ParisTech Alumni – Meet Renata, a Brazilian alumna of Chimie ParisTech – PSL

Diplôme d’ingénieur, Chimie ParisTech – PSL (2012) + Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2013)

Master degree (research), Chimie ParisTech – PSL (2012)

Can you introduce yourself?

I am Renata Nohra Chaar Pradelle. I am Brazilian and I studied at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. In France, I studied in one school of ParisTech: Chimie ParisTech. So, I obtained my engineering degree, the so called « diplôme d’ingénieur », and a master degree in research in 2012. For now, I work as project management advisor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) in Brazil.

Could you introduce your current position and company?

The Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro is a catholic university located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The university was founded in 1940; it received the title of Pontifical University by a degree of the Jesus Congregation of January 20, 1947.

PUC-Rio has about 15 000 students. It is internationally recognized as one of the five most important universities in Brazil and one of the best in Rio de Janeiro in the domain of law, engineering, psychology, economics and international affairs.

What do you do in your current position?

I work for the Technology Institute of PUC-Rio in project management, performing activities such as resources management, reporting, budget control, supervision of timeline and quality control etc. We have projects in energy field, particularly on energy efficiency, reduction of pollutants emission, use of renewable energy, etc.

Why did you choose to study in a ParisTech school to become an engineer?

I was studying to become a chemical engineer in Brazil when the double degree selection process with ParisTech schools in the second and the third year started. I chose to study at Chimie ParisTech because of its reputation. Besides, it is one of the engineering and management schools in Paris, in a privileged location in the capital of the country, with a fame to welcome foreign students and the subjects were aligned to my personal wishes. The engineering degree has a real plus.

What does being a ParisTech engineer mean for you?

The certainty of having a diploma recognized worldwide. ParisTech engineering degree opens doors to the best opportunities for my personal and professional projects.

What did you like during your studies at Chimie ParisTech?

What I liked the most during my study at Chimie ParisTech was the high quality of the teaching. I was able to discover topics in a perspective that I had never thought of.

Could you define in 3 words what is a ParisTech engineer?

Innovative, capable to question the frontiers of knowledge, adaptable.

What does studying engineering at Chimie ParisTech bring you?

I will not even speak about the indisputable quality of the academic education in the development of my career. I would rather talk about the major skills I developed during my stay in a ParisTech school, which is helpful in my professional life : emotional management, flexibility, compromise, resilience, respect, tolerance, and versatility.

What would you say to an international student who hesitates to come to a ParisTech school?

Don’t hesitate to embark on the best experience of your life! You will not regret it! I know the fears very well: to live far away from family and friends, the cost of linving in one of the most expensive cities in the world, courses in a language that you do not always master 100%, etc. Life in Paris can be tough, especially at first, but the experience is wonderful and totally worth it.