- Why did you choose Esisar and the IMESS Master?
First of all, Grenoble-INP has a good global ranking. I wanted to have a degree in embedded systems (which involves some maths but a lot of programming). France is one of the few top countries where students can pursue a Phd after just one year of a Master’s program. This Master’s degree has added two important skills to my experience and knowledge: embedded hardware and hardware security.
- Did you enjoy your year in MISTRE/IMESS Valence Master program?
I maintained 100% attendance in all technical Master’s courses and I took this program very seriously. Even if I am an experienced professional, who has previously led teams in the embedded domain, this degree has been crucial for my career, as it has added new skills to my portfolio.
- What did you enjoy outside your studies?
The weather in France is amazing. France has amazing rules for students. The law protects foreign students and provides them with financial rights.
- What is your best memory from your year in Valence?
Personally, I really like rivers and Valence is built along a beautiful river, which makes walking along it an amazing experience. On a technical point of view, I will always remember creating a crypto accelerator in my system-on-chip course.
“The master’s degree in three words: short, state-of-the-art and intense”
- What did you like about the master’s program?
The master’s degree can be described in three words: short, state-of-the-art and intense. The master’s program at Esisar includes a six-month intensive study schedule that gives you core strength in embedded security, system-on-chip, hardware verification, cryptography and more. All these taking you from scratch concepts to implementation level expertise.
- Would you recommend it to future students?
There is a saying: do the right thing and think later. If you get admission to the embedded security program, just join it: you won’t regret it. I especially recommend this program to those with experience in the embedded field, as you will definitely learn a lot of things due to its diversity and add new skills in your portfolio.
- Any advice for newcomers?
Take your studies seriously, have 100% attendance. Each lecture builds upon previous ones. Consider pursuing a research internship in a laboratory during the final six months of your master’s, especially if you have prior work experience.
“The latest insights and lots of opportunities for students to connect with companies through internship and job fairs”
- What is the greatest strength of this program, in your opinion?
The embedded security program is developed with the latest research content in the field and the tutors are active researchers. This means that during lectures, students get the latest insights.
- What is your current job and how did you find it?
Firstly, the laws in France are great and well thought to promote technology and talent. They facilitate the process after your master’s, as your employer doesn't need to file for work authorization on your behalf I handled my own residence permit application, I just asked a letter from my employer to sign it for me.
Regarding my job, I heard about opportunities from industry leaders, and I believe that start-ups or companies with entrepreneurial leadership create jobs for individuals, and rarely the other way around. My job interview was straightforward. It felt like the decision had already been made on my CV, and the interview itself was just a formality. I received a job offer four months before my graduation. My current job is IC Design and Verification Engineer, which is a new field for me, drawing on the knowledge I gained at Grenoble-INP.
- Could you provide more insight into how you were able to network and explore opportunities during your studies?
Grenoble INP-Esisar provides a lot of opportunities for students to connect with companies through internship and job fairs. Additionally, many alumni from Grenoble-INP are currently working at top companies in France, and you can connect with them through seniors, fellow students, or professors to stay updated on what candidates these companies are seeking. It's important to set your priorities from the beginning rather than waiting until the end. Networking can be much smoother if you learn French, respect French culture and laws, and foster friendly relationships with locals.
If you are pursuing a technical job, prioritize developing your technical skills, such as programming. Work on GitHub projects in areas like security, Verilog, C/C++, Python, SoC, FPGA, and IoT. And if you are aiming for a role in project management or sales, having a command of the French language is essential, even if you plan to return to your home country.