Laure Manach, class of 2020

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?

After a scientific baccalaureate, I started my studies with a double degree between Sciences Po and the Pierre et Marie Curie University, in biology, which allowed me to combine sciences and social sciences for three years, as well as to go to the University of Toronto in Canada for a year. > 

After this double degree, I joined the Master in Public Policy at the School of Public Affairs, specializing in Public Administration. During my gap year, in connection with my Master in Public Policy, I wanted to better understand how public policies are made, so I did two internships in public administration: the first one at the Cour des Comptes, in the General Reporter's department, which is in charge of the coordination and publication of the Court's reports; and the second one at the French Embassy in Berlin, in the Social Affairs department, where I was in charge of health issues.  

In the second year of my master's degree, I finished my studies by writing a thesis on environmental health issues. I joined YCE Partners shortly after graduation.  

WHAT WERE THE MAIN STEPS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL PROJECT?

My double degree in the sciences and social sciences allowed me to be particularly interested in themes at the crossroads of science and politics, such as the environment and health, interests that have never left me since. Thus, I built my professional and personal career by trying to work on public policies concerning these fields, in a French context but also with a comparative dimension, in particular, within Europe. At the end of my gap year, after several experiences in the public sector, I realized that I did not necessarily want to take the civil service exams and that one could also think about public policies from the private sector. Having developed an interest in social and health policies during my internship, I decided to join YCE Partners, a firm specializing in social protection (health, employment, retirement/autonomy), which stands out precisely because of its dual positioning in public and private social protection: public policies, basic public protection as well as complementary private protection, and risk prevention, both public and private. 

WHAT WAS THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS AT YCE PARTNERS, AND WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUR POSITION TODAY?  

Interested in the field of social policies, I was attracted by YCE Partners at the Sciences Po career forum, where I was able to exchange with colleagues and submit a CV. I was contacted to start the recruitment process, which consisted of three interviews that were both demanding and benevolent: the first one with a senior consultant, on my motivations and my background, and two interviews with the founding partners, on the firm's strategy and the particularities of the social protection sector.  

Today, I am a junior consultant and I am working for a public interest group specialized in social data, which has implemented the withholding tax. On a daily basis, I participate in the management of another project of the group, the "Nominative Social Declaration", which simplifies the relationship between companies, social protection organizations and administrations: for example, I prepare meetings, write framework notes, and produce monitoring indicators. I also support, on a voluntary basis, an association specialized in integration through employment in order to help it set up financial management tools. YCE dedicates 1% of its annual turnover and part of its workforce to providing access to employment for all, but also to health and sustainable independence in retirement, while respecting the environment. Finally, I am involved in the internal work of the firm, which operates in a very inclusive manner. I have been asked to write analytical articles on social protection and to contribute to the definition and implementation of the firm's social and environmental impact strategy.   

WHAT CONTRIBUTIONS DID YOUR TRAINING AT THE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS MAKE TO THE POSITION YOU HOLD TODAY?

The School of Public Affairs enabled me to acquire a solid knowledge of the public sector, its main issues and players, and in particular that of social policies. I was also able to develop the skills of synthesis, oral presentation, and group work, which are now very useful to me in preparing for and leading meetings, or in team work. Finally, the Sciences Po career forum allowed me to meet the firm! 

WOULD YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR A STUDENT WHO WANTS TO GO INTO THE CONSULTING BUSINESS?

I think you should not hesitate to find out about a variety of firms, by talking directly to consultants, as they can be very different in terms of positioning and missions, size, internal structure, etc., in order to find the one that best suits your needs, both in terms of the missions offered and the work atmosphere and internal operations. Do not hesitate to contact me to discuss it! YCE is growing, changing and actively recruiting at the moment. 

LEARN MORE

• The Master in Public Policy at the School of Public Affairs
• The Public Administration policy stream of the School of Public Affairs

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