Go France! Don't forget your long term goal because of assignments coming up
- Career Center
- Le 24 juin 2019
We are delighted to bring you “Go France”, the guide for international students looking to work in France!
Devised and compiled by Audencia’s Career Centre and Alumni team, with the support of the School's student reporters, “Go France” is a valuable resource for internationals considering a career in France after their studies. Starting with HR professionals’ top tips and debunking the myths and realities of the workplace, Go France also showcases the experiences of more than 20 international alumni who have aced the challenge of finding a job in France.
This week, discover what Samer Afzal, MBA 17, has to say.
About Samer
- Graduated from the MBA 17 programme
- Originally from India
- Working as Sales Process Coordinator at Google in Paris
- Daily working language ▶ English
- Native language (s) ▶ Kashmiri
- Level of French ▶ Upper Intermediate
- Other language (s) spoken ▶ Urdu, French, Hindi
- Other degrees ▶ Bachelor of Engineering
Samer's key advice
Don't forget your long term goal because of the assignments coming up in your programme
How it all started
I completed my engineering degree in 2011 and joined Fujitsu in India as an Oracle Developer. I then went into a leadership programme which was held across India. I’d always wanted to study in Europe and in 2016, I applied for an MBA at Audencia.
Most memorable experience
There were many good experiences at Audencia but the one close to my heart is how people from so many cultures, backgrounds and experiences came together, exchanged ideas and became such good friends.
Myths & realities
Myth: It’s impossible to get a job in France without speaking French.
Reality: It’s impossible to get a job in France without speaking French.
I've given the same answer for myths and realities; this is why... Each country depends on other countries for resources, international business, export/import etc., and these situations all require some entity to take care of that. This is the case for France. Working in France without speaking French is possible but only if you target the right (international) opportunities. Exhibit your skills in such a way that a company is able to see the international streak in you.
However, this doesn’t apply every time and in every situation. Surviving without French may be possible but ‘living’ in the true sense is not possible anywhere if you don’t know the language of the country.
Living in France
The best surprise I have had so far is how French society is so international yet so traditional. France has done an amazing job in retaining its culture, language and lifestyle. I interact with people at work who are French but value the international setup. They make every possible effort to make me comfortable as I am an international expatriate.
Advice and top tips
To live in France, you have to ‘live France’ with baguette, wine and cheese being the basics. Go out and meet people. Don’t be scared about speaking in broken French. France is rich in its history and culture. Make the most of it.
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Go France! Apply for jobs which are in line with your qualifications
We are delighted to bring you “Go France”, the guide for international students looking to work in France! Devised and compiled by Audencia’s Career Centre and Alumni team, with the support of the School's student reporters, “Go France” is a valuable resource for internationals considering a career in France after their studies. Starting with HR professionals’ top tips and debunking the myths and realities of the workplace, Go France also showcases the experiences of more than 20 international alumni who have aced the challenge of finding a job in France. Each Friday for the coming weeks, we will share the insights of alumni who have made the journey. This week, discover what Anthony Acquatey-Mensah, FAM 17, has to say. About Anthony Graduated from the FAM 17 programme Originally from Ghana Worked in France as Product Manager at NEOVIA, Vannes (2017-18) Currently working in Germany as Product Manager at BIOLYT, Berlin Native language: English Level of French: Intermediate Other degrees: MPhil. Food Science Anthony's key advice Apply for jobs which are in line with your qualifications, demonstrate a willingness to improve in your French language skills and you will find out that working in France is worthwhile!! How it all started During my studies back home in Ghana, I became a quality consultant for food. I then went into research before starting the FAM programme at Audencia. After Audencia, I was a marketing intern for 6 months at an animal nutrition company in Brittany. I stayed there for a further 6 months. Since July 2018 I have been working as a product manager at a tech company in Berlin, Germany, specialised in producing nutrition and medical devices. Most memorable experience The heated but constructive discussions we had in class as a group. My class was a unique mix of 20 individuals from 10 different countries. All of us had different academic backgrounds and this made these discussions so rich. Myths & realities Realities: France is a beautiful country to work in. Working in France exposes you to a different work culture where people work hard and yet have enough time for family, vacations and weekend activities. Myths: That the French do not work as much as the other European countries. However, the French are one of the most hardworking people I have ever seen. I still remember all the gruelling long hours I had to sometimes spend with my colleagues at work on a project. My biggest challenge Even though I worked in English, lunchtime was hard because everyone spoke French. All the social activities were also in French. But this got better when my French improved. Speaking French I took some extra hours to learn French in a school each week, and I just immersed myself into speaking it with my French friends and work colleagues. I also frequently travelled by Blablacar and this helped improve a lot my French. Get your copy of "Go France" here
- Career Center
- Le 14 juin 2019
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Go France! My biggest challenge was to improve my French language skills
We are delighted to bring you “Go France”, the guide for international students looking to work in France! Devised and compiled by Audencia’s Career Centre and Alumni team, with the support of the School's student reporters, “Go France” is a valuable resource for internationals considering a career in France after their studies. Starting with HR professionals’ top tips and debunking the myths and realities of the workplace, Go France also showcases the experiences of more than 20 international alumni who have aced the challenge of finding a job in France. This week, discover what Syed Kazim Baqeri, MBA 15, has to say. About Syed Kazim Graduated from the MBA 15 programme Originally from Afghanistan Entrepreneur currently setting up a business in Nantes Daily working language ▶ English Native language (s) ▶ Persian Level of French ▶ Elementary Other languages spoken ▶ Hindi, Pashto Other degrees ▶ Bachelor in computer science Syed Kazim's key advice My biggest challenge has been to improve my French language skills. How it all started After a degree in Computer Science, my first experience was teaching at the Afghan Institute of Learning in Pakistan. I then returned to my home country of Afghanistan and worked for the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) as ICT Officer then M&E Officer until 2010. After that I started my own business providing ICT solutions for business development and growth. I have been in France since my MBA and am currently looking to set up my own business here. Pastimes I enjoy reading, hiking and travelling. Most memorable experience I went sightseeing with my classmates thanks to ICTeam, the association that helps to welcome international students to Audencia. Keeping in touch My classmates live and work all around the world. We keep in touch through Facebook, LinkedIn and WhatsApp. Myths & realities Realities: You really have to have a basic working knowledge of French if you aim to find a job in France. Myths: Some people say that the French are rude but this is not true! It's more a question of understanding the codes of French conversation. Learn to say "bonjour" when you see a French person for the first time each day and this will certainly help. Speaking French I took French language courses and asked my French friends to correct me if I say things wrong. Next career steps I'm working on establishing my business in France. Advice and top tips Learn French Find connections and constantly be in touch with them Get your copy of "Go France" here
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