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Published: 11 November 2024

TAKE MY WORD FOR IT:

Julie Coheleah (Bo 221) on the application process and her master's year at UC Berkeley -

The U.S. master’s application process begins over a year before the departure date, starting in the first year as a student at Arts et Métiers. The initial phase is the internal application to the Parcours US, which involves selection based on grades or class rank, a resume, and a Statement of Purpose (SOP). All accepted students spend their second year in Paris to navigate the actual application process together.

The second application phase, where students apply directly to universities, takes approximately six months, from July to December. Students must take language tests (TOEFL and GRE), obtain three letters of recommendation from professors, mentors, or internship supervisors, write an SOP and a Personal History Statement (PHS), and provide an American-style resume. This is a lengthy process, so starting early is recommended.

Acceptance and deferral letters are typically sent out from February to April. This period is crucial for making final decisions and preparing to cross the Atlantic. I chose Berkeley’s Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research with a concentration in Fintech. The classes (which offer limited flexibility) include:

• Optimization Analytics (Linear Programming)
• Risk Modeling (Probabilities)
• Financial Engineering
• Introduction to Machine Learning for Electronic Markets

I also took a supply chain course, as I knew I wanted to work in that field.

My transition to Berkeley was smooth, as I opted to live in a dorm (the International House). I highly recommend this experience; it allowed me to meet amazing friends from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The dorm is comfortable, the food is the best on campus, and it’s ideally located!

Despite my busy class schedule, I found time to socialize and explore San Francisco. There are free classes at the main gym, orchestra events, and many other activities, so I’ve never been bored!

The most challenging aspect was finding a job in the current market as an international student. I began applying in September, right after arriving at Berkeley, and I secured a position in July—almost a year later. There’s definitely a strategy involved, which I didn’t grasp at first. It’s important to apply at the right time (small and mid-sized companies usually don’t hire months in advance), target the right companies (it’s quite challenging to get into major firms like Google or Meta without permanent residency and work experience), and seek support when possible, such as referrals or direct contacts with hiring managers. However, most students end up finding a position after the master!

Julie with her friends in San Francisco

On UC Berkeley campus

View on UC Berkeley

The 16th ave tiles steps in SF

Graduation

All picture above are courtesy of Julie Coheleach

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Published: 28 October 2024

We asked our Gadz'Meet participants to say a few words about the first Gadz'Meet event that happened in San Francisco on September 6-8th and that is what they have shared:

"Studying in the U.S. is about more than just academics; it’s a personal journey too. This weekend in San Francisco was a great chance to meet up with other students and alumni from our school. It was a fun time filled with sharing, support, and great energy. This weekend really captured the spirit of the Gadz'Arts!"

Furthermore, here is a quick video made in San Francisco during the Gadz'Meet weekend: please click here to watch

Djian, Gadz’Meet 2024 participant

During the Gadz’Meet event, I had the opportunity to learn  about the financial support and mentorship that AFAM provides to students aiming to study, work or launch a business in the United States. I discovered how their programs could facilitate career development and help us navigate the challenges of moving abroad. In addition to these valuable insights, I had the chance to connect with other participants and alumni while enjoying a variety of activities organized for us throughout the city of San Francisco. This experience deepened my appreciation of the dynamic network of Gadz’art alumni in the US and I am very thankful for the experiment.

Lea Abitbol, GadzMeet 2024 participant

It was an incredible weekend in San Francisco, providing the opportunity to connect with alumni, understand their journeys, and what motivated them to stay in the United States. A special thank you to Chevy 85, who drove us around in his minivan on Friday and shared his business experiences in France and since his move to the U.S.

Many thanks to AFAM for organizing this weekend and for everything we were able to visit hats-off for the great organization!

Daj'2, Gadz’Meet 2024 participant

"I was happy to attend a Gadz’Meet dinner at Argonaut hotel in San Francisco. Thank you for the invitation. It was a great pleasure to meet our young comrades full of energy and ambitions. I congratulate all of you on being able to leave your comfort zone to embark on your “American journey”. You will all learn lessons that will impact your whole life. Good job! The future is yours and I am very optimistic about the young Gadz’Arts generation!

