The Grandes Ecoles are the breeding ground for the employees of tomorrow. Three years ago, during a discussion I had with the Head of a Finance Chair at Essec, I realised the difficulties schools have to gain access to the corporate world, as well as for companies to reach out to students. This situation exists despite all the ongoing efforts by both sides along these lines. In France, we need to develop more professional ties between the schools and the corporate sector, especially in light of the very strong competition among the French Grandes Ecoles and their international counterparts. My studies at Audencia were enriching and instructive. I wanted to acknowledge what this school did for me by becoming a liaison between Crédit Agricole Group and students.

Together with several Group employees, also fellow Audencia alumni, we try to pass on to students our experience at the company and in the financial world. First of all, forums offer direct contact with students. We talk to them about the business lines in the financial sector and the trends. In fact, I was struck by their ability to adapt their career choices to these trends.

Next, along with Crédit Agricole S.A. we have breakfast meetings, attended by all Audencia interns at Calyon, at which we present our business lines and career tracks, receive feedback on the tasks assigned and offer some advice.

Case studies are another excellent teaching tool and in high demand by the schools, since they combine relatively theoretical instruction with real life expertise. Students become fully involved in the reality of a transaction and can compare their solution with that chosen by professionals. These exercises are extremely rewarding for both students and Calyon employees.

Finally, Audencia organises conferences, for example “Finance business lines after school.” Audencia alumni come and explain their analyses and offer advice to the students.

Corporate finance has been constant in my career. Initially I worked abroad, then in France. I began in the Finance department of the former Elf Aquitaine before joining Crédit Agricole Group in 1992. The diversity of the Group’s activities enabled me to discover several businesses, first at the former Banque de Gestion Privée (BGP) and subsequently at Crédit Agricole Indosuez (now Calyon) beginning in 1998. After working in LBOA leveraged buy-out is the acquisition of all a company's shares financed largely by the borrowed funds. Financing, I joined the Mergers & Acquisitions department. Equity Capital Markets is my third business line at the Crédit Agricole Group, and the one where I currently work at Calyon.