
Grigorii Pomazkin, from Russia received the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship. He chose to join the MSc in Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence, ranked second in France by QS.
Written on 29 Jan 2020.
 
I got MSc in Mechanical Engineering in Moscow, specialised in friction. I also have some professional experience as a Data Analyst at Accenture for 2 years and as a Risk Analyst in a bank, in the statistical modeling department for 1 year.
I learned about the Eiffel Scholarship before I applied at EDHEC. This is quite a popular scholarship by the French government. I am paying for my studies on my own, so a scholarship is very important to me, and I have known about it for a long time.
It was very cool since I had actually applied and been accepted the year before and knew what to expect. There are not many documents, everything is clear enough. I was required to update my CV and send a letter of motivation for the scholarship. The rest of the work on the application was done by the International Admissions Office.
Quite long. I was told that the result would be announced at the end of March, but I was not on the first wave list. I did not despair since there were other scholarships opportunities with EDHEC.
During the interview rounds for the Co-financed scholarship fellowship, I was notified that I had been awarded the Eiffel Scholarship. The status of the Eiffel Scholarship is very prestigious for the employer, especially in France.
I believe Eiffel grants scholarship are based on two criteria – above all, motivation to study in France.
Secondly, France selects talented guys from developing countries. My strength is the experience I have demonstrated in my motivation essay and résumé. I expressed my goals clearly, as I knew what I wanted. I have a clear understanding of what career path I want to have. I managed to convey this in a thoughtful plan.
In a sense, it's the cumulative result of your work, you deserve it. As perceived by others - employers look at the school, grants, etc. I expect to stand out when applying for employment. Maybe even to be chosen for a research project at school.
First decided on the country, then school and programme. I needed a programme related to data, information analytics, etc. Of all the French institutions I found nothing suitable for me except EDHEC. First, no one had such a programme.
I have already learnt 2 programming languages (Python, R), basic Machine learning algorithms and improved my mathematical understanding of AI. Career-wise, I have updated my career plan with the help of professors and of the Career Centre.
France impressed me. French universities have a strong reputation. I had an exchange semester near Paris, I liked how the learning process is organised. In addition, in comparison with other countries, education in France is cheaper.
I was very impressed, there is a completely different attitude in Russia. The process of communication with EDHEC representatives was very appealing to me: consultations, assistance on any issues.
I have ambitious plans. I have a pool of companies where I want to go: BCG Gamma, headquarters in Paris, Accenture, promising startups.
I would like to stay in France or Europe since in Russia I have already worked in different companies and I know what to expect. But here there are other interesting projects.
I would advise them to try and find a type of job you want before entering EDHEC: look into this job description and focus on skills that are needed for a job. Communicate as much as possible with mentors/professors. With their experience, they can help you with your career vision. Gather some money for traveling during the holidays: Europe is an interesting place to be in! Do not hesitate to use additional video/text material besides lectures. Make sure you really understand what you've studied.
Related resources:
French Embassy-EDHEC scholarship
French learning assistance scholarship