Virginie Bernatas
1. What is your background?
Before joining IFP School, I worked as an assistant at IFP Energies nouvelles in various departments (research and functional roles) for nearly 20 years.
2. When did you join IFP School, and why?
I joined the School in 2017. I had long wanted to move into a different type of position within a dynamic, multicultural environment.
3. What is the role of an Academic Assistant?
Our role is to ensure the smooth running of the teaching programs from a practical and logistical point of view.
In concrete terms, when students are sitting in a lecture hall facing a teacher, it means that behind the scenes, we have updated the schedule, booked the rooms, handled the instructor’s contract, and made the course materials available to students.
We also handle exams (drafting topics, publishing grades, etc.), feedback, and all student travel (site visits, study trips). And of course, we interact with students on a daily basis.
4. Which programs do you manage?
I manage two programs: Petroleum Engineering and Project Development for the Georesources and Energy Center, and Energy and Markets for the Energy Economics and Management Center.
5. Do you have a typical day?
Not really. The activities are varied enough that no two days are alike.
6. In addition to your role as an Academic Assistant, you are also the Disability Officer at IFP School. Can you tell us more about that role?
As the Disability Officer, my role is to support students with disabilities throughout their time at the School, particularly by setting up accommodations that enable them to succeed. It’s also about raising awareness among all students from the very start of the academic year. I’m also in contact with disability coordinators from other major schools for information exchange and training.
7. How do you support students with disabilities?
From the moment they apply to the School, students with disabilities are invited to self-identify. This allows me to contact them as soon as they are admitted and to determine what accommodations will be needed at the start of their studies. Follow-up continues throughout the year, with regular exchanges based on each student’s needs. Depending on the situation, I may also consult Program Supervisors or other staff members to adjust support as needed.
8. What do you particularly enjoy about your job?
I enjoy working both independently and as part of a team. Daily collaboration with Program Supervisors, Unit Coordinators, other Academic Assistants, and students makes this role especially rewarding.
Gladys Defiolle
1. What is your background, and when did you join IFP School?
After 20 years in the Purchasing Department at IFP Energies nouvelles, I felt the need for change and to take on new challenges and continue growing professionally.
I joined IFP School in September 2022. This change was a key step in broadening my skills and maintaining my motivation.
Today, my role as Academic Assistant is to ensure the smooth running of training programs and to guarantee both academic and administrative quality. I really value the human aspect and enjoy supporting students throughout their studies.
2. Which programs do you manage?
I currently oversee three training programs:
- Energy and Products, within the Powertrain and Sustainable Mobility Center;
- Geo Data Management for Energy Mix, an Advanced-Master degree – Mastère Spécialisé program within the Georesources and Energy Center;
- Hydrogen Project and Engineering, an Advanced-Master degree – Mastère Spécialisé within the Processes for Energy and Chemicals Center.
3. Do you have a typical day?
I don’t really have a typical day. Every day is different.
4. You also serve as a Cross-Functional Academic Assistant. What does that involve?
The Cross-Functional Academic Assistant role covers a broader scope. We manage shared academic activities across different programs and organize joint initiatives, such as:
- Planning and monitoring shared pedagogical activities;
- Student recruitment;
- Organizing Orientation and Foresight Groups (GOP);
- Overseeing Master’s programs.
5. What skills are needed for a Cross-Functional Academic Assistant?
To succeed in this role, you need versatility, good listening and communication skills, organization, and strong coordination abilities. I’d also add autonomy — and sometimes diplomacy!
6. What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love the diversity of tasks and the richness of human interaction. I also enjoy working on a variety of subjects across several departments.
Interviews conducted by Meyling Siu