Claude Leglise ( An 74), Gadz’Meet 2024 participant

“Thank you so much to AFAM for organizing this Gadz gathering. It was an amazing opportunity for me to explore San Francisco and connect with fellow Gadzarts in the US who have such inspiring life stories. I truly appreciate everyone who made this event possible, and I hope I’ll have the chance to give back when I start working in the US!”

Louise, Gadz’Meet 2024 participant

"I really enjoyed the Gadz'Meet gathering with alumni from different generations. Seeing the different paths they've taken after Arts et Métiers, and the ones we are starting as students, made me feel like anything is possible. It created a great atmosphere of ambition and inspiration, and I feel fortunate to be part of this community. Thank you for making this gathering possible!"

Sixtine Guérin, Gadz’Meet 2024 participant

"This weekend was the perfect introduction to my first time on the West Coast. That's where we see the beauty of the Gadzarts network - even on the other side of the world, we're still connected, whether for fun or to help each other with our projects. As a young entrepreneur, spending the weekend in San Francisco was a great opportunity to meet inspiring Gadzarts living in Silicon Valley. I thank everyone I met there for their energy and for opening my mind to new ideas. Thanks to AFAM, and a special thanks to Vincent for making this weekend possible.”

François Avinent (Bo221), Gadz’Meet 2024 participant

“I had the chance to attend GadzMeet 2024 in San Francisco last September, and I want to thank everyone who made this event possible. It was an incredible opportunity to explore and rediscover the city and the surrounding area. I really enjoyed our visit to Muir Woods and wandering around San Francisco! I learned a lot through inspiring discussions with alumni and met some very interesting people from all across the US. It is always so enriching to connect with others who share similar interests but have different experiences. This gathering helped us get to know each other, especially those living in the same city, and we now often organize events together! Thank you again for bringing us together and for creating such great memories!!”

Moon, Ch221, Gadz’Meet 2024 participant

"A few weeks after setting foot on American soil for our studies we were warmly welcomed by the AFAM community at the GadzMeet in SF. We wandered through Chinatown, went up to the Coit Tower, visited Alcatraz, and had dinner at the Argonaut. It was a pleasure to meet and exchange with fellow Gadzarts who successfully built their careers and life in the US or who, indeed, also just arrived to start their "American Journey". It does help a lot to get friendly feedback and insights from more experienced Gadzarts who were in the same spot as we are, years ago and who have the same background.

Thank you so much for the organization, it was a delightful day, and thank you to the Prévot family for the incredible BBQ a few weeks afterwards!

Edmond Loubeyre 27ch221, Gadz’Meet 2024 participant

I'd like to sincerely thank AFAM and especially Albina and Vincent for the weekend spent in San Francisco. It was a real moment of sharing with former Gadz, combining conviviality, visits and discoveries. The organization of the event was perfect from A to Z, allowing everyone to visit as a group but still have free time for themselves or to spend with others.

It was a great time to share, and I was delighted to make your acquaintance.

I hope to see you soon,

Rémy Grandgeorges (Me221), Gadz’Meet 2024 participant

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Published: 30 September 2024

On September 28th, Gadz'Arts of the Bay area, alumni ( some with families and kids) and students alike, gathered together at Prevot's place in the bay area. Aurore and Jean Prevot (Li and Ch 198) are both active members of the Gadz'Arts community and they hosted this September gathering. Thank you very much, Aurore and Jean, for the warm welcome! The day was very sunny and Gadz'Arts could enjoy the pool time together ( and with Prevot's joyful dog).

See you all next time! Next event will be happening in San Mateo, CA (TBC). Please sign up to AFAM's newsletter to know more about our upcoming Gadz and AFAM events in different regions.

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Published: 25 September 2024

On September 24th, West Coast group president and AFAM board member Nicolas Horde (Ai 214) met with parcours US students in Paris.

This meeting with Nicolas, who was a parcours US student a few year ago and then studied at Georgia Tech, was certainly an opportunity to ask questions and get some better understanding of application process.

Every Tuesday parcours US students have an opportunity to meet an alumnus/alumna with experience of studying and working in the United States.

A meeting with AFAM community manager Albina Patou-Chebykina will take place on November 19th.

Picture: Nicolas Horde meeting parcours US students