Sarah, project officer in the office of the Minister Delegate for Urban Affairs

She then secured the opportunity to work with him on the Banlieue de la République study commissioned by the Institut Montaigne between September 2010 and October 2011, the date of publication. This urban sociology study involved research and fieldwork similar to what students of the STU master's programme may undertake during their urban sociology courses. For Sarah, in collaboration with Leyla Arslan and other researchers, the task was to define the research hypotheses, conduct prospecting, and carry out interviews. This was followed by transcription, analysis of the results, and bibliographic research to help write the study. It focused on the towns of Clichy-sous-Bois and Montfermeil, areas at the epicentre of the urban riots of 2005, and examined the notion of "social cohesion" in neighbourhoods where the lifestyles and trajectories of the residents are more chaotic than average.

She then participated in the dissemination and promotion of this work until April 2012. Following this study, and while she was still working for the Institut Montaigne for four-fifths of her time, Sarah dedicated one-fifth of her work time to the association “Agir pour l’école”, as a self-employed entrepreneur. There, she conducted an analysis of American programmes regarding learning methods in schools for young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Her mission also included mobilising potential patrons for the association.

After leaving both organisations and following a brief job search period, Sarah met many stakeholders from various associations, consultancy firms, think tanks, the research community, etc. She ultimately secured a position as mission officer within the office of the Minister Delegate for the City, where she provides technical support to the minister's political advisors, primarily on issues related to combating discrimination, gender equality, and monitoring associations. She describes her role as “typically Sciences Po”, requiring synthesis work, critical thinking, the ability to switch from one topic to another, and thus a great deal of responsiveness and adaptability. Her main responsibilities involve drafting technical analysis notes and preparing the minister's speaking notes.

Sarah's Advice

“Always be curious! Indeed, recruiters are looking for motivated candidates who can develop structured arguments. Nevertheless, what makes the difference is our ability to surprise them when we mention a field experience, a reading, or a person who is outside the conventional paths!”