Matthieu Philippot

Having studied science and executive engineering as an undergraduate at the École des Mines de Paris, I wanted to complete my academic curriculum with an international degree in social sciences. During a summer internship in the UK, I learned about the LSE and its impressive international rankings, and due to my strong interest for European affairs, I decided to apply for the dedicated dual degree with Sciences Po Paris. The time I spent at the European Institute was a very stimulating period, during which I learned a lot about European political economy, thanks to inspiring professors and fellows. I still recall the great time I spent on campus, especially during election nights.

After graduating from the EI, I joined the Project Finance practice of BNP Paribas Corporate and Institutional Banking, based successively in Brazil and in Australia. On top of learning more about transport and energy sectors, this experience was a great opportunity to discover different cultures, as well as learning Brazilian Portuguese.

Back in Paris, I spent four years at the French Ministry of Economy and Finance: where I strengthened my knowledge of public policies, working as an economist in the Transport and Energy Unit of the French Treasury, and then in the European Financial Instruments Unit. My career then led me to acquire a practical and political understanding of EU matters – I acted as advisor for financial, budgetary and economic affairs to the French Minister in charge of European Affairs, and was involved in the key negotiation of the multiannual financial framework (MFF) 2021-2027.

After two years spent as Deputy Head of Strategy at Météo-France (the national meteorological service), where I learned a lot on climate change, I was appointed Head of Unit of bilateral European relations and financial instruments at the French Treasury. Under these new functions, I manage a team which prepares the Minister’s meetings with its European counterparts; I also joined the European investment bank (EIB) Board of Directors as the French alternate member, acting on top of that as the French Administrative Council member of the Council of Europe Development Bank. All in all, my career path fits well with the expectations I had once joining the EI, and it’s always a pleasure to encounter fellow LSE alumni on this path.