Go France! The only way you can really fail is by not trying
- Career Center
- Le 7 septembre 2022
Audencia's Career Center and Alumni teams are delighted to to bring you “Go France!”, the guide to working in France.
Following the success of the first guide in 2019, this new updated edition revisits advice from HR professionals, input from intercultural experts and shares yet more experiences of working in France for internationals. Alumni say they choose France for its corporate culture and impact-driven working environment but also for its croissants!“Go France!” is a valuable resource for students staying in France after their studies at Audencia.
This week, discover what Diana Garcés from Colombia has to say.
About Diana:
- GRADUATED FROM THE MSC FAM PROGRAMME IN 2018
- FROM COLOMBIA
- CURRENT POSITION MANAGER AT CAFÉ LOS ANDES IN PARIS
- NATIVE LANGUAGE SPANISH
- DAILY WORKING LANGUAGES FRENCH AND SPANISH
- OTHER LANGUAGES SPOKEN PORTUGUESE
- FRENCH LEVEL ADVANCED (B2/C1)
- LIVING IN FRANCE SINCE 2017
Diana's key message: “The only way you can really fail is by not trying."
My biggest challenge
Renewing my ’titre de séjour’ (residency permit/ visa) all the time and understanding the tax system.
Being independent, away from my family, doing things for myself, adapting to a completely different environment.
Myths and realities
- MYTH That you must have a perfect command of French. I know many people who speak English at work and who are learning French in their spare time. Nevertheless, I recommend that people learn French if they intend to continue working here.
- REALITY I find there are more formalities when addressing people compared to American English. They also like to plan ahead, which I think is great.
My advice & top tips
- Be curious and always open to opportunities.
- Show a genuine interest in France and French culture.
- Try to be friends with French people, get out of your comfort zone (being surrounded only by people like you), look for opportunities, and attend different kinds of events.
Quirky & cultural
The French pay attention to detail and like to do things well. I find this very inspiring. Also, I love the fact that most French people recognise the value of things, the effort behind the products they buy. They support small producers and artisanal means of production.
And finally
The French can be quite strict and inflexible in their way of doing things. In Latin America we tend to be the opposite. Also, I feel that they complain a lot and are rarely satisfied with whatever is happening.
Take the time to appreciate the little things while eating, talking to people or watching a movie.
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