Morgan Bertin: Combining Adventure, Consulting, and Commitment

Adventurer at Heart: Morgan Bertin (Class of 2008, Engineering Sciences)

Morgan Bertin’s singular path is marked by a dual identity, both civilian and military. From the ENS to Saint-Cyr, and through research, the military, consulting, and major corporations, his career reflects remarkable qualities and exemplifies the diversity of possibilities.

After two foundational years at ENS Paris-Saclay, Morgan pursued a master’s program for teaching higher education in engineering sciences while also preparing for the competitive agrégation exam. Yet, his childhood dream of adventure and exploration led him elsewhere. In 2011, with the school’s support, he made a life-changing decision to join the prestigious École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr (ESM) and became part of the "Chef de Bataillon Barek de Ligny" cohort.

For a year and a half, Morgan trained as an officer cadet in the French Army, later joining the 2nd Hussar Regiment, specialized in human intelligence. Describing this period as an "extraordinary experience" that gave him "unbelievable momentum," he became a reserve officer in 2013.

Between Sciences and the Military

In 2013, Morgan returned to ENS for an M2 research program, followed by a Ph.D. in engineering sciences, completed in 2016. He simultaneously pursued his military engagement, supporting the 2nd Hussar Regiment in operational training, recruit onboarding, and reserve management.

On the academic front, Morgan’s research focused on digital image correlation. He developed solutions to analyze subtle pixel variations in photos, electron microscope scans, and X-ray tomography to identify material behaviors—a method now widely adopted in the aerospace industry. His initiative led to a collaborative research project with Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Netherlands, earning him the prestigious George Stephenson Gold Medal in 2017.

Around the same time, he also obtained his private pilot’s license (PPL), showcasing his passion for exploration.

The Taste for Adventure

In 2016, Morgan joined Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he honed his corporate acumen and embarked on global missions. Building on his dual expertise in aeronautics and the military, he seized an opportunity in 2019 to serve at the French Armed Forces General Staff. Alongside his civilian career, he undertook and led over 50 aerial missions in operations, achieving a deep sense of accomplishment for the first time in his life.

In 2021, driven by his passion for space, Morgan applied to become an astronaut at ESA. Over 18 months, he undertook rigorous testing at the German Aerospace Center in Hamburg and the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne. Although he reached the final stages, his journey ended in July 2022, tempered by the joy of his daughter’s birth.

From Drone Hub to Private Equity

In 2021, Morgan joined Thales, managing aspects of air traffic control solutions for a global division. Concurrently, he founded and chaired the Drone Hub within Systematic, one of France's largest competitiveness clusters. Launched in late 2021, this collective achievement brought together startups and industrial groups to advance drone technologies.

In 2023, Morgan transitioned to Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), focusing on Private Equity Performance Improvement (PEPI). Leveraging his consulting and operational leadership expertise, he now supports projects aimed at optimizing the performance of private equity-backed companies.

ENS Paris-Saclay: A Life Catalyst

Morgan holds fond memories of ENS Paris-Saclay: “One of the school’s greatest strengths is enabling students to deepen their self-awareness and discover paths that bring them happiness,” he recalls. During his first three years, he explored the world, including Southern Africa, and pursued high-level sports. His Ph.D. years were equally transformative, teaching him to delve deep into problems, analyze data rigorously, and address challenges with precision—skills he applies daily in his career.

His advice to students? “Believe in the joy of the moment, and don’t shy away from serving causes bigger than yourself. They will take you further than you ever imagined!”