Portrait of Sahar Baghery

What has been your career path since graduating from ENSAE?
After graduating from ENSAE, I went on to study at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and the University of Southern California (USC), which gave me an international and versatile background in media and communications.
My career began in London, before taking me to Los Angeles, where I was lucky enough to work for CNN and NBC Universal, which enabled me to develop expertise in the media sector on a global scale.
Back in France, I joined key companies in the media and entertainment industry such as Disney, CANAL +, Mediametrie and SACD. These experiences enabled me to deepen my knowledge of content strategy, copyright management and consumer habits analysis.
In 2018, I joined Amazon and Prime Video to head up Business Development, where I was responsible for expanding the Prime Video service worldwide. Subsequently, I joined Amazon Studios to build Programming Strategy in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa).
Since 2022, I've been in charge of content acquisition for Prime Video in France.

Do you have any special memories of your time at ENSAE?
One of the most vivid memories I have of my time at ENSAE is the trip to Risoul in February, which was one of the highlights of school life. It was a ski trip organized for students, and it marked a real turning point in my ENSAE experience.
We were 62 students heading off to the Alps for a week's skiing, and the setting was absolutely idyllic: immaculate slopes, bright sunshine and snow-covered larches. Every morning, we'd find ourselves on the slopes, ready to hit the slopes, skiing or snowboarding, whichever we preferred. There was something magical about this environment - the pure mountain air, the excitement of skiing and, above all, the feeling of total freedom.
The days were intense, but they often ended in a warm and friendly atmosphere. In the evening, we'd get together for a hot chocolate in the rooms of the BDE (Bureau des Élèves), which got up at the crack of dawn to distribute fresh baguettes to everyone. It was impeccable organization that made the experience all the more enjoyable.
Our stay in Risoul was more than just a week's skiing: it strengthened the bonds between us students. It was a real break from our studies, a breath of fresh air and a way of creating shared memories in a relaxed, carefree atmosphere, typically ensaean. This type of experience enabled me to get to know my fellow students better and share authentic moments that have remained engraved in my memory.

What advice would you give to young graduates wishing to follow a career path similar to yours?
Above all, I'd tell them to remain open to opportunities and to cultivate a high level of intellectual curiosity. Here are a few things I think are essential:
Build on your academic training: At ENSAE, I acquired solid technical skills, but what has really served me throughout my career is the ability to approach complex problems in an analytical and rigorous way. Although you may not pursue a career directly related to statistics or economics, these skills will come in handy in many sectors.
Dare to go international: My career path has enabled me to live and work in several countries, which has been an extremely enriching experience, both professionally and personally. International experience broadens your vision of the world and opens doors to global companies.
Don't be afraid to change direction: My career has taken several different turns, and not all of them have been linear. I started out in technical roles before moving on to more strategic and creative roles. If you have the opportunity to diversify your experience, don't pass it up. These changes can be disruptive, but they enable you to acquire a variety of skills that will be invaluable in the long term.
Build a solid network: In my career, I've always made a point of maintaining professional relationships and learning from others. Participating in events, joining professional associations, or simply being curious about the world in which you work are valuable ways of creating solid links and opening new doors.
Stay humble and persevere: Great opportunities don't always present themselves immediately, and the journey can be fraught with pitfalls. It's essential to keep a positive attitude, to learn from every experience and not to be discouraged by failures or difficult moments. Perseverance and humility are fundamental qualities for long-term success.
Strike a balance between professional and personal life: Although your career is important, you mustn't neglect your personal life. It's also crucial to take time for yourself, recharge your batteries and cultivate relationships outside work. This will help you stay motivated and creative in your career path.
In short, be curious, open-minded, persistent and don't be afraid to take unconventional paths. Your career path can be as unique as you want it to be!