The preparation for the agrégation in physics is a year during which we learn a lot of valuable knowledge, even for those who want to go into research.
- 2012-2014: Classe préparatoire PCSI/PC
- 2014-2016: L3 and M1 SDM, ENS de Lyon
- 2016-2017: Préparation to the agrégation in physics, ENS de Lyon
- 2017-2018: M2 Physics, concepts and applications, ENS de Lyon
- 2018-2021: PhD in Quantum physics/quantum information experimental, Quantum Circuit Group, Physics Laboratory at ENS Lyon
- 2022-now: Quantum physicist at Alice&Bob, France
I attended all the courses offered in L3 and M1, favoring theoretical physics and condensed matter when there were rare conflicts between courses. The two internships at the end of the year allowed me to try out the two research fields that interested me: particle physics and superconductivity. They allowed me to understand that I wanted to do experimental physics and not numerical or theoretical physics. I then passed the agrégation of physics by following the master preparing for the agrégation. This year allowed me to improve my general knowledge in physics as well as my experimental knowledge thanks to the numerous practical works. I finished my course by following the master 2 Physics, Concepts and Applications of the ENS of Lyon by specializing in condensed matter and quantum physics to then make a thesis in quantum mechanics on superconducting circuits.
The DSM program at the ENS de Lyon offers courses in a wide range of fields. Take advantage of this to be curious by taking a variety of courses before specializing during your M2. I encourage you to take advantage of the L3 and M1 internships to try out different research fields. In my case, it was thanks to an M1 internship in a different field that I discovered another research field that gave me more satisfaction. The preparation to the agrégation of physics is certainly a year requiring a big workload but during which you learn a lot of valuable knowledge, even for those who want to go into research. Finally, some research fields allow you to work/collaborate with the private sector, so if such opportunities arise, take the time to think about it. Research in the private sector is not necessarily different from academic research.