Engaging with tomorrow’s talent, today
17 September 2026 | Comment(s) |
Matthias Vauthier
Groupe Mutuel is diversifying its recruitment channels to identify new talent wherever it can be found. In addition to job platforms, the company takes part in specialised events, collaborates with universities and higher education institutions, participates in student forums, and offers internships to connect with high-potential candidates. The EPFL Forum (5–9 October 2026) is fully aligned with this approach and has enabled the insurer, for several years, to engage with future graduates interested in Data, Artificial Intelligence, IT, and innovation.
The story of Jihad Saidi perfectly illustrates this approach. After meeting the Groupe Mutuel team at the company's stand during the 2025 EPFL Forum, he joined Groupe Mutuel a few months later. Today, as a Data Engineer, he actively contributes to the company's projects. His journey is the result of a collaboration that began with a conversation at the EPFL Forum and highlights the value of our long-standing partnership with EPFL, as well as the importance of engaging with tomorrow’s talent. Discover his perspective, along with that of Pauline Madrazo from Groupe Mutuel’s Recruitment team.
Questions for Jihad Saidi
- What made you want to stop by our stand and talk with us?
I attended the forum to discover new opportunities and expand my network in the Data field. What made me stop at the Groupe Mutuel stand, however, was above all the people who were there. I met EPFL alumni who were approachable, friendly, and genuinely attentive to students looking for information about internships or career opportunities.
- What convinced you to continue with the recruitment process?
The position itself and the challenges it offered certainly played an important role in my decision. But what really made the difference was that I could immediately picture myself as part of the team and imagine working alongside the people I met throughout the recruitment process. These elements convinced me to continue my application and ultimately join Groupe Mutuel. - What surprised you most about joining an insurance company, and Groupe Mutuel in particular? Were there aspects you had not imagined before joining?
Before joining Groupe Mutuel, I had a fairly traditional view of the health insurance sector, one that was heavily focused on paperwork and conventional processes. I am pleased to say that the reality is quite the opposite. I’ve joined a young, dynamic team that’s driven by innovation. On a daily basis, I have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and apply them to projects that have a tangible impact on the customer experience, particularly in the field of generative artificial intelligence through the EVA chatbot.
Questions for Pauline Madrazo
- Why does Groupe Mutuel take part in the EPFL Forum every year?
Groupe Mutuel has been participating in the EPFL Forum for many years in order to meet newly graduated and soon-to-graduate talent. This approach allows us to stay close to students who are developing key skills in IT, Data, and AI. With more than 300 employees working in IT at Groupe Mutuel, our presence at the forum serves both to recruit and to strengthen our employer brand. It allows us to showcase the opportunities and technological challenges within the insurance industry while creating connections that may develop into professional collaborations in the short or longer term.
- What are the advantages of meeting students in person?
Forums provide an opportunity to meet targeted profiles in a more human and authentic setting than traditional recruitment channels. They allow us to discover not only candidates’ CVs, but also their personalities, motivations, and potential. These events also give Groupe Mutuel the opportunity to present its projects, culture, values, and career prospects, fostering more spontaneous and enriching exchanges. Even when there is no immediate opportunity available, these meetings help us build a network and maintain relationships with future professionals. - Why is Jihad’s journey considered a success for Groupe Mutuel?
Jihad’s journey is an excellent example of what we aim to achieve through our presence at the EPFL Forum. After meeting him at our stand in 2025, we quickly recognised that his profile matched an open position and that he had strong potential to grow within our teams. Since February 2026, he has been working as a Data Engineer at Groupe Mutuel and actively contributing to our projects. His story demonstrates how a simple conversation at a career forum can evolve into a successful and long-lasting professional collaboration.
