A series of alumni testimonials about French colleges and universities. The alumni share their personal experiences about their courses, part-time jobs, internships, job search, etc. I have focused on alumni because it can help prospective and current students get a complete picture of the course and future opportunities.
In this particular article, Dwayne Michael Rodrigues was kind enough to share his Master’s experiences from ENAC – Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile in Toulouse.
Alumni & Course Information
| Name | Mr. Dwayne Michael Rodrigues |
| LinkedIn Profile | |
| Degree | Master of Science (MSc) “RNCP/CGE certified” |
| Course Specialization | |
| Year of Graduation | 2020 |
| College | |
| City | Toulouse |
| Course Intake | September |
| Course Duration | 24 months |
| Course Fees | 18,000€ |
| Funding for the course | Bank loan and ENAC Gifas scholarship |
| Monthly Expenses (Rent, utilities, etc) | 500€ |
| French level before the Course | A1 |
| French level after Graduation | B1 |
| Status after Graduation | Salaried Employee |
| Current Status | Buyer at Airbus customer service, Procurement, and Supply Chain. Salary Range: 50k-60k€/year |
ENAC Campus in Toulouse city
Course Info – IATOM
The latest brochure can be downloaded from the course website.
Personal Experiences during the Course
- During my course, I had classes Monday to Friday, 8:30-5 pm, where we learned about technical and management aspects with real-life examples.
- We also had lab sessions once a week, covering aerodynamics, propulsion, and fluid mechanics.
- Each semester lasted 5-6 months with breaks, and we tackled around 10-14 subjects.
- The professors were supportive, and we had to be on our toes to keep up. Regular attendance helped me prepare well for exams and projects, including core presentations that honed our skills.
- I enjoyed hanging out with international classmates and participating in sports and cultural events. Plus, ENAC offered free French lessons, which was a great perk for personal development and employability.
- Overall, my time at ENAC was busy but fulfilling, with plenty of learning opportunities and a supportive community.
Return on Investment (ROI)
- The ROI for my course has been very positive. With salaries starting at a minimum of 35,000€ upon securing the first job post-masters, the financial returns are substantial.
- While the actual salary can vary based on factors like company, experience, and negotiation skills, the baseline remains promising.
- Considering the total investment, including a loan of 19,000€ for the course and an additional 10,000€ for living expenses, the burden is relatively manageable compared to other countries.
- Moreover, France’s housing allowance, covering around 35-40% of rent, further eases the financial load.
- Personally, it took me two and a half years post-graduation to repay my loans, which demonstrates the feasibility of achieving financial stability.
- Overall, the course offers a favorable ROI, with reasonable investment and promising earning potential in the aerospace industry.
Multi-cultural Aspects of the Course
- In my course, the majority of students were from India, with a significant presence of Spanish and other nationalities.
- Interestingly, there weren’t many French students, likely because the course was conducted in English, and French students had the option to pursue courses in French with other ENAC promotions.
- The student body from India steadily increased each year, reflecting ENAC’s openness and acceptance of diverse nationalities.
- This multicultural environment not only enriched our academic experience but also fostered a global perspective, which is invaluable in the aerospace industry.
- Overall, ENAC’s inclusive approach is a positive indicator of its commitment to diversity and international collaboration.
Part-time Job Experience
- I did not do any part-time job during the Masters.
Internship Experience
- During my internship at Airbus supply chain in Toulouse, I immersed myself in a completely French environment within the aerostructures division.
- This experience not only enhanced my professional skills but also significantly improved my French language proficiency.
- Working at Airbus provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with people from various international backgrounds, highlighting the company’s global reach and diverse workforce.
- Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including teleworking, I gained valuable insights into how businesses adapt and thrive during uncertain times.
- Overall, my internship was a profoundly positive learning journey that not only contributed to my career development but also broadened my cultural and professional horizons.
Job Search Experience
- In 2020, the job search was undeniably challenging. Despite a promising internship at Airbus, the hiring freeze imposed by the company made securing a position difficult.
- I diligently explored opportunities across various companies, but the process took longer than expected, spanning 5-6 months.
- However, with the gradual improvement in the industry’s situation, I anticipate a more favorable job market. As the aerospace sector recovers and companies resume hiring, I am confident that finding a job will be less daunting than it was during the uncertainties of 2020.
Advice for Juniors
- My advice for your juniors would be to stay positive and open-minded. Seek out multiple perspectives before making decisions, and choose what aligns best with your goals.
- Remember that France offers numerous opportunities, especially in the thriving aerospace industry.
- Once you’re enrolled in the course, attend all classes diligently and actively participate.
- Networking is key, so make an effort to connect with peers and industry professionals to stay informed about developments in the field.
- Always give your best effort in everything you do. After completing your internship, aim for graduate programs as they can greatly accelerate both your personal and career growth within the industry.
- Stay motivated, stay proactive, and seize every opportunity that comes your way.
Practical Information
International Office:
Admissions Contact:
- Karine MICHELET
+33 (0)5 62 17 43 73
recrutement.masters@enac.fr
Entry requirements for MSc IATOM:
- Applicants must have bachelor’s degrees in mechanical, aeronautics, aerospace, or equivalents.
- Strong pre-requisites in mathematics are requested.
- Language Requirements: English B2 in CEFRL requirements
How to apply?
- Online application
- Selection and admission made by admission committees organized from December to July.
Campus Address:
- Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile
7, avenue Edouard Belin BP 54005
31055 Toulouse Cedex 4
France
Disclaimer
- These are original testimonials collected from the alumni via Linkedin.
- Opinions expressed are from the alumni and so the author or the blog cannot be held responsible.
- These testimonials include both facts and opinions. Facts will not change but opinions might differ based on personal experiences, perspectives, etc.
