Louise, Product Manager at Castor

Who are you?

I am Louise Badarani. I started my studies in architecture and I graduated from a Civil Engineer degree from EPFL. Then, I joined the MSc&T DSB from HEC and Ecole Polytechnique.

After being a Data Scientist and Investment Fund Analyst at Ardian, I am now a Product Manager at Castor - a Tech startup.

Why did you choose to pursue your studies at Ecole Polytechnique?

Ecole Polytechnique is known for its excellence and high reputation. I wanted to pursue a Business and Engineer program to study in debth Data Science and apply in a business career.
To me, a Master’s degree has several purposes : it should allow me to do something interesting and also allow me to get a job and perform well in it. This is why I chose Ecole Polytechnique.

Would you say that the name of Ecole Polytechnique helped you?

I think it is important to say that a good University is not enough to succeed, to go through the different rounds of interviews or to get promoted once you get the job you wanted.
The first step of success is to get opportunities which is what Ecole Polytechnique gives you:
-    with companies coming in and asking you if you are interested or
-    with companies that you write to because you are interested in what they do
In that case, you are almost guaranteed to get a response and I think it is pretty unique.

Tell us more about your current position

I am a Product Manager at Castor - a Tech startup. Basically, I am working at the intersection of Business, Tech and Design. I need to identify opportunities/needs (business aspect) and understand the cost behind it (technical aspect).
If I want to develop a part of a software it is important to understand how much effort comes into point and find the right balance between delivering high value and the cost of it.

What do you like the most about it?

I am learning every day in amazing conditions. I believe finding the right job is also finding the right team and being selected by the right team.
I work with a lot of alumni from Ecole Polytechnique (3 of the co-founders come from that school) and I am lucky to be able to work with an amazing team in which everyone is both brilliant and humble!
I also love working from two different sides (business and technical) – sometimes I am working face to face with clients to understand their needs and other times with the tech team trying to solve an issue. It is very demanding but also very stimulating!

What skills did you gain during your MSc&T and use at your job?

I learned to code at Ecole Polytechnique and I am coding on a everyday basis (Python or SQL).
The fact that the program is very varied gave me a great overview of a whole field and culture. The program being held by two different schools also allowed me to wear two hats at the same time and understand/communicate with both Business and Technical teams in order to do my best to develop a product.

What memories do y ou have from Ecole Polytechnique?

Friends! It is amazing to be able to live on an actual campus with other students and enjoy various activities.
Even though I knew I was entering a Military School I remember being a bit chocked when I understood that sport was mandatory. With hindsight, I understood how important it was because it allows us to mingle and meet a lot of new students that are following other Masters of even other degrees.

What are your ambitions?

I like challenges and I know it is going to be a constant. My goal is to gain ownership and responsibility but also become a key distribution and decision maker.
It is quite broad but it could translate in creating my own startup, gaining responsibility in my own work or switching careers… In any case Ecole Polytechnique gave me enough confidence to make the right choices.

What advice would you give to future students?

-    Enjoy your studies – it is an amazing time to learn and explore what you want and what you like! Have some time to reflect on these important questions.
-    Put some effort into the job research. Try to keep in mind that some companies have a huge budget on recruitment and that the first job offers you see online are not always the only ones or even the best ones for you. Keep looking until you find the job offer that really inspires you.
-    Use the school’s network to meet with alumnus and discover companies and jobs. It might help you when you will look for an internship or a job.

A Masters degree is an investment but it is definitely worth it!