Nicolas D.- Naval Engineer at Tara Expéditions and Naval Architect at VPLP Design

MINI PORTRAIT

" I completed my high school studies and started my engineering studies in Bordeaux. After my first two years at Centrale Nantes, I spent a year at EPFL in Switzerland on a Master's degree programme in Mechanics, followed by an internship in Lorient on a Vendée Globe boat. When I returned to Centrale Nantes for my final year I followed the Ocean specialisation."

YOUR CURRENT POSITION

" I started off as a naval engineer for the Energy Observer, a catamaran, circumnavigating the globe, that aims to be a laboratory of the energies of the future. After two years, I left Brittany to join two new projects. I currently work part-time as a Naval Engineer and Technical Manager on a Polar Exploration Vessel Project for Tara Expéditions. I devote the other half of my time to VPLP Design, a naval architecture firm. Among other things, I work on the structure of composite sailboats.

Thanks to these two projects, I can combine my passion for sailing and my commitment to the environment. Next step for me: New Zealand."

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR TRAINING PREPARED YOU FOR THIS POSITION?

" The associative life has been very important for the rest of my career. That's how I learned how to manage projects, coach people, organize events. I was president of Team Voile and the hydrocontest project, which we launched that year."

ADVICE FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

" Take full advantage of your years at Centrale Nantes to discover all you can through your courses, your teachers and associations. At Centrale Nantes you are given time and encouragement to set up your own projects, so make the most of it and do what you dream of!"

CENTRALE NANTES IN THREE WORDS

• " Opportunities
• flexibility
• openness"