Madeleine Osorovitz, class of 2018

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND? 

I entered Sciences Po after completing my baccalaureate, and I also studied literature at the Sorbonne. In my third year, I had the chance to study in the United States at Smith College, a women's college. After my Master in Public Policy, specializing in "Cultural Policy and Management", I went to Peru on an International Volunteering in Administration (Volontariat international en administration - VIA). Following this contract, I definitively joined the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs in March 2020 as a Foreign Affairs Secretary.> 

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

People often joke that when they enter Sciences Po, 50% of the students want to become journalists and the other 50%, diplomats. Ironically, this was not the case for me at all. 

Having practiced classical music since I was young, I entered Sciences Po quite determined about my professional orientation, and my desire to work in the cultural sector. So I did my first year internship as an assistant stage manager at the Mois Molière Festival, organized by the city of Versailles. I really enjoyed it, so much so that I went back to work there three summers in a row. During the first year of my master's degree, I did a part-time internship with the administrator of the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Versailles. These first professional experiences in the field of culture led me to the apprenticeship program in M2, still in administration, with the Accentus choir and the Insula orchestra, in residence at La Seine Musicale. After this apprenticeship, I wanted to discover other facets of culture, so I jumped at the opportunity to go on a VIA at the French Embassy in Lima, where I was in charge of cooperation for books and the debate of ideas. 

I was incredibly stimulated by the diversity of the tasks linked to my position, the multicultural universe and the autonomy of action of an embassy, always in connection with the strategy of influence defined by Paris. Within the framework of my activities I supervised the visits of researchers, writers (Alice Zeniter, Leïla Slimani), and civil society actors (Xavier Emmanuelli) to Peru. I was able to set up a call for projects and obtain funds to organize the restoration of churches dating from the 18th century in a valley affected by the armed conflicts of the 1980s. 

In Lima, I discovered the different facets of the diplomatic profession, especially as in a medium-sized embassy there are many contacts between the political, consular and cooperation sectors. This diversity of backgrounds and my very positive experience in VIA, were the triggers that made me decide to take the competitive exam. The VIA is an interesting way to discover international cooperation, to be empowered and professionalize after graduation, and to discover the culture of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs. 

HOW WAS THE COMPETITIVE EXAM AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS FOR THE FRENCH MINISTRY OF EUROPE AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUR POSITION TODAY?   

I was stationed in Peru during the competitive exams, so I prepared by myself, and went back and forth between Paris and Lima to take the exams - my 2019-2020 carbon footprint is absolutely disastrous. It wasn't always easy to study while working (very) full time, but it forced me to be efficient and strategic, and to prioritize my strengths. Furthermore, my two experiences abroad allowed me to ensure a solid level of language skills, which is very important because these tests are qualifiers for both the written and oral exams.

Once I arrived at the oral exam, I felt that my VIA experience was valued, especially in terms of my interpersonal skills in front of the jury. I obviously had to acquire a certain amount of knowledge in a very short period of time for the European questions test, and I clung to the theoretical framework I had acquired during my studies at Sciences Po. For example, my recollection of the Political Institutions courses I took in 1A were particularly useful.

I currently work in the sub-directorate for higher education and research. I manage our scientific and academic cooperation with Anglo-Saxon countries, in conjunction with our scientific services in the embassies. The interministerial dimension of my position is very present since we work together with the MESRI. Given the health crisis, the challenge is to preserve and reinvent scientific and academic cooperation in a context where in-person exchanges are restricted. 

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

My training provided me with a solid theoretical foundation of  public service and government action, even if I regret not having had the opportunity to take the "emblematic" courses in public law and public finance, which would have been very useful for the rest of my career. My specialization allowed me to open up to the rich palette of cultural professions, thanks to the professors from the professional world and the many guest speakers: I remember, for example, presenting a paper on French cultural diplomacy to the ambassador in charge of piloting the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi! My second year as an apprentice allowed me to consolidate my knowledge while preparing the transition to the professional world. In a very concrete manner, the School of Public Affairs affirmed my desire to work for France.

Finally, my five years at Sciences Po have given me a lot of experience outside the classroom, especially with the Sciences Po women's rugby team. Beyond the benefits of playing sports during my studies, and the pleasure of winning the Crit, rugby has allowed me to meet determined and inspiring women from all walks of life, leading varied careers, some of whom precede me at the Quai. During our studies, and even now, this network has supported me, given me confidence, and encouraged me to be ambitious: I am infinitely grateful to them. 

WOULD YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO GIVE TO A STUDENT WHO WANTS TO GO INTO THE FIELD OF COOPERATION AND DIPLOMACY TODAY? 

I would advise you to accumulate professional experience as soon as possible, in order to get an idea of the diversity of the professions that exist, as well as to acquire professional knowledge, which will allow you to be adaptable to new experiences.  

I would also advise you not to doubt your instincts: if a particular sector interests you, go for it. Maybe you will fall in love with it, and if not, you can always change your direction thanks to the knowledge you have acquired in your master's degree, and you will not have any regrets. 

As for the decision to take the civil service exams, I would like to relay to you the advice of my supervisor in Lima, which served as my mantra: "all winners have tried their luck" - I then discovered that it was an old lottery slogan, but I reassure you that success in a competitive exam is not random.  

LEARN MORE

• The Cultural Policy & Management policy stream at the School of Public Affairs
• Apprenticeship training at the School of Public Affairs

Download our brochure