Testimonials

What inspired you to apply for the Tocqueville Fellowship, and what did you hope to accomplish?

I applied for the Tocqueville Fellowship to see the best practices in political campaigns (larger budgets and technical advancements in the United States). I also wanted to understand the relationship with politics among the different actors we would meet. This was to improve our campaigns in France and win elections to gain power.

Can you describe one of the most memorable experiences you had during your stay in Washington, D.C.?

Among the many memorable experiences during our stay, I will highlight the time spent at the Eagle Forum with the young Republicans. There was a lot of enthusiasm and quite a variety of profiles.

In general, it is striking to see the strength of engagement in very specific political battles, varied according to the associations and personalities we met, which ultimately contribute to a common electoral victory.

What were the main lessons from your fellowship that had an impact on your personal and professional life?

The fellowship encouraged me to continue thinking big. I also noticed a difference in organization and rigor compared to most political campaigns I have observed in France. Considering the voters and putting oneself in their shoes is as important as the ideas defended. Campaigns should be organized around electoral machines composed of diligent professionals, not just a gathering of amateurs around a crystal ball.

How did the fellowship facilitate networking opportunities, and could you share how these connections helped you in your career?

I met the teams from Contribuables Associés, an association I later worked for. Participating in the Tocqueville Fellowship means networking both in France and the United States. It is also an interesting line on the CV.

What specific skills did you develop during the fellowship that are useful in your current role?

Rather than a particular skill, my stay in the United States with the fellowship allowed me to debunk a widely shared rumor about fundraising on social media. This was the subject of my dissertation.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the Tocqueville Fellowship?

Project yourself. What do you want to do next? How will the Tocqueville Fellowship help you achieve that? Once you know the program, think about how each meeting can teach you something useful for the future.

Looking back, how has the Tocqueville Fellowship influenced your professional trajectory?

The Tocqueville Fellowship encouraged me to take a step back from electoral campaigns as they are usually conducted in France. I later participated in François Fillon’s campaign and was one of the founders of Reconquête.

If you had to summarize your Tocqueville Fellowship experience in a few words, what would they be?

Effective. Open-mindedness. Opportunity to seize.