Go France! Take up the culture challenge and enter the French circle

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.
 

In the meantime, discover what Maria Camila Tellez Zapata, MBA 16, has to say.

About Maria Camila

• Graduated from the MBA 16 programme
• Originally from Colombia
• Working as Global Customer Business Manager at Danone in Paris
• Daily working language ▶ English, Spanish , French
• Native language (s) ▶ Spanish
• Level of French ▶ Intermediate
• Other languages spoken ▶ English/French
• Other degrees ▶ Management

Maria Camila's key advice 

The main challenge is cultural and managing to enter the “French circle”.

How it all started

I worked at Coca Cola in Colombia in different positions in supply chain then in tactical planning and finally in sales and operation planning. After my MBA I did an internship in Danone where I'm now working in the global sales team.

Most memorable experience

The people I met!

Keeping in touch

I made some very close friends and I stay in touch with them. Some of them also living in Paris so we meet in the weekends.

Myths & realities

It’s a reality that working in France is easier if you speak French. If you don’t have a working visa (i.e., if you are not European) it’s best is to start with an internship so the company can get to know you, so you increase your chances
of being offered a job. Doing an internship after 6 years professional experience is not easy but it’s a choice I made. You need to be aware that you are going to start with less responsibilities and as a "junior". It’s a myth to say that not all French companies have internships for MBAs.

Speaking French

I work in a global team so it's not necessary to speak French but if I move to local business it’s vital to master the language. I studied French before coming to France. I’m very happy living here. Paris is a wonderful city.

Next career steps

I'm very happy in France. Paris is a wonderful city and you can find amazing companies to apply to. You meet very intelligent people so you can learn from them. I work in a very diverse team so its very enriching. My future plans are to stay in France with Danone. Either in headquarters or in the local subsidiaries to be near the business. I'm targeting either Revenue Management or Strategy & Insights.

Advice and top tips

Travel and try all good food and wine start networking now doing an internship is a good way to a job; start looking now and don't wait until the last moment and usually the good internships go first. Have courage!