is located beside the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens. Although the campus is relatively small, it possesses a unique charm.
Upon arriving in Paris, we had to deal with many practical matters, such as activating mobile phone services and opening bank accounts. At that time, basic French proficiency proved extremely important; otherwise, daily life could become quite inconvenient. Therefore, it is essential to clarify all procedures in advance and prepare all the required documents before departure. Another useful suggestion is to make friends with classmates who speak French, as this can greatly ease the adaptation process during the first few weeks.
After the official start of the semester, the curriculum arrangement was somewhat similar to my first postgraduate year at ICARE, with most courses taught intensively over one or two weeks. However, the major difference lies in the stronger emphasis on practical training. Many courses include group projects, usually involving five or six students, who complete research tasks and submit reports under the guidance of doctoral students. In addition to practical sessions during class, students can also contact tutors by email to arrange individual consultations. In some courses, final grades even depend partly on presentation performance, so it is important to book meeting times with professors in advance.
Compared with the intense pace of my first postgraduate year, the study rhythm here is relatively relaxed. We occasionally have several days or even weeks free, allowing us to organize travel plans and academic work more flexibly.
One of the most memorable moments for me occurred during an evening English class. As the clock struck the hour, the Eiffel Tower in the distance suddenly began to sparkle. The professor invited everyone to pause their studies and walk to the window to enjoy the view. The illuminated tower against the night sky remains an unforgettable memory to this day.
During festivals, we also organize group dinners. For Christmas and the Spring Festival, we often cook together and prepare a large table of dishes, creating a lively and warm atmosphere.
After the longest holiday, the intense final examination period begins. Especially while searching for internships, we also have to manage three or four group projects simultaneously, which can be quite stressful. Effective time management becomes particularly important during this period. From my experience, securing an internship in advance makes the end of the semester much less stressful, as you can then focus entirely on your coursework. Whenever difficulties arise in projects, it is essential to communicate promptly with doctoral supervisors or professors — they are always willing to help.
Internship Experience: Challenges and Gains
I interned in the research department of TotalEnergies OneTech, where I was mainly responsible for the data analysis of solar panel defects. I started submitting resumes at the end of October, went through three or four rounds of interviews and finally obtaining a position highly aligned with my research direction at the end of January.
Part of the research overlapped with the topic of my first postgraduate year, so the final interview went very smoothly.
My advice for students who wish to enter industry is to use the summer vacation to improve their LinkedIn profiles and resumes, and to begin applying as early as September. During the process, you will need to revise your resume continuously and adjust your direction. Several unsuccessful interviews allowed me to accumulate valuable experience and gradually polish a resume that better matched the expectations of French HR departments.
If possible, ask French professors or classmates to review your resume, as their feedback can make it much more targeted. The most important thing is to remain calm and confident — in the end, everyone will find a suitable opportunity.
This six-month internship gave me a deep understanding of the working environment within a large French company. The company offers excellent benefits, and the work-life balance is highly enviable. Under the guidance of my mentor, I expanded my knowledge into many new fields and data analysis methods, while also making many friends.
From my experience, while completing assigned tasks, it is important to communicate actively with colleagues and understand their approaches to work. If you have new ideas, you should also discuss them promptly with your mentor. The company also organizes many social activities, and refreshments are often prepared after lectures or meetings, creating opportunities for informal discussion and exchange. Working hours generally end relatively early, and the standard eight-hour working system provides employees with ample personal time to enjoy life.
Review and Outlook
Looking back on this year of experiences, the uncertainty and anxiety I felt before departure have gradually transformed into confidence and determination. I have learned how to find my own rhythm of life in an unfamiliar environment and truly enjoy it, which has become a new source of strength for me.
The world is vast, countless stories are unfolding every day, and everyone follows a different life path. There is no single path that is uniquely worth taking. This wonderful world is worth continuously exploring and experiencing.
