Emilie DITTE

General information

Can you introduce yourself quickly? (Name, First name, Speciality)

My name is Emilie DITTE, I am originally from Tahiti and I came to study in France. I did my training at EIDD in the SIE specialization and I graduated in 2019.

What has been your background since high school and how has EIDD training benefited you?

I obtained my scientific baccalaureate in Tahiti and then I came to Paris to do a Maths sup Maths spé (MP) preparatory class. I took the competitive exams for the grandes écoles and my first choice was the Denis Diderot School of Engineering for two reasons: I liked its location and I didn’t want a school with a very large scope.

Mobility

How did you hear about this opportunity?

I heard about the internship in Hamburg (Germany) thanks to Mr. Azarin who had given me the contact details of a woman who worked in the research team of the University of Hamburg. I contacted her by presenting my profile, my motivations and that corresponded with their research activity. They accepted me and I went there.

Can you tell us quickly about this experience and what it brought you?

The subject of the internship was the research of a new tool in artificial intelligence. I joined the artificial intelligence department of the University of Hamburg and this experience lasted 3 months. I was in total immersion since I didn’t speak a word of German, my communications were mainly in English. Overall, it went very well and I was able to work with two German students during this internship.

How far in advance did you take the necessary steps?

I did it 2 or 3 months before my departure. I started to contact the University of Hamburg in February or March.

What was the average cost of your mobility (excluding financial aid)? Did you have access to financial aid? If yes, how did you hear about these aids?

I don’t remember the average cost. Luckily, I was able to get an accommodation in the university residence and the rent was about 400€ per month. I would say that this was the biggest expense of my mobility, the rest was less important expenses for food or transportation.

What advice would you give to a young EIDD student who wants to go on a mobility trip?

Go for it! Don’t hesitate. It’s a very enriching experience that will make you practice your English and make you grow in one go. You have to be able to manage on your own in a foreign country and be open to others, but overall, it’s a great experience.

A funny anecdote to share with us?

My internship was during the World Cup that France won. I was one of the only ones supporting France and when they won, I was the only one happy…

Community life

Have you been involved in community life? If yes, which association(s) and which position(s)?

Yes, I was first secretary of the Student Council between 1A and 2A. Then between 2A and 3A, I got involved in the JEIDDC as Vice-president.

What did this bring you?

As secretary of the Student council, I learned how an association works (not so simple). Moreover, being part of the Student Council was a good experience for my student life and my personal development I would say. As a vice-president, I was able to manage teams which contributed to develop soft skills that are useful for my professional life. It was also thanks to a JEIDDC event that I was able to find my 3A internship which turned into a permanent contract.

Professional integration

Did you have any difficulties finding your first job?

No, my 3A internship at Accenture turned into a permanent contract at the end. I was able to apply for this internship at a forum. A phone interview and a physical interview followed, which went very well.

Can you describe a typical day at work? If possible, can you give us your average weekly working hours?

A typical day as a research engineer at Accenture during the covid period is 100% telecommuting. I wake up at 9am, I’m in front of the computer at 9:15am and I continue the developments I’m working on. Lunch break then back to work until 6:30 pm or 7 pm. I often have meetings during the week to talk about the progress and the applications I am working on.
Before the health crisis, it was the same thing except we went into the company.

What do you like most about your job? What do you like least?

What I like most is the diversity of the missions at Accenture, which is a consulting company. I was able to work with EDF (private company), currently I am on a mission for the City of Paris (public). I like the possibility of changing missions, of not falling into a routine.
What I dislike the most is the sedentary nature and the isolation, especially since telecommuting.

If you wish, can you give us an idea of your current salary?

Currently, I am at 39.000 € gross/year. This is a normal salary for a junior developer and it suits me very well.

According to you, what qualities and skills would be essential to your profession? A personality trait that you consider essential?

The ability to adapt is essential to be a good developer. I’m glad because during my training at school, the professors of the computer science specialization helped us acquire this skill, in addition to teaching us the theoretical aspect of the job.

What advice would you give to a young EIDD student?

Make the most of your school years. Don’t hesitate to get involved in the community life because it helps you integrate into the school. Whatever idea you have for your professional future, don’t limit yourself by convincing yourself that you are less fortunate than others since EIDD is a young school and not very well known. I know quite a few former EIDD students who have succeeded in joining very large, listed companies, etc.
Final advice: Don’t hesitate and don’t be afraid to get involved in an association, to go abroad and to apply wherever you want. You have to dare!