My name is Evelyne de Larichaudy, and in addition to “being a civil engineering graduate from” the École Spéciale des Travaux Publics de Paris (ESTP), I was also elected Miss Ile-de-France in 2019 and had the chance to participate in the Miss France contest. Let me tell you about my journey!
Credits to: Sipa Press / Ben Decoin
I am currently a Price Study Engineer at Dumez (a subsidiary of the Vinci Construction France group, a major public works company). I have held this position for a year and a half, and it allows me to be at the heart of the realization of a Building and Public Works (BTP) project.
Specifically, before a construction site is launched, a budget for expenses must be established and all intermediary companies that will help carry out the project must be contacted: these are called subcontractors. My role is to evaluate the offers these companies propose to us, in order to choose the best one for the needs of the site! I regularly contact them, compare offers, and establish budgets for expenses related to the site.
The fun part? I work on projects with different characteristics, which allows me to learn a lot of things!
How did I get here? It’s primarily a matter of passion. Since high school, I’ve been fascinated by the design of buildings and structures. I’ve always wanted to know how constructions, from a simple residential building to the Eiffel Tower, are set up. Civil engineering is a truly vast sector, with a lot of interactions and movements! The number of career opportunities is impressive, whether you are comfortable on the field, in an office, in study, in the environment, or in consulting, everything is possible!
To pursue my goal, I chose to leave La Réunion, where I am from, to continue my studies in mainland France after high school. I joined a preparatory class for top engineering schools in Paris where I spent 2 years. I then took the entrance exams and was admitted to a school specializing in the BTP field: the ESTP. I spent two years in this school, and then a year in Los Angeles to do a dual degree in structural mechanics at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
The effort was worth it, and I am proud of the path I have taken, because it hasn’t always been easy for me. In particular, the preparatory class period was very tough, as it requires a lot of work and the level is very high in class, especially in Paris. Moreover, I had just left my family and found myself on my own in a very competitive environment. Getting through those two years was a challenge, and even if I had to do it again, I would definitely choose the same field!
Regarding my place as a woman in my work environment and even at school, I have never felt any discrimination against me. On the contrary, I have made many friends throughout my journey!
Credits to: Damien Bui
What do I do outside of work? Well, for those who follow Miss France, you probably saw me as a candidate for Miss Ile-de-France in 2019 🙂 Walking the runway has always been a passion for me. Already in high school, I signed up for modeling/beauty contests. Like many people, I have watched Miss France with my family since I was little, even though I never imagined I could participate one day! However, once I had my degree, I decided to take the plunge, and I saw it as an opportunity to show that women can thrive (and very well) in very different fields. I think I succeeded in my challenge! My scientific background taught me rigor, endurance, and perseverance, which were essential assets for me during the contest.
Also, my company supported me tremendously during this adventure, even though the BTP is a field where it is quite rare to see misses! 😀 From my first election as Miss Hauts de Seine, they communicated a lot about me and provided their support.
Credits to: Aurélie Périllou
Today, I manage my time between work during the day and Miss events in the evening or on weekends. My schedule is quite busy, but I manage to stay organized by keeping a well-structured calendar. Currently, I have quite a few projects coming up. Miss France has really allowed me to gain confidence in myself and in what I’m capable of accomplishing. I’m ready for challenges and I try to live my life without regrets!
And what about you, girls? Your lives belong to you, so don’t miss out on what you truly enjoy. Remember that nothing ventured, nothing gained! Those who dare are always the most rewarded. If scientific careers appeal to you, then go for it! Even if there are few girls in scientific fields today, their numbers are only increasing, and it might be thanks to you.
Written by Pilar
