March interview series: interview with Irène Demoisy (Bo 223)

Details: Published: 30 March 2026

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 Irène Demoisy (Bo 223)

AFAM: Hello Irène, and thank you for being with us today. You are a MEng student at UC Berkeley, 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?

Irène: I’ve always been a naturally curious person, eager to dive into how things work. Even though I faced some challenges with science early on, the subjects I enjoyed most were those that helped me understand different processes and phenomena (biology, physics, chemistry, sociology, etc.). One of the downsides of all that curiosity is that I sometimes struggle to make decisions. Initially, I chose an engineering path to keep my options open and continue exploring various fields. I soon realized that engineering perfectly matched my desire to understand mechanisms! That’s also why I was drawn to Arts et Metiers. The school offers a great balance between theory and hands-on learning, allowing me to truly grasp scientific concepts. Plus, I believe in the power of connections and encounters in life, so the rich alumni network at the school really resonates with me.

AFAM: could you tell us a bit more about your life and studies at UC Berkeley? What are your favorite classes and what do you enjoy the most about your education journey?

Irène: I have a really exciting and dynamic life at UC Berkeley. One of the best parts has been the freedom to choose my own classes, which lets me switch between deeply theoretical courses that challenge my thinking and practical classes where the outcome is to build something, similar to my experience at Arts et Metiers. This system also allows me to explore different subjects beyond my major. For instance, I took a finance class from the business school that gave me a great look into real-world financial topics. I also enrolled in an intensive language course that connected me with a diverse group of classmates, and I even took a sports class!

The campus atmosphere is also vibrant and lively. There’s always so much going on. Of course, several networking events are organized a week, but I can also benefit from social gatherings or, more unexpectedly, conferences, live concerts, plays, arts & craft activities, and sports events. This really adds a lot to the overall experience. I feel like each of these activities contributes to a dynamic and enriching college life, making every day feel fresh and exciting.

AFAM: what was the most challenging for you in the US ( or maybe before coming to the US)?

Irène: Despite the widespread influence of American culture through movies, music, and more, that theoretically should have prepared me to know what to expect, I definitely encountered some culture shocks after moving here. One big adjustment was the size of the country. Everything feels really far away. Even though the Bay Area has a fairly decent transportation system compared to other places in the U.S., getting around without a car can be quite challenging. Food has also been a bit of a struggle for me. As someone who’s been eating mostly organic food for decades, it’s been tough adapting to the local ingredients. On top of that, I was pretty anxious about the political situation when I arrived. The visa freeze had me on edge, not knowing if I'd even be able to leave until five days before my classes started. Right now, a lot of international students are facing uncertainty when it comes to job hunting, which adds another layer of stress to the experience.

AFAM: Can you share a little bit about your future plans?

Irène: I’ve really enjoyed my time in the US, and it made me think a lot about what I truly want in my career. My experience as a student here was incredible, and I’m thankful for the opportunities I had. However, I’ve realized that a European mindset fits me better for my professional life. I believe that the work culture and values in Europe align more with who I am, and I’m eager to explore how I can contribute and grow in that environment.

AFAM: you live in the SF bay area. How do you like it? How do you spend your free time?

Irène: I really love it here! Aside from the commuting challenges I mentioned earlier, the weather is fantastic, and the energy of the people is really dynamic. Berkeley is mostly dedicated to its university, so you’re constantly surrounded by students of all ages and fields of study, day and night. I live in the International House, which means I’m always meeting people from different countries, and there’s never a shortage of exciting adventures and enriching exchanges to dive into. Plus, being so close to San Francisco is a huge bonus! The city has a ton of incredible museums and hiking spots that make it easy to enjoy some quality outdoor time.

AFAM: thank you, Irène!