News
Olivier Simonetti (Master in Management): "Understanding Europe means preparing tomorrow's sovereignty"
Currently studying on the Grand Paris campus, Olivier Simonetti has just been admitted to the 2025–2026 cohort of the "Académie Notre Europe", an initiative launched by the Jacques Delors Institute, with which SKEMA signed a partnership in April 2025. His admission is a natural extension of his academic path at SKEMA Business School, shaped by a strong interest in geopolitics and European affairs.
Why did you choose to join the Jacques Delors Institute’s Académie Notre Europe?
I first heard about the programme thanks to Frédéric Munier and Rodolphe Desbordes, who had invited Sylvie Matelli, Director of the Jacques Delors Institute, to speak at a SKEMA conference. It was Professor Munier who then encouraged me to apply. I was fortunate to be selected, along with two other SKEMA students. For me, joining the Académie Notre Europe was a unique opportunity to meet European decision-makers and gain a better understanding of how the Union’s institutions work.
What do you expect from this year-long programme?
The sessions are held online, once a month, for half a day. Each includes a keynote followed by an exchange with participants. We will also take part in two in-person events: the Jacques Delors Conference at the start of the year, and the Agora Jacques Delors, a study trip to a European capital. This experience will help me grasp the institutional and budgetary mechanisms of the EU. It’s also a great way to build my network and meet peers who share the same interests.
A gap year internship in Brussels or Germany would allow me to explore these topics further.
Does this reflect a broader commitment to European issues?
Absolutely. I’ve been passionate about geopolitics since high school. I chose SKEMA because of its "Geopolitics for Managers" track, which I began in L3 and am continuing in M1. I’m also president of SKEMA’s defence club, the SDEC. I’m particularly interested in industrial sovereignty, economic intelligence and European security. For me, the most urgent challenge for Europe is to achieve some form of strategic autonomy – the war in Ukraine has brought these issues sharply back into focus.
Do you already have an idea of where this could lead?
I intend to apply for the MSc BCDI, which includes a module taught at the École Militaire in collaboration with IHEMI. Two SKEMA students I met recommended this programme. In the long term, I’d like to work in a defence-related role – international trade, industrial deployment or strategic information protection. A gap-year internship in Brussels or Germany would help me explore these opportunities further.
How did you prepare your application to the Académie Notre Europe?
The application process was rigorous. We had to fill in a detailed questionnaire about our motivations, prior commitments and vision for Europe. Each answer was limited to 800 characters, which was a useful exercise in concision. I also submitted an audio presentation. If I pass the monthly quizzes and attend every session, I’ll receive a certificate at the end of the programme.
Do you feel your generation is more attuned to geopolitical issues?
Definitely. Many students share this interest. People regularly reach out on LinkedIn via the SKEMA Defence Club to learn more about our association, the "Geopolitics for Managers" track or our partnership with the Jacques Delors Institute. There’s clearly a growing awareness that geopolitics, defence and European sovereignty are becoming key drivers of academic choices.
Learn more about the Master in Management programme at SKEMA Business School.
