Marie Lapeyre, IT consultant at CGI (Pau)

In 2023, Marie Lapeyre became the first student to complete the second year of the Mathematics, Modeling and Simulation (MMS) Master’s program at UPPA through a work-study arrangement. When she’s not attending classes, she’s at the Pau office of CGI, where she’s training on PI System, a software suite dedicated to managing industrial data. 

Can you tell us about your academic background? 

Originally from Pau, I earned my high school diploma at Lycée Barthou and then went on to do a Physics-Chemistry preparatory class at the same school. After two years and completing the program, I wanted to return to my favorite subject, mathematics, with the goal of becoming a university-level teacher. I enrolled at UPPA to begin a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. In 2021, after earning my third-year degree (L3), I applied for the first year of the Mathematics, Modeling and Simulation (MMS) Master's program, which was the most suitable path for students aiming to take the competitive teaching exam or pursue research. At the end of my first year, I wanted to get some real-world experience, so I applied for an internship. By chance, I came across an opening at CGI for a three-month internship in the data field. Curiosity got the better of me, so I accepted—and suddenly found myself in a completely new environment: the corporate world and the IT sector. At the end of the internship, CGI offered me the chance to complete my second year as a work-study student... I had to convince my professors and the university, as I was the first to make this choice in a master’s program not really oriented toward the business world… 

Did you give up on becoming a teacher?

I asked myself that question a lot during the second year of my master’s. On the one hand, I was thriving at CGI, discovering IT, team collaboration, and a variety of projects... On the other hand, I struggled to let go of teaching. I even completed a teaching internship at a middle school to be sure of my decision. I loved working with young students and connecting with fellow teachers… But in September 2023, when CGI—a Canadian group with 90,000 employees worldwide—offered me a permanent contract in Pau, I thought, “Teaching can come later.” Nothing is lost—I believe you can have several careers in your life! And even though I’m not teaching right now, I serve as the local Company-School Liaison at CGI, which allows me to stay connected to the academic world and share my experience. This year, I’m recruiting two new work-study students for CGI. 

Is your job related to your studies?

Not 100%. Most of my colleagues are IT engineers. However, I quickly realized that my training in mathematics at UPPA had taught me how to learn and work independently. And my dual background in mathematics and IT helps me approach client problems from a different perspective. As a result, I picked up new skills quickly. Today, I still work on the PI System software suite. I’m part of a team of about ten people based in Pau, specializing in industrial data management for clients across France (in energy, manufacturing, etc.). 

What memories do you have of your years on the UPPA campus?

I have many great memories from those years—whether it was during classes, at the library, or at the judo club. The Pau campus is very pleasant. It’s a local university that’s easy to access, with lots of green spaces... You feel good there. 

What two or three words come to mind when you think of UPPA?

Closeness – Specialization – Flexibility

Any advice for UPPA students just starting out?

First, I would tell them that UPPA is a great place to study in a human-sized environment, with strong academic support and a wide range of career options. Then, I would encourage them to consider doing a work-study program. I have no regrets—it gave me self-confidence and helped me transition into the workforce. It’s a real springboard! 

Interview by Florence Elman  

Want to learn more?

Mathematics, Modeling and Simulation Master’s Program at UPPA