Revolutionizing the Codes of the Publishing World

Teacher-researcher, journalist, consultant? Nicolas's curiosity, nurtured by ENS Paris-Saclay, led him down several unconventional paths that turned out to be valuable assets in reconciling his desires and expertise. Eventually, these paths led him to a prominent position at Hachette Livre, the third-largest publishing group globally, where Nicolas Docao (graduate in Social Sciences, 2010) currently serves as the proud Deputy Director in charge of development.

In his first year at the Department of Social Sciences, Nicolas Docao was contemplating his future when he landed, somewhat by chance, an internship at Le Figaro. 'Immersed in a newsroom, I realize that the media world is not so different from that of ENS Paris-Saclay: research, information transmission, analytical skills.' Why not explore further?

With the support of Caroline Vincensini, the department director, Nicolas obtained a gap year to take the CELSA exam, where he earned his master's degree in Communication, Marketing, and Media Management. This was validated by a six-month internship as a project manager with the CEO of a media group. Returning for his second year at ENS, Nicolas had to complete a six-week internship in a public administration, research laboratory, or preparation for competitive exams (Agreg or ENA). He hesitated: how to reconcile seemingly divergent interests? Once again, the department director accompanied him in his quest. Nicolas ended up interning at France Télévisions, a major public media group.

From Overseas to La Defense 

Summer 2014: The football World Cup takes place in Brazil. Nicolas is on the air at Guyane1ère, where he analyzes the matches every night, both on TV and radio. The experience makes him envision, in his eyes, the 'ultimate horizon of life in a newsroom as a journalist' and presents him with a potential thesis topic on the economic sociology of the football players' market. However, decidedly, he thinks he will be 'neither a good teacher nor a good researcher.' What to do then? 'Thanks to the curiosity approach taught at ENS Paris-Saclay, I dared to seek advice from several media bosses. All those who responded, considering my atypical profile, unanimously guided me towards strategy consulting.' He headed to Greenwich Consulting (acquired by EY in 2013), specializing in media consulting. Nicolas's new chapter in his professional life begins in the heart of La Défense, in an environment seemingly at odds with ENS Paris-Saclay. Yet! 'In reality, to redesign the digital strategy of a large international institution, develop the business plan for a media group, or provide recommendations for investment funds, this profession demands significant mental flexibility,' asserts Nicolas. 'Knowing how to switch from one subject to another, treating them analytically, transcribing the right message are all skills acquired at the school.'

After 18 months, Nicolas spots an enticing job posting from Hachette Livre. In April 2017, he is hired as a Strategy Project Manager within the general management of this soon-to-be bicentennial company. 'I find myself at the core, alongside the CEO and members of the COMEX, in an incredible observation position of the company and the world of publishing in general. My mission, quite similar to that of a consultant, involves conducting market studies and monitoring for the general management or the executive committee members.' Three months after his arrival, Fabrice Bakhouche [2] is appointed Director of Strategy and takes him under his wing. Today, Nicolas holds the position of Deputy Director in charge of development. 'I now operate on three playing fields,' he describes. 'The group's strategy in relation to the general management and various members of the executive committee, mergers and acquisitions, and finally, innovation, for which I co-lead a team of five people both in France and internationally.’

Committed to the Community

'ENS Paris-Saclay is a school of excellence dedicated to the flourishing of its students,' asserts the young father. 'It shapes research through research in constant dialogue between disciplines, providing the freedom to choose one's research subject and the opportunity to delve independently into one's interests. Certainly, its primary vocation is to train teacher-researchers and public service executives, but this path is not necessarily predefined for all students who always have the freedom to serve the community differently.' Nicolas is a shining example of this. 'Serving the common good can manifest in many different ways,' he says. 'With 16,000 new releases annually, Hachette Livre's mission is to quench the thirst for entertainment and the acquisition of knowledge for the widest audience. One of my missions is to support the group's editors in their innovation efforts, for example, experimenting with new formats and new ways to engage readers, and perhaps changing their lives.' 

As an alumnus, Nicolas Docao advises aspiring ENS Paris-Saclay students not to hesitate to explore different worlds to find their path and to fully embrace their years of education at ENS Paris-Saclay, 'especially since they now have a magnificent campus!' he exclaims. 

'We have a unique opportunity to come from a school capable of supporting each of its students in their intellectual, human, and professional development. Today, it is our responsibility to support our school in its project for a broader and more open academic center of excellence.'

 [1] Media 365, currently owned by Reworld

[2] Former Chief of Staff to Fleur Pellerin