Margaux Millet shares her experiences as a graduate of the International Business Bachelor's program at UEM Strasbourg, detailing her academic journey, internships, and the importance of networking and seizing opportunities in her career development.
In a recent alumni event, Margaux Millet, a graduate of the International Business Bachelor's program at UEM Strasbourg, shared her experiences and insights from her academic and professional journey. Graduating in 2019, Margaux's story is one of exploration, learning, and the importance of networking.
Margaux began her studies in 2016, starting with a general first year that included a three-month expatriation to New York City. She described New York as a dynamic city filled with friendly Americans, although she noted a lack of international students in her classroom, which made it challenging to connect with local peers. She encouraged future students to actively seek out American students through platforms like Erasmus Facebook groups or local associations.
In the spring of her first year, Margaux undertook her first internship at a customer service center in Strasbourg. She found the experience challenging due to the often disgruntled customers but emphasized the valuable skills she gained in handling objections and maintaining a positive outlook in difficult situations.
During her second year, Margaux participated in a humanitarian project with an organization called Arco Iris, which unfortunately no longer exists. She advised students to prioritize teamwork over the project itself, as a cohesive team can significantly enhance the experience. The project involved a two-week trip to Peru, where they worked in a disadvantaged community, helping to build infrastructure and support local initiatives.
Margaux's second internship was in a communication and marketing role at a wildlife park in France. She found this experience fulfilling, as it allowed her to engage in various tasks, from competitive analysis to updating the website and handling customer inquiries. This role solidified her interest in marketing and communication.
For her third year, Margaux chose to study abroad in Mexico, seeking a Spanish-speaking environment. She enjoyed the quality of the courses offered, which included marketing and business communication. However, she faced challenges in finding accommodation and navigating safety concerns in the city. Despite these issues, she appreciated the vibrant campus life and the opportunities to connect with other international students.
Margaux faced difficulties securing internships during her time in Mexico, primarily due to the distance and the challenges of remote applications. However, she successfully landed a position through networking on LinkedIn, which she highly recommends to future students.
After her studies, Margaux worked at a start-up in Boulogne-Billancourt, where she took on multiple roles, including marketing, communication, and logistics. This diverse experience was instrumental in shaping her career, providing her with a broad skill set and insights into various business functions.
Following her undergraduate studies, Margaux applied to several prestigious business schools, ultimately enrolling in Skema Business School for a Master's program in International Marketing and Business Development. She emphasized the importance of choosing schools based on their reputation and location.
Margaux's latest role was as an assistant product manager at Laboratoires Julphar Santé in Paris, where she worked on the Mercurochrome brand. Her responsibilities included analyzing product performance and redesigning packaging, which allowed her to blend creativity with strategic analysis.
Margaux concluded her talk by expressing gratitude for the opportunities provided by her Bachelor's program. She encouraged current students to seize every opportunity, build their networks, and actively engage with alumni. Her journey illustrates the value of practical experience and the importance of being proactive in career development.
In summary, Margaux Millet's experiences highlight the significance of internships, networking, and embracing challenges as essential components of a successful career in international business.
