Go France! Try to follow the unwritten French social rules

  • Career Center
  • Le 20 décembre 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.
 

Come and join the Go France launch event in Paris on 6 February when the conversation will go live!
Register here


In the meantime, discover what Karla Villar, IMM 17, has to say.

About Karla

  • Graduated from the IMM 17 programme
  • Originally from Mexico
  • Working as Product consultant - PeopleSoft RH at S&H Group in Paris
  • Daily working language ▶ French
  • Native language (s) ▶ Spanish
  • Level of French ▶ Advanced
  • Other languages spoken ▶ English, Portuguese        
  • Other degrees ▶ Bsc Computer Systems Engineering

Karla's key advice 
Try to follow French social non written rules which usually are different from your home country and keep an open mind.

How it all started
I was a technical analyst for a USA editor, I'd like to continue on the software and services industry in a product management team.

Most memorable experience
All the cross-cultural exchange of learning from my colleagues.

Myths & realities
Realities: French working culture is pretty personal, people like to talk about different subjects and it's mandatory to follow all subjects and remember them. Email is a serious issue, not an information source.

My biggest challenge
Professionally speaking, it's important to understand the etiquette, manners and habits in a French environment so you're completely integrated in the team.

Speaking French
The most difficult is to have a mindset changed.

Amusing story
Better working rights than in Mexico.

Next career steps
I'd like to stay in Europe.

Advice and top tips
Speak up, ask questions if you do not understand, play the "international card" as much as you can. It doesn't matter that the job posting is in English, you'll need to speak French so learn it. If you already have professional experience, go for a long shot in terms of salary, French managers will try to tell that it's not valuable because it was not in France, but it is valuable. Trust your senses and go for your ambitions.

 
CAN YOU HELP?
Are you an international alum in France or, are you a French alum working abroad?
Do you have a story to tell about your journey and how you secured your job or internship?
Do you have advice that you would like to share with current students?

If you have answered YES to all of the above, then please follow this link!

Thank you
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