Where are they now? Let’s find out what our MSc&T graduates have become!
Corentin, Data Science intern at Rothschild and Co, Paris & alumnus of the DSB Master program.
Could you please introduce yourself?
Hello. My name is Corentin. I am a recent graduate with a Master of "Data Science for Business" at Ecole Polytechnique. Previously, I also graduated with a Master in Statistics on top with a double degree in Applied Mathematics and Economics at Sorbonne University.
Currently, I am finishing an internship at Rothschild and Co in Paris as a Data Scientist in the financial analysis and ESG department.
Could you please tell us more about your current position?
Rothschild & Co is recognized as one of the world's largest independent financial advisory experts, offering a unique vision that benefits clients' businesses and assets. The financial analysis and ESG team is expanding around an investment dimension with truly sustainable management favoring companies that create value over the long term and a project dimension that aims to develop new products.
My role within the team is twofold. First, I develop tools based on data analysis and machine learning algorithms for the management teams. Then, with my knowledge in artificial intelligence I am capable to understand the interest of new solutions proposed by financial and extra-financial data providers. To invest responsibly, artificial intelligence-based technologies allow us to aggregate and present all information to investors.
Was it easy for you to find a job once graduated?
To put into practice all the knowledge I had learned during my master’s degree I decided to apply for internship offers during my second year to put into. Thanks to my diploma grade, I was able to obtain many internships opportunities as well as different job offers on different expertise.
What skills gained during the MSc Data for Science X-HEC have you been using in your current position?
The skills that I learned in mathematics and deep learning enabled me to be efficient on optimization problems, as well as those developed in programming for automation tasks or tool development.
More importantly, I was also able to develop my knowledge in machine learning by meeting with extra-financial data providers who develop technologies based on artificial intelligence.
What do you like in your work?
I would say that on a day-to-day basis, I value working with a team that specializes in its field and that I can rely on it.
I also enjoy translating the issues encountered in the investment world into quantitative problems that can be solved using analytical tools.
It’s also necessary to speak with specialists on a regular basis to better understand their activity and find optimal solutions.
Finally, with the development of artificial intelligence, I really enjoy the amount of information we can process to make sustainable investments.
With all of this, I would say that this is a highly demanding job that requires strong analytical skills, but one that I find truly interesting.
Do you think your diploma and the name of Ecole Polytechnique are assets to find a job?
I am convinced that the diploma combined with the name of the École Polytechnique were real assets for finding a job. The courses and lecturers’ quality plus the various academic projects during the academic year allowed us to be at the ready for our next challenges.
I also had the opportunity to exchange ideas and ask for advice on many occasions with the alumni network through events organized on campus (forum, conferences, explore your future, etc.).
What memories do you have of your time spent at l'X and in the MSc DSB?
I especially valued the articulation between the theoretical courses given in the first year at École Polytechnique and the combination of applied courses and projects with companies in the second year at HEC Paris. These two years were highlighted with group projects, that allowed us to apply our knowledge.
I keep a very good memory of my master especially with the work atmosphere and the good environment. The activities and facilities let us take full advantage of our extra-curricular time, finally creating a network and long-life friendships.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I would like to continue working in the investment industry, especially in asset management. I believe it is possible and primordial to have an impact, especially through engagement and voting, on the companies in our portfolio.
I am always looking to expand my knowledge in data science. I aspire to help companies to lead a digital and sustainable transformation, change their business models and help them to invest sustainably.