Hi Andrea, tell us about yourself.
My name is Andrea Fumagalli. I come from the North of Italy (Lake of Como). I started my university studies at Politecnico di Milano, the leading technical university in Italy, studying Energy Engineering.
Why did you choose to do a TIME Double Degree?
I decided to take part in the TIME Double Degree as I consider it a fantastic opportunity for my personal and professional development. In particular, I studied two years at CentraleSupélec, a Top-level French Engineering school and right now I am completing an internship in Paris working for an international Oil & Gas company. Another reason was my desire to increase the number of professional opportunities at the end of my studies. After two years abroad, I can say that the TIME double degree offered me so much and was one of the best experience in my life.
How has the experience been?
The experience was fantastic: I met people from all over the world (at CentraleSupélec 25% of students are international), become (almost) trilingual, gained knowledge and skills that are always more important in our connected world.
You don’t have to be afraid about managing the language. When I arrived in Paris at the beginning of my TIME Double Degree, I was not able to have a conversation with a French person. After a few months, speaking French was natural. The academic system is different if compared to the Italian one but I think it’s not interesting to write about it here.
If you feel like you want to do a TIME Double Degree, go for it: you will be able to pass the language barrier at the beginning.
What are your plans for the future?
I am completing an internship in an Oil & Gas company in Paris. Then I am going back to Milano to complete my studies with a master’s degree. In fact my TIME double degree has the following structure: 2 years at your home university, 2 years abroad and then 2 years at your home university. At the and, you receive the Master of Science level degree of the two universities. I am eager to take on an international career in the energy sector: providing advice on complex matters and shaping energy futures.
What would you say to a student thinking about doing a double degree exchange?
If you feel like you want to do it, just go for it and start your international career!
Home university: Politecnico di Milano
Host university: CentraleSupélec