Philippine Orvoën, Class of 2019

Can you describe your academic and professional career ? 

After a law degree in Paris and a Master 1 in English law in England, I joined the Security and Defence policy stream of Sciences Po's Master in Public Policy, which had just been created. I was particularly attracted by the opportunity to study subjects I already knew, such as public finance, from a new angle. I also really appreciated the variety of courses offered in the electives, and it was through one of these, a course in economic intelligence, that I found my first internship, at the Strategic Information and Economic Security Service (SISSE) at the Ministry of the Economy and Finance. I wanted to go abroad again, so I continued with an internship at the EU Delegation in Washington, followed by a first contract at NATO within the Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk (USA). These experiences were particularly enriching and led me to join the Ministry of Defence at the Directorate General of International Relations and Strategy (DGRIS), where I worked for two years, first on bilateral relations with the United States and then on NATO. Curious to discover the private sector and extend my skills to other areas, I joined last June the public affairs consultancy Flint Global. 

What were the major stages in the development of your professional project ? 

I always knew that I wanted to work on international matters related to regalian issues, without really knowing exactly how I would get there. The opening of the Security and Defence policy stream was the first step that enabled me to sharpen this project, by applying it to a specific field, the most sovereign of all, which is Defence. I then had the chance to do several very rewarding internships in international environments, where I was able to benefit from many precious pieces of advice from my superiors and colleagues, and gain a better understanding of what I liked to do in terms of specific tasks, particularly research and synthesis, which helped me a lot in the choice of my next positions, both in the Ministry and in the firm where I currently work. 

What are the main aspects of your current job as a consultant at Flint Global ? 

As we are still a small team in the Paris office, which didn't open until September 2022, I would say the main feature of my job is versatility. We work on a wide range of subjects, from energy to healthcare, from tech to audiovisual, and we carry out a variety of assignments for our clients, both strategic consultancy/public affairs and press relations. This means keeping informed of all relevant developments and knowing which tools to use and which not to use, depending on the situation. Teamwork is also essential, with us sharing our respective skills and brainstorming. Finally, our ability to analyse and research specific issues in order to help our clients is also crucial.

What do you see as your next challenges ? 

To succeed in moving into a private company, which is a very different environment from what I've known up to now, which will involve improving my management skills. 

How has your training at the School of Public Affairs, and in particular the Security and Defence policy stream, contributed to your current position ? 

The highly professionalising aspects of certain courses, such as corporate risk management or those in international affairs, which have enabled me to develop my skills and knowledge in specific areas. In addition, the opportunity to study a wide range of subjects in the same academic year has also helped me to develop my curiosity and versatility. 

Would you have any advice for a student or future graduate ?

Internships, particularly abroad, are a very useful way of learning not only about professional environments and careers, but also about yourself. I would also recommend talking to more experienced people as much as possible, and taking advantage of the wealth of advice they can give, especially if they work in a sector that interests you. 

learn more

• The Security and Defense policy stream at the School of Public Affairs (offered in French)
• The Master in Public Policy at the School of Public Affairs