Portraits of Télécom SudParis - Portrait of Marie Hernigou (TSP 2000), Head of B2B ICT Services Delivery at Bouygues Telecom Entreprise

Nathan Prudhomme (ITM-BS, second-year student) meets Marie Hernigou (TSP 2000), Head of B2B ICT Services Delivery at Bouygues Telecom Entreprise.

1. How did you get to know the school and then your career?

I first studied in the PSI preparatory class, then joined Télécom SudParis in 1997. I chose this school because I was interested in the "technophile" courses on mobile telecommunications. Indeed, as a studious person interested in innovative fields, I've always liked to discover and learn more. That's why I wanted to join an engineering school offering the chance to study in a new and stimulating field. Unlike the applied chemistry and physics streams, which resemble prep school concepts, telecommunications embodied an emerging technical novelty not only in education, but also in society at the time. What's more, as a Parisian, the geographical proximity of Télécom SudParis compared to other schools in the provinces was also a factor in my decision.

When it came to choosing my specialization majors, I had two options. Firstly, I opted for the IS and Finance major, following on from my student career in New Information and Communication Technologies (NICT) engineering, which was an extension of my associative career after having been treasurer of Sprint Junior-Entreprise. However, following a motivational interview, I opted for the mobile communications major, which I felt was more technophile and stimulating. Incidentally, I got my first cell phone while taking this major. I really liked this option and it enabled me to start my career in this sector.

After graduating, I joined the North American equipment manufacturer Nortel, where I worked in mobile networks for over seven years. I then joined the technical department of Bouygues Telecom in 2008. Since the beginning of my studies, my driving forces have always been the desire to learn and build. For example, after having been a "mechanic" in elementary school, I took part on several occasions in the construction of a new project and/or a new team, before moving on to project management and team management in engineering. In this way, each change of position corresponded to a move into a new technical field.

2. What's your day-to-day job as Head of B2B ICT Services Delivery at Bouygues Telecom Entreprise?

My desire to learn and my desire for change push me out of my comfort zone. That's why my day-to-day life is so busy, given the number of things I work on at the same time: my family life, my job, my involvement with associations and my other projects.

In October 2020, I took charge of this new activity within Bouygues Telecom. I'm currently in charge of a 28-strong business unit, which is due to double in size in the next year or two, to enable the launch of a new business for the company. At the same time, I'm preparing an Executive MBA in Business Administration at ESSEC in my spare time.

When I get up in the morning, I look after my three children, get them ready and take them to school.

During my working day, I'm in charge of team management and organization, as well as developing partnerships with technology suppliers. On the B2B side, I'm in charge of managing customer files and implementing fixed-line solutions for Bouygues Telecom corporate customers. So, I spend a large part of the day looking for the solution best suited to the customer's needs, and delivering those solutions.

Finally, in the evenings, I look after my children and take the time to work on my MBA, but also for the T&MA Board of Directors.

3. Since 2006, you've been a member of the school's alumni association (Télécom & Management Alumni). What made you want to become a T&MA referent within the association's career center? What have you gained from your involvement with the association?

What drew me to T&MA during my two terms on the Board of Directors was the desire to build. During my first term in 2006, I was keen to bring new blood to the association, to give it a more up-to-date vision. So, my first mandate was largely motivated by the construction of the INT au féminin network. Gender diversity is very close to my heart. Today, I'm delighted to be a member of the board supporting the Bouygues Telecom women's network.

My first term on the T&MA Board of Directors was motivated by building a project. The second was more about building a new team. In fact, it enabled me to continue my work with highly competent people. I was able to take part in the organization of career development events on topics such as salary negotiation, interview training and coaching.

All in all, my involvement with T&MA has enabled me to meet a wide variety of people on the Board of Directors, people with whom we stay in touch over the long term. It's also a way of giving back what I've acquired during my studies, and sharing it with friends and students.

4. It seems that your desire to build and discover is at the heart of your student and professional career. How is this reflected in your extra-professional activities?

My main passion is traveling. In particular, when I was a student at Télécom SudParis, I was a member of the Dolph'Int association and took part in the Spi Dauphine challenge. After that, I got into the habit of traveling twice a year. The first time, on my own, with a view to trekking and discovery in countries where tourism is not the first priority, such as Iran or the Sultanate of Oman. On the other hand, for my second annual trip, I enjoy discovering Europe with my family. Unfortunately, because of the health crisis, travel is particularly difficult.

5. In times of pandemic, do you have any advice for students about to enter the job market?

I'd advise students to seek out the Alumni network, where they can get good advice, which can sometimes lead to opportunities. A second important piece of advice is not to stop at the first job description, but to go deeper into the work described with the company.