Inès Loucif, winner of the Accuracy 2025-2026 Excellence Scholarship

I am currently in the first year of a joint Master's degree in Law and Finance at Sciences Po. My career path is guided by the belief that economic issues and the legal framework that structures them must be understood together.

At high school, I studied a challenging dual curriculum in the international section, combining literature and history in English with mathematics and physics. From an early stage, I sought to explore everything that the academic setting had to offer without compartmentalising the disciplines.

During my undergraduate studies at Sciences Po's Menton campus, I continued with the English track, deepening my interest in the MENA region and continuing to study Arabic and Spanish, as well as starting Turkish. In my second year, I opted for a major in Economics and Societies and a minor in Thinking Like a Lawyer — even then, I couldn't choose between law and economics.

To me, law provides structure, while finance provides momentum. It is through their interaction that I see myself.

The Accuracy Scholarship provides tangible support. As a scholarship recipient, I fund part of my studies by working two student jobs alongside a demanding Master's degree. While this has taught me discipline and independence, it also involves constant trade-offs, such as giving up certain conferences, limiting my involvement in student associations, and reducing the time I devote to more in-depth academic projects.

However, life at Sciences Po is not just about classes. Lectures, meetings with professionals, student initiatives and group projects provide essential opportunities for intellectual and professional development. Being able to fully commit to these activities is very important to me.

Therefore, applying for this scholarship was a way of giving myself greater freedom and consistency in building my career.

The process took place in two stages. First, I submitted an application including a cover letter, resume, transcripts and study plan. I then attended an interview with a committee comprising members of Accuracy and representatives from Sciences Po, during which I presented my background and motivations.

The interview focused on my motivations, background and career plans. Rather than feeling like an exam, however, it felt like a genuine exchange. We talked about my vision of law and finance, my reservations, and my ambitions. I particularly appreciated this open and friendly discussion, which demonstrated a real interest in candidates' profiles and career paths.

When I received the call informing me that I had been chosen as the recipient, I felt immense joy, and above all, a sense of recognition. It was recognition of a consistent journey, sometimes constrained, but always coherent.

This scholarship provides valuable support, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and projects.

Although my career plan is still a work in progress, one thing remains constant: I want to work at the intersection of law and finance.

My particular interest lies in financing, where legal and financial structuring enables complex projects to be realised. I am also interested in initiatives related to sustainable transition, where the same tools can be used to support responsible projects and manage risks.

This summer, I will be completing an internship in the Structured Finance Department of a major bank. I would then like to join a law firm specialising in finance or banking law to consolidate my dual skill set.

In the long term, I would like to work in an environment where legal expertise and financial strategy converge, and where decisions have a transformative and lasting impact.