Hear from our SupOptique Apprentices

Want to know what it's really like to be a SupOptique apprentice? Check out the diverse range of testimonials from current and former students.

 

Témoignage de Bruno Roca-Dhont, promo 2025

Apprenticeship with Lumibird (Villejust 91)

Why SupOptique?

There are several reasons why I chose to join SupOptique. I come from a technical background, with a DUT in Measurement Physics, which allowed me to discover a wide range of physics disciplines.

Thermodynamics and optics were the ones that interested me the most. The optics professors at my IUT ultimately gave me the desire to pursue optics. That's how I discovered SupOptique, and upon consulting the program, I immediately understood that physics was a focus of SupOptique, aligning with what I wanted to discover. I also wanted to prove that even coming from a more technical background, it was possible to enter a prestigious school and succeed.

Why an apprenticeship?

I hadn't had the opportunity to do an internship upon leaving my IUT. I thought that engineering school would be my last chance to try an apprenticeship, therefore, I embarked on this odyssey. I wanted to see what experience in a company could contribute to my education.

The Work Of an Alternant

As the name of the program suggests, the courses and work experience alternate. Unlike other schools where the alternation is constant - one week/one week, two weeks/two weeks... - the alternation at SupOptique takes place during school holidays and specific weeks, which is quite pleasant.

Another major advantage is that the training provided to apprentices is exactly the same as for traditional students, which means that everyone ends up with the same diploma. Moreover, since the training is identical, apprentices and traditional students have classes together for all three years, which is great for integration: apprentices are not isolated from the rest of the group.

NB: However, during the second semester of the first year, S6, apprentices have separate classes because the course schedule is different and all subjects are covered at the same time.

During the first year, there are 'scientific tutoring sessions'. These consist of combining the courses with your work in the company, to explain a concept that you are working on in the company. These sessions end with a presentation (poster) at the end of the first year. These sessions are enriching because they allow you to learn more about the physics that you use in the company.

The last point, which may seem quite difficult to manage, is the management of work. Indeed, you don't really get a break because you alternate between school and the company - except if you use your paid leave - so you have to be strategic to avoid losing track of the courses. To avoid this, working a little bit every day can be a good solution.

My Company

As an intern at Lumibird, a leading laser technology company, I'm immersed in the dynamic world of R&D for laser diodes. My role involves designing, testing, and refining electro-optical test benches. This multifaceted task requires expertise in optics, semiconductors, electronics, mechanics, and programming, among other disciplines. To meet the stringent requirements outlined in our customers' specifications, we conduct a comprehensive suite of tests to ensure the robustness of our laser diodes.

Conclusion

An apprenticeship is a fantastic pathway that bridges the gap between academia and industry. It provides a unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, offering fresh insights into course material and problem-solving techniques. Beyond the financial benefits of tuition reimbursement and a monthly stipend, apprenticeships equip individuals with valuable transferable skills that are highly sought after in today's job market.

 

 

Témoignage d'Olivier Martinache, promo 2022

Apprenticeship at THALES Avionics (Moirans 38)

The apprenticeship program at SupOptique offers a unique hybrid education, combining a rigorous theoretical and technical foundation with hands-on experience in companies or laboratories. This synergy is essential for training competent and versatile engineers and researchers.

This is my experience of an apprenticeship:

The Work Of An Alternant

The apprenticeship program at SupOptique offers a flexible schedule, as the school year remains unchanged. Instead, vacation weeks, internships, and specific weeks are dedicated to professional work (which can be adjusted with the company's paid leave and a few days of review related to the school).

In my opinion, this program does not impact the quality or quantity of a student's work, as the company tutor cannot officially request work during the school period. However, each student is free to manage their school schedule and investment in their professional project.

Furthermore, the program provides access to useful courses for starting a professional career, such as training in corporate etiquette and labor law. However, I regret the absence of courses on project management methods (agile, V-model, etc.), which are useful regardless of the career path. But this can be made up for with company training.

In addition, tutoring sessions allow students to understand and explain a scientific aspect related to their apprenticeship without having to explain the project they are working on in the company. These sessions are particularly interesting as they are part of the first step of the development of a system: one must first understand existing techniques and knowledge before improving them.

The evaluation of a student's work follows, in my opinion, a good method: an evaluation by the company tutor and the academic tutor are required to validate both the academic learning and the company project.

Finally, as every student works in different research or application area, a CFA provides an introduction to the concept of professional confidentialit.

Why SupOptique?

Initially, I took a gap year to prepare for the entrance exam to ENS Rennes. After receiving the results, I had the choice between ENS and SupOptique. However, I realized that physics, and more specifically optics (using light data!), had always attracted me even though I came from a preparatory class for the grandes écoles. The Institut's presence on the Paris-Saclay campus was also a motivating factor in my choice, this allowed me to attend lectures by renowned scientists (Centrale Symposium, open meetings at École Polytechnique, or a bit further ENS Ulm, and nearby laboratories).

Why an apprenticeship?

There were two primary reasons for my decision: financial considerations and a desire to explore research and development in a company. Indeed, I have always been drawn to fundamental research, and I wanted to experience the corporate environment before committing to a career in academia. This experience can be valuable both in a company and in a research laboratory.

Additionally, the opportunity to evolve over three years within a professional scientific team, with the possibility of working there after graduation, earning a salary as a student, following almost the same curriculum as the traditional program, and facing current scientific challenges was very appealing.

