Clémence, a KEDGE graduate, found a job after seeking assistance from the KEDGE Alumni network

 Why did you call upon KEDGE Alumni for assistance?

I sought help from the KEDGE network to help me in my job search. In October 2019, I resigned from my job to move to another permanent but my probation period was interrupted by the first lockdown. I saw on the KEDGE Alumni social networks that it offers support services to help in job searches and I told myself that it that might make a difference in the recruitment process when the job market is difficult and unpredictable, as it is now.

Tell us about your experience with the network. What did it help you with? 

First of all, I was able to benefit from the Special Support for Young Graduates scheme. This service consisted of access to four free webinars, three hours of individual and personalised coaching, and participation in one employment workshop. I did the workshop that addressed my motivations and values, and on salary negotiation. Philippe Destanque was my coach. He provided one-on-one assistance in improving my CV and cover letter.

Secondly, I attended Labo Job workshops, which were launched in November 2020 and led by Guylaine di Giorgio. Every Tuesday, the group, which had about five participants, benefitted from Guylaine’s personalised advice on the best strategy for looking for employment. We discussed the jobs we applied for and shared our tips with each other on how to stand out in the different phases of the application process or interview. We also got positive energy from Guylaine about our job searches because they often cause doubts and loss of self-confidence.

I’d like to extend enormous thanks to Philippe and Guylaine, as well as all the participants of the Labo Job, for their aid.

Do you currently have a job?

I started a six-month fixed-term contract at the beginning of March as a project manager in the Strategic Transformation department of the VYV Group. The VYV group is the first mutual benefit company for health and social protection in France. I mainly work on a project that brings solutions for caregivers and those receiving care - a subject that, like one in six French, affects me personally. I’ve flourished in this post and I’m lucky to be part of a team in which I feel good.

How did the education you received at KEDGE Business School help you become who you are today? How did its teachings help you develop your career?

First of all, what I got from KEDGE BS, was quality courses, sometimes taught in English with foreign students. It was really a good opportunity. Being a member of the ACCEDE student association was an occasion to have responsibilities for the first time and to have experience working in management for the first time. in 2016, I had to chance to do a six-month internship in Hong Kong, then I did a work-study for a year at Reed Midem, a company that organises international BtoB forums and was organising a forum in Hong Kong. As a result of that experience, I was able to get my first permanent contract the month after the work-study contract ended.

Were you a member of any student association when you were at KEDGE?

I joined the ACCEDE Provence Entrepreneurs association in 2014 as head of the market research department. What I liked about that association was the entrepreneurial side and supporting students or job seekers in the creation of their company. As head of research, I carried out two exploratory studies and a quantitative study with two, sometimes three, other members of ACCEDE. We also had to look for new partners for the association and I was able to clinch a deal for a partnership with the incubator PFactory. Finally, every member of the association was involved in organising the major event, "Le Phare de l'Entrepreneuriat". Charles Beigbeder was the sponsor for the 2015 edition. In 2014, during the Kick-Start weekend, which brought together all the KEDGE associations from the Marseille and Bordeaux campuses, we took part in the creation of the ACCEDE branch in Bordeaux - ACCEDE Aquitaine Entrepreneurs. What’s more, it was cool to get the ACCEDE teddy!

CLÉMENCE’S ADVICE

What advice would you give to young KEDGE graduates on how to use the network when researching opportunities, or how to use it to establish their career?

I’d encourage them to take advantage of the different workshops and conferences organised by KEDGE Alumni. Also, if they want to have an experience abroad, I’d suggest they contact the Alumni who live there. 

If you had one sentence to say about the KEDGE Alumni network, what would it be?

The KEDGE Alumni network is very useful whether you are looking for employment or creating a business, obtaining advice from human resources, maintaining your network, helping a KEDGE student get started, or expanding your knowledge.

Anything to add? A message to pass on?

I would like to thank Robin and Lola for everything they do for the KEDGE Alumni network, especially for setting up Labo Job, which greatly contributed to my finding a job and has kicked off a virtuous circle! I would also like to thank Philippe Destanque and Guylaine di Giorgio for their invaluable advice!