The alumni network welcomes new students
As every year, the alumni network took part in the Welcome Day, the student orientation festival. Philipp Gotico, a former student of Université Paris-Saclay, opened the closing evening dedicated to first-time international students with a lively speech in which he recounted his educational journey from the Philippines to France.
Remind students of the importance of the professional network
Present at the Welcome Day, the alumni network team reminded students of the importance of a professional network, which involves identifying its members - family, friends, classmates, etc. - as well as creating a LinkedIn account. As France’s leading professional social network, LinkedIn allows users to maintain an online CV and to build an initial directory of professional contacts with whom they can interact.
The team also introduced the alumni network, situating it within the students’ academic environment so that they develop the habit of joining it once they graduate, especially since the alumni network provides an initial boost to their professional connections.
A graduate in the spotlight for the closing evening
The Welcome Day concluded with a closing evening dedicated to first-time international students, aimed at facilitating their integration.
The evening began with three brief speeches, including one by an international graduate. Philipp Gotico, originally from the Philippines, spoke after Delphine Placidi-Frot, Vice-President for International and European Relations, and Guillaume Garreta, Director of International and European Relations.
Philipp Gotico, a graduate of Université Paris-Saclay, shared his experience during the closing evening of the Welcome Day
After obtaining a Bachelor of Science at the University of Manila, Philipp Gotico, originally from the Philippines, moved to Europe as part of the Erasmus Mundus SERP+ programme. He completed his Master’s (M1 & M2) in Chemistry across France at Université Paris-Saclay, Italy at the Università degli Studi di Genova, and Portugal at the Universidade do Porto.
He continued his academic journey at Université Paris-Saclay with a PhD in Chemistry at the Frédéric Joliot Institute for Life Sciences (CEA). His thesis focused on bio-inspired strategies for the catalytic reduction and valorisation of carbon dioxide.
Two postdoctoral fellowships allowed him to further his research:
-on advanced spectroscopic techniques to monitor charge accumulation at Université Paris-Saclay, within the Institute of Molecular Sciences of Orsay (ISMO);
-on photoelectrocatalytic devices at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin.
Since 2022, he has returned to France as a researcher at CEA Saclay, where he works on light-induced chemistry.
Philipp Gotico’s testimony in a few words
After introducing himself as “Philipp from the Philippines”, Philipp Gotico welcomed the students, expressing his delight at seeing so many nationalities gathered for a festive occasion.
He reflected on his journey to France after earning a bachelor’s degree in the Philippines and beginning his professional life there: “I wanted to continue learning, so I applied for the Erasmus Mundus Master’s programme, and thanks to the EUGLOH network, I was able to come to Europe and pursue my studies across France, Italy and Portugal.”
For Philipp Gotico, Université Paris-Saclay is “an exceptional institution, home to Nobel laureates and Fields medalists, a world-class university at the top of the rankings in France and Europe, offering demanding academic programmes.”
He encouraged students to take full advantage of their time there, noting that Université Paris-Saclay had nurtured his love for fundamental sciences: “Here, you can ask simple questions like: why are tomatoes red? To answer them, you embark on a true scientific odyssey, discovering that their main component, lycopene, is actually yellow, but the aggregation of these yellow molecules makes them appear red - and that this discovery has applications in solar energy harvesting.”
“Université Paris-Saclay fosters scientific curiosity,” explained Philipp Gotico, who continued his Master’s studies with a PhD at the same university.
He joined the Frédéric Joliot Institute for Life Sciences (CEA), where he found the researchers “welcoming, approachable, and brilliant.”
In France and at Université Paris-Saclay, Philipp Gotico never felt alone. “From the moment I left the Philippines, I received guidance and administrative support. Université Paris-Saclay is a university of excellence that is also very caring - students feel at home even far from their own countries, and I feel that this is already the case tonight thanks to Welcome Day.”
“Don’t just study - get involved!” Philipp Gotico urged students to join the Buddy Programme or take part in a sporting or cultural activity. He also encouraged them to explore France: “Go on excursions, enjoy a gastronomic getaway - it’s the best way to learn French! You are also here to create memories, and I hope you will collect many during your studies at Paris-Saclay.”
He also stressed the importance of social connections and networks: “Being here gives you the chance to form friendships and professional ties with people from all over the world. After your studies, you might reconnect on a trip, at a wedding, or even as a ‘cool international godparent’ to a newborn.”
Now working as a researcher at the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Philipp Gotico shared his love for France: “I have travelled and worked in various countries, but I chose to return here, which says a lot about how Université Paris-Saclay shaped me and what it can do for you.”
He concluded his speech by encouraging students to carve their own paths and adventures: “And who knows, perhaps in a few years, it will be you here, sharing your story.”