March is International Women's History Month and International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8th! This month in our blog, we would like to highlight a few very inspiring and motivational journeys of A&M female students and former students. Today our interviewee is Bénédicte Maurel (Li 223).
AFAM: Hello Bénédicte, and thank you for being with us today. You are a master’s student at Columbia University, who went through the parcours US program. Could you please tell us a few words about the road that led you to Arts et Metiers and most importantly why and when you decided to become an engineer?
Bénédicte: I come from a family of engineers, which naturally influenced my path. My father works in the semiconductor industry for a French company operating in the U.S., and my sister is also an engineer. From an early age, I was exposed to this environment, which sparked my interest in engineering. I chose Arts et Métiers because of its strong traditions, its powerful alumni network, and the quality of its engineering education. It felt like the perfect place to build both technical skills and meaningful connections.
AFAM: Could you tell us a bit more about your life and studies at Columbia University? What are your favorite classes and what do you enjoy the most about your education journey?
Bénédicte: Studying at Columbia University is truly a dream for me. Being in the heart of New York City and surrounded by such a diverse and international community is incredibly enriching. The professors are excellent, and the academic environment is very stimulating. One of the things I enjoy most about my master’s program is the opportunity to take courses at the business school, which allows me to broaden my skill set beyond engineering. I am learning a wide range of subjects, and my favorite courses so far are Optimization Models and Methods and Risk Management.
AFAM: what was the most challenging for you in the US (or maybe before coming to the US)?
Bénédicte: I had already lived in the U.S. before, so I was somewhat familiar with the culture. However, the most challenging part was arriving at such a large university and adapting to life in New York City. It can feel overwhelming at first. That said, what makes New York so special is its diversity. There are people from all over the world, so accents and cultural differences are not barriers at all—they actually make the experience even richer.
AFAM: Can you share a little bit about your future plans?
Bénédicte: My goal is to find a job in the U.S. and continue my professional journey here if possible. I am also very interested in participating in a humanitarian project in the future, as I would love to combine my skills with a meaningful cause.
AFAM: You live in New York City. How do you like it? How do you spend your free time?
Bénédicte: I absolutely love New York City. I had the chance to visit as a tourist before, but living here is a completely different experience. In my free time, I enjoy running in Central Park, exploring different neighborhoods, and watching the sunset over the city. I also take advantage of student discounts through Columbia to visit places like the Empire State Building or museums. There is always something to discover, which makes life here very exciting.
Bénédicte, view from Empire State Building
Columbia University campus
All pictures: courtesy of Bénédicte
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