This Kedger has published a book about his journey in Australia!

To begin, tell us about your educational background. What did you study, both before and at KEDGE?

After I finished my secondary school exams, I attended ESDHEM in Lille. A school from the SKEMA network that offers a double degree: a bachelor in economics and management as well as prep courses for the business school entrance exams. After that, at the age of 19, I travelled alone to the other side of the world – to Australia. After 9 months of travelling/crossing/running around Down Under, Indonesia, and New Caledonia, I returned to France and continued my studies at ESDHEM. This time, for the 3rd year of the bachelor in economics and management. Because my English was far better than before, I was able to pass the business school entrance exams. I had the choice between NEOMA and KEDGE, and I picked the one that best met my needs/expectations: KEDGE BUSINESS SCHOOL!

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So I was accepted into KEDGE as an AST2 parallel admission student. Passionate about animation, the microphone and music, I joined the student association Dynam'hit Webradio. I wasn’t disappointed. I met some incredible people with whom I am still in contact. We shared a lot of laughter, joy, and great times. I was in the partnership department/centre and prospected record shops and stores related to culture in the city of Marseille. I also wrote articles on concerts and interviewed local artists, as well as the young talent of Paris. I was in direct relation with Crédit Agricole, our private partner, we had held a radio show on their premises. We also hosted different events for the associative life at KEDGE, such as the launching of the Citadingue Guide. That was a great experience! Because I was admitted as an AST2, I only stayed for one year in that association. It was short but intense! I learned a lot.

Tell us what you did after your studies were finished. What positions have you held? What did you learn in those positions?

After the first year of my master, I took a gap year. My first internship was as head of sector with Blini Labeyrie Fine Foods in Paris (94/92/78). I had a portfolio of some two hundred convenience stores (Franprix, Casino, Carrefour city, Monoprix, etc.). I learned sales techniques via sketches that I rehearsed in front of my clients: store manager and/or department head. Perseverance, organisation, and the ability to convince others are the skills that I developed in that internship.

Then I did a second internship, this time in Montreal as a purchasing coordinator at, Toundra Voyages, a travel agency that specialised in custom-made road trips. I hated it. I was in front of a computer for eight hours a day doing an enormous amount of data entry. That was when I realised that a career in front of a screen was not for me. Because of that, I applied for a work-study position as a business manager at LEGRAND for the second year of my master.

At 25 years, thirsty for adventure, I got my rucksack out of the attic and spent six months in South America. When I got back, I went to work for PROLIANS BOSSU CUVELIER as a travelling salesman.

BENOIT DEMORTIER - LINKEDIN

What are you doing today? What gave you the idea and the desire to do what you’re doing today?

I wrote a book the same time I was in school: SUPER BACKPACKER: "The story of Vincent, who left for Australia with only a rucksack when he was 19 years old. During his road trip, he discovered what life was like in an itinerant hostel. He met some inspiring people who helped grow internally. He discovered the Australian and Aborigine cultures and the fauna and flora of Australia. Most of all, he experienced a series of setbacks and flops that made his journey a succession of joys and disappointments.” 

It’s a tale inspired by the road trip I did in Australia, written with a lot of humour and sincerity.

SUPER BACKPACKER

If you were to give advice to any KEDGE graduate who wants to do something similar, what would it be?

Perseverance and self-discipline. If you have a dream or a goal, it'll take work to make it happen!

KEDGE turned me into someone productive. When I got to KEDGE, I often met people who were motivated and ready to show me the projects that they held dear. The way I see it, no matter what your dream is, it’s feasible. I learned how to work in a group and to have healthy relationships with people. This is fundamental, in both your career and personal life.