Paul Auburtin, Class of 2020

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND? 

After obtaining a Baccalauréat ES at the Lycée de Provence in Marseille, I chose an Anglo-Saxon path. I studied European Political Science (European Studies) at the University of King's College in London, as part of a 4-year programme, which gave me the opportunity to study for a year in France. This is how I discovered Sciences Po, and I chose to apply for two additional years after my bachelor's degree, in the Master in Public Policy, in the Digital, New Technology and Public Policy stream. During my gap year between the two years of the Master's programme, I wanted to get a foot in the professional world. After a first internship with André Loesekrug-Pietri for the launch of the Joint European Disruptive Initiative, which brings together the main European technology groups in order to finance the development of disruptive innovations, I joined the public affairs and communication consultancy APCO Worldwide in January 2019, which I have not left since. First as an intern, I continued this professional adventure as an apprenticeship student, before taking on the role of consultant today. > 

WHAT WERE THE MAIN STAGES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR PROFESSIONAL PATH? 

My professional path was essentially built on the basis of three types of opportunities that I recommend that students take advantage of during their studies at Sciences Po: internships, group projects, and apprenticeships. 

During my studies or my gap year, I had the opportunity to do several internships in communications consulting (Antidox and Monolith Partners) and in tech and digital organisations (ACSEL and JEDI).

 As part of a group project, I had the opportunity, during my first year of the master's programme, to work with other students on a research project on digital inclusion for the consulting firm MC2I. 

Finally, the work-study apprenticeship programme offered by Sciences Po in my final year allowed me to bridge the gap between my internship and my first job, while taking courses that were consistent with my position in the company.

Last but not least, I think that the most determining factors in my career are the mentors I have met over the years who have advised me and guided me in my decisions. I am thinking in particular of Grégoire Ducret (ACSEL), André Loesekrug-Pietri (JEDI) and Alexandre Marie Saint-Germain (APCO). 

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUR POSITION TODAY AS A CONSULTANT AT APCO WORLDWIDE?

Being a consultant at APCO means acquiring a variety of skills (public affairs, corporate communication, crisis communication, etc.) and working on very different projects at the same time. Whether it's on health, tech, agri-food, energy, mobility or other issues, the position of public affairs and communication consultant allows you to awaken your curiosity and to be constantly stimulated on new subjects. In concrete terms, the job of consultant at APCO Worldwide consists of accompanying clients in defining their public affairs strategies, identifying the institutional or reputational obstacles they face, recommending appropriate solutions and deploying an action plan that meets their needs. It means understanding the issues facing companies while taking into account current political events. 

WHAT CONTRIBUTIONS DID YOUR STUDIES AT THE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, PARTICULARLY THE DIGITAL, NEW TECHNOLOGY AND PUBLIC POLICY STREAM HAVE ON THE POSITION YOU HOLD TODAY?    

The position of Public Affairs Consultant is fully in line with the studies offered at Sciences Po, in that it requires the skills taught at the School of Public Affairs (interest in public affairs, knowledge of decision-making processes, ability to summarise, writing skills, etc.). 

For example, I would like to mention the courses on "Public Policies: Democracy and its Dilemmas" taught by David Azema, or "Leadership, Organisations & Management: Local Authorities, from Public Service to the Service of the Public", taught by the former DGS of the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, Jean Baptiste Fauroux, which introduced me to the way in which public policies are thought out and applied at the local and national levels. 

As far as the Digital, New Technology and Public Policy policy stream is concerned, it allowed me to better understand the impact of new technologies in our societies and to anticipate the issues to which our public policies will have to adapt in the years to come. At APCO, I had the opportunity to work on missions for companies facing these challenges, whether in the health or tech sectors, for which I was able to put to good use some of the knowledge gained during my studies.  

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE TO GIVE A STUDENT OR A FUTURE YOUNG GRADUATE?

Take advantage! Make the most of everything Sciences Po has to offer its students, both on campus and in preparation for the working world. I have very fond memories of the events (parties, conferences, round tables, etc.) organised by the School of Public Affairs Association (AEAP), which I was lucky enough to be a part of, and I think that the services of Sciences Po Carrières are very useful for defining one's career path. 

LEARN MORE

• The Master in Public Policy at the School of Public Affairs
• The Digital, New Technology and Public Policy stream at the School of Public Affairs

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