Alumni days: Felipe Alejandro ARAYA MACHUCA (Energy Engineering & Digital Systems, 2020, Amiens)

• Why did you choose to study in France?

I'm convinced that France chose me rather than the other way around. During my university studies in Chile, I had always planned to go abroad as part of an exchange program. Before I left, while doing some research, I discovered that the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) had a partnership with ESIEE-Amiens offering the possibility of a double degree. That's why I applied to go to France, and didn't even hesitate. This country offered me a stay of at least two years with the prospect of obtaining an EU diploma, whereas the other options only offered one year with a validation of subjects that wasn't even guaranteed.

• What did it get you?

From a professional (or academic, if you like) point of view, this experience enabled me to put into practice the theoretical knowledge I'd acquired at university in Chile. I had the opportunity to work with real equipment and learn to use software widely used in the industry.

On a personal level, it opened my mind, as the French say. The personal development I experienced while emigrating was a very enriching experience. During my time in Amiens, I not only learned new languages, but also realized that people's challenges and aspirations are universal, regardless of their origin, culture or beliefs. Contact with others was easy, even with people totally different from me linguistically and culturally, who eventually became like family to me. Distance and time took on a different meaning.

In short, I learned a lot more about myself and about life in general.

• When you finished your studies, did you stay in France?

After graduating, I decided to stay in France. One of the disadvantages of sharing this experience with so many foreigners was that I didn't improve my French much. That's why I decided to stay and perfect it.

• What's your career path since graduating?

As a self-respecting immigrant, my first job didn't really correspond to my studies. I spent a year at FIME, where despite my lack of experience in this field, I was welcomed with open arms and supported by the whole team. It was there that I had the opportunity to work with renowned companies such as MasterCard, Visa and American Express.

I then returned to UniLaSalle Amiens as a design engineer, where I had the chance to discover the fascinating world of dielectric materials. I also had the privilege of being part of a team of exceptional young researchers and even taking part in a few courses in the EEDD option.

I'm currently working as a technical support engineer at SEDIVER, world leader in tempered glass insulators for arena power networks. The whole team here has given me a warm welcome. It's a real pleasure to work with such talented and human professionals.

• How do you see your future?

For the moment, I see my future in France. I'm sure I'll be able to continue to develop and improve here.