University degree: DEA in International Law
Job: Assistant Brand Manager
Company: P&G
Can you tell us about your career path?
After a degree from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques of Strasbourg, I did an exchange year at Georgetown University, Washington D.C., and then I moved to Geneva at the Institute to complete a DEA in International Law.
Why did you choose to study at the Institute?
One of my professors at the IEP Strasbourg advised me to continue my studies in International Law in Geneva because of the quality of the courses at the Institute and the great IO/NGO environment. I figured it would be easier to look for a job in an IO if I had started to make connections or complete internships here beforehand.
What is your most significant memory from your studies at the Institute?
I remember most of all my professors and all the great debates we had in class. And of course, Carine Leu-Bonvin’s passion in making us understand that everything is possible if you are motivated: it is not because you study International Law that you cannot go into business afterwards. And we think the same at P&G. Some of my fellow marketers started their careers as chemical engineers!
Did you work during your studies?
I completed various internships (the newspaper Le Monde, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Interpol headquarters). I also worked as a tourist guide when I was in Paris and participated in organising a business event at Geneva Palexpo.
What is your position within P&G and what are your responsibilities?
I am currently an Assistant Brand Manager, with responsibility for the strategy of Oral-B electric toothbrushes in all of Western Europe. I am getting insights from consumers, shoppers and customers to develop marketing plans to win in the marketplace today and tomorrow. I am the leader of a multi-functional team and I manage the efforts of production, sales, advertising, promotion, R&D, market research, purchasing, distribution, package development and finance.
Why did you choose a career in marketing?
Not only did I choose a career in Marketing but I also chose P&G as a company for its people, its values and the type of roles here. Marketing at P&G means primarily project management. I have a lot of responsibility, there is a strong sense of ownership, I have a 360 degree view and I am the leader of a multifunctional team. I also love the variety: one day I am in research with consumers, the next morning I am presenting a strategical recommendation to my general manager and the next day I am brainstorming on new concepts for future products.
Did the Institute prepare you well for a career in this field?
While studying International Law is not the most logical path to prepare you for a career in Marketing. I see a lot of similarities in how the Institute and P&G operate. Both are places where you can grow continuously thanks to constant training and sharing of knowledge and both are places where you can interact with people from all over the world. Being challenged by different point of views every day is the best way to understand all the implications of an issue and come up with original solutions. In that sense, the Institute was excellent preparation.
What advice would you give to students wishing to pursue a career in this field?
Go check our website www.pgcareers.com and learn more about what we are doing and the “spirit” of the company. Apply for the P&G recruiting Beauty Event in May 2009 (spend 2 days in our Geneva HQ, learn of what the job is by doing case studies within teams and meet P&G people)
In your opinion, what qualities are important for a successful career in marketing?
Be collaborative and respectful of others: do not hesitate to take the phone to speak with your Greek colleague for example, share what you have learned from other business units, work on winwin solutions and understand that sometimes your colleagues do not have the same priorities as you do. Embrace change and be curious: by continuously learning and building yourself, you will enrich your business in return (and be promoted faster).
Be responsible: as project manager, you will have to make tough decisions based on your knowledge of the market and the inputs of your team but also sometimes based on your own judgment.
What skills have you retained from your experience of studying at the Institute?
Do not wait until the end of your studies to start looking for a job. Search for information, talk to your career service and leverage the workshops. Choose your next internship not just by the prestigious name of the company but take into account the new skills you can develop.
