“Sciences Po taught me that we never stop learning”

Three years before he could take the exam, Adama Gaye knew he wanted to study at Sciences Po. He enrolled in a Bachelor's degree programme at Sciences Po in 2009, followed on with a Master in Public Administration, and graduated in 2014. Now a Business Developer at Saint Gobain, Adama looks back on his time at Sciences Po.

Why did you choose Sciences Po?

Adama Gaye: First and foremost, I was looking for an education that combines international experience and academic courses of a very high standard. During my studies at Sciences Po, I had the opportunity to travel to ten different countries. I spent my third undergraduate year in New York, I interned at the United Nations and I participated in an institutional and humanitarian trip to Dakar as president of the "Sciences Po for Africa" association.

What made you join “Sciences Po for Africa”? What were your main achievements as president of the association?

A.G.: I believe that Sciences Po offers much more than great academic courses. Student life is a major part of the experience, so I wanted to take on responsibilities in an association.

I was elected president of the “Sciences Po for Africa” association during my second undergraduate year. Our main objective was to raise student awareness about African issues and to recast the continent’s reputation. We organised events at Sciences Po with leading figures such as the Prime Minister of Niger. We met the Senegalese President and Prime Minister during a trip to Senegal, and we created the African Week at Sciences Po, which is now an annual highlight on the student life calendar.

Today, there is a vibrant community of Sciences Po alumni in Africa, and Sciences Po students are increasingly aware of the opportunities Africa has to offer.

What did you learn from your experience in the “Sciences Po for Africa” association?

A.G.: I learned to take initiatives and assume responsibilities, to manage a team and projects. I understood that it was necessary to be innovative and that this requires a lot of courage. My engagement in the association also gave me invaluable skills for work in public affairs.

How would you define public affairs?

A.G.: Public affairs are very much contested in France, yet they concern us all. Public affairs are not just about states and ministries, but also small actions in our neighbourhoods, in our cities. We can all be civil servants on different scales. I am even convinced that it is possible to serve the public interest while working in private companies.

… which is precisely your case since you are now working as business manager for Saint-Gobain. Can you tell us about your role there?

A.G.: Saint-Gobain is a well-established company working on sustainable habitat solutions. It is much better known in Europe than in Africa, and that’s one of the reasons they need me! I travel throughout Africa to meet people in charge of building projects, both public and private, and develop Saint-Gobain’s business in African coutries.

Among the skills you gained during your studies, which are the most precious to you in your current position?

A.G.: Sciences Po provided me with a very strong foundation. I developed the capacity to summarise, and acquired methodological skills and a taste for rigour. Most of all, I learned to keep an open mind. Sciences Po shows students that they are constantly engaged in a learning process and prepares them to accept this path.

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