My Situation

I am an apprentice at Thales Avionics in Moirans. This apprenticeship allows me to explore areas that are transversal to the SupOptique curriculum, such as the functioning of LCD and microLED displays, and the various constraints associated with cockpit screens.

In practice, I carry out numerous manipulations using video photometers and use software such as LightTools to model 3D optical systems. I also participate in regular meetings with various teams to discuss project needs and progress. However, there was an initial adaptation period (mastering the equipment, understanding the projects I was immersed in before becoming active...) before I could be fully operational as a member of the team.

Conclusion

Ultimately, this allows me to understand the internal workings of an optics R&D department, while also interacting with electronics and mechanics teams (working alongside technicians, engineers, and others), which enriches both my scientific knowledge and my professional skills.

Témoignage d'Aymeric Courilleau, promo 2022

Apprenticeship at Nokia Bell Labs (Nozay 91)

Why SupOptique?

Coming from university, while the scientific content was rich, comprehensive, and engaging, I felt the need for a more practical application. Most engineering schools seem to devalue the theoretical aspects. However, SupOptique stood out as the perfect balance between theoretical and practical skills.

Why an apprenticeship?

I felt the need to engage with the material more deeply, to take on responsibilities, and to confront real-world professional challenges. The apprenticeship program offered at the Institut d'Optique provides the same diploma and the same scientific content as the other students.

What My Apprenticeship Has Taught Me:

The skill sets I developped at SupOptique complement those I acquired in the company without overlapping. This allowed me to broaden my skill set in the best possible conditions. I learned about the social dynamics of both the company and the student associations. In short, I have made the most of all that the Institut d'Optique has to offer! As a bonus, tuition reimbursement and a monthly salary have helped me gain independence and smoothly transition into the professional world

Témoignage de Tituan Allain, promo 2021

Apprenticeship at NOKIA Bel Labs (Nozay 91)

I joined the Institut d'Optique through the competitive examination process after two years of preparatory classes in physics and mathematics (MP). My goal was to pursue a career in research. Before beginning my studies, I had not looked into the apprenticeship program, believing it to be incompatible with dual degrees and doctoral studies. However, my perspective changed when I discovered apprenticeship opportunities in research and development.

I am completing my apprenticeship at Nokia Bell Labs, Nokia's research division, within the satellite telecommunications team. All my work is conducted in English. My role involves a theoretical component where I utilize and develop models from scientific literature to numerically simulate physical phenomena. Additionally, I am engaged in practical laboratory experiments. The diversity of apprenticeship opportunities ensures that everyone can find a placement in a field that interests them.

Initially, the professional world was quite overwhelming. After two years of intensive preparatory classes, it was a complete change of pace. However, I quickly adapted and found it very rewarding. Working as part of a team on an ambitious project within a company is particularly fulfilling. At school, the student associations and the diversity of courses allow me to broaden my horizons and gain perspective. The apprenticeship program enables me to fully appreciate both aspects of my life without becoming bored with either.

These two years at the CFA have solidified my desire to pursue a career in research. In my third year, I will be pursuing a dual degree with the Master's in Laser Optics and Materials at the University of Paris Saclay, followed by a doctoral program. While the traditional academic path would undoubtedly have been enjoyable, I have no regrets about choosing the apprenticeship route.

Témoignage d'Alexandre Chalew, diplômé en 2020

Apprenticeship at THALES ALENIA SPACE (Cannes 06)

After a somewhat challenging start to my apprenticeship due to a lack of supervision from my company tutor, I am now fully operational and a full-fledged member of the team. I am entrusted with the same tasks as any other engineer in the department. This is very rewarding and educational. An advantage to this route is that I don't even have to look for a job if I want to continue in my department: my department head has just offered me a position within the team after my apprenticeship ends.

The apprenticeship program has helped me overcome my difficulties in studying by providing a practical application for the courses I've taken at SupOptique. This has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of numerous theoretical concepts and to master them to a much greater extent than I could have through traditional coursework or laboratory exercises. Furthermore, I have developed a wide range of skills that go beyond the standard SupOptique curriculum, making me a more attractive candidate on the job market.

Témoignage de Nicolas Bensaou, diplômé en 2019

Apprenticeship at THALES Avionics (Moirans 38)

I graduated from the Institut d'Optique Graduate School in 2019. When I joined the Institut d'Optique, I had no intention of choosing the apprenticeship program. An opportunity arose with a position as an engineer at Thales AVS in Moirans. This position aligned with my desire at the time to work in the aeronautical sector and had the advantage of being located 30 minutes from my parents' home. Thales AVS Moirans is a 100-person production site for aircraft cockpit displays, with both R&D and advanced studies departments.

The CFA enriched my experience of higher education. Firstly, I had access to the same curriculum as students in the 'traditional' program. Secondly, I was able to gain additional experience compared to my peers by working in a company during specific weeks and vacation periods, in addition to my internship.

This company experience was a real opportunity for me. I was able to acquire the theoretical knowledge necessary for optics through the courses at the Institut d'Optique and apply it directly during my time at THALES. Beyond theoretical knowledge, I was able to acquire other more transversal skills such as project management, budgeting, and teamwork, which I would not have developed to the same extent solely at the School.

The financial benefits are also worth considering: tuition fees covered by the company, a monthly salary, employee benefits depending on the company, and paid time off.

The apprenticeship has also had a significant impact on the post-graduation period, particularly during job interviews. Employers are always very interested in candidates with real-world work experience, and this is often decisive when choosing between candidates.

Personally, I cannot recommend enough that hesitant students try the CFA experience

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