Margherita comes from Bocconi University, in Milan, where she pursues a Bachelor in International Economics and Finance. She is in an exchange semester at École Polytechnique where she is in the 3rd year of the Bachelor Program with a major in Economics. Let’s discover about her exchange at l’X!
Why did you choose to study at École Polytechnique?
For my exchange period, I wished to stay in Europe and, besides the excellent reputation of École Polytechnique, I also wanted to investigate a different approach to Economics. Furthermore, this institution seemed like a good combination between having the opportunity to experience the campus life and the chance to explore an international capital city like Paris. I was also attracted by the variety of sports and sport facilities that l’X offers, practicing myself track and field at a professional level.
How did you get to know the Bachelor program? In your opinion, what are its main benefits?
The Bachelor Program was advertised at my home university, but I was able to get more detailed information from the Exchange Office of École Polytechnique itself. In my opinion, the double major is a great strength of the program since it leaves more options open. But I would say that the main benefit of the Bachelor is the excellent academic environment. The level of knowledge of both professors and students amazed me. The small class sizes and the separation of weekly classes into a theoretical and a practical one also improve the learning experience. Finally, the overall multiculturalism of the School greatly enriched my experience.
Could you please tell us more about your exchange semester?
During the exchange semester, I did not take too many classes and this gave me time to visit and explore Paris. I would go there with my friends to enjoy art exhibitions or to taste the French cuisine almost every weekend. I also exercised a lot by doing some climbing with the Club Sportif and running at the track. In general, I loved the student life on campus from the meet-ups with friends to the many events organized by students’ clubs. The campus really felt like a place designed for students’ needs and gave me a proper university experience. Throughout the semester, I was immersed in an international environment where I got to know the other exchange students, many students of the Bachelor and a few engineers as well. The time spent there was really valuable from many perspectives.
What are the main strengths of both institutions?
Concerning the academic side, in my classes at l’X each economic matter was addressed with a mathematical approach that made the overall subject more rigorous. I felt that this method allowed Economics to reach a discipline I had never encountered so far and I enjoyed investigating it. Moreover, the School offers a great range of resources for students to clarify doubts or deepen issues.
On the other hand, Bocconi University has more of a business approach to Economics and it teaches you how very different global factors play a role in the field. Also, since it is a business school, I would say that it offers more classes in other business-related fields.
About the campus, the main strengths of l’X are being surrounded by greenery and the multiple sports facilities available. Conversely, Bocconi University offers more of a city life: one has more opportunities for entertainment by being close to the center of Milan.
What would you like to do after your Bachelor degree? Do you have any professional career goal?
After completing the Bachelor at Bocconi, I would like to continue my studies and focus on Finance. For this reason, I decided to go back to France and start my Master at HEC Paris in September. My professional goal is to work as a trader in a major financial institution and I would like to work abroad: either in France or in the UK.
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