Slightly off topic, but one unexpected skill I got from French Engineering schools is the "<i>Colles</i>" (Search for "The verbal exams" in [1] for a detailed description). This is a weekly oral exam you have with a teacher/T.A. in front of a blackboard, and you have to solve a difficult math/physics problem in 30-45mn.<p>These <i>colles</i> are a really good preparation to the US tech companies whiteboard coding interviews.Advices like:<p><pre><code> try going analog—use a whiteboard
Consider thinking out loud while you complete the coding exercise
</code></pre>
appear 100% obvious, but most importantly:<p><pre><code> stay calm under pressure
</code></pre>
Is really what <i>colles</i> prepare you for.<p>I think US Colleges should consider doing something similar to <i>colles</i> on their curriculum, not necessarily Computer Science related, to prepare the students to this.<p>[1] <a href="https://www.quora.com/What-is-it-like-going-through-the-French-Classes-Pr%C3%A9paratoires-aux-Grandes-%C3%89coles" rel="nofollow">https://www.quora.com/What-is-it-like-going-through-the-Fren...</a>