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Mathieu Arcade
Mathieu Arcade

Becoming a manager straight out of school

My beginnings at EM Normandie: a launching pad into the professional world

As a student at EM Normandie, I already knew that I wanted to enter the job market quickly. Unlike some of my fellow students who were considering continuing with additional degrees, my objective was clear: to use the tools and opportunities offered by the school to launch myself into a commercial career as soon as I finished my Master's degree.

The school provided me with a valuable alumni network, which gave me the opportunity to find out about possible career paths after graduation.

I also had the opportunity to do a gap year, which was a very fulfilling experience. Between work placements, community projects and interaction with professionals, I was able to gradually build my career plan.

My internships abroad: a formative experience

One of the most memorable experiences of my degree was my internship in the UK with FM Sport & Langue. There I accompanied children on language and sports trips, combining English language learning with sports activities.
The internship gave me the opportunity to work in an international environment, to develop my interpersonal and organisational skills, and to confirm my attraction for dynamic, multicultural environments. I was lucky enough to share this adventure with fellow students from the school, which strengthened our team spirit.

A Sales Competition that made a decisive impact on my career

I had the opportunity to take part in a sales competition organised by EM Normandie in Deauville. The competition put me in touch with companies, and that changed everything. The company I was competing for offered me a permanent contract even before I graduated.

This first job helped me to make a direct entry into working life with a mission in line with my ambitions. I'm still grateful to the school for this opportunity, as it played a key role in launching my career.

My rapid career development

I started as a sales representative, with a portfolio of customers to manage and clear objectives: to develop sales and establish solid relationships with my customers. This position enabled me to learn quickly about the realities of the job and to develop my independence.

In less than two years, I was promoted manager and put in charge of a team of 10 sales people.

This experience has enabled me to grow both professionally and personally. Finding myself managing a team, sometimes made up of colleagues more experienced than myself, has been both a challenge and a source of great pride.

My experience in the construction sector

At Hilti, I've had the chance to work on large-scale projects, particularly in the building and public works sector. My role involved managing major projects, such as the EPR in Flamanville. This project was an intense and rewarding experience, where I was able to develop expertise in managing complex projects.

This job has also taught me to handle a wide range of customers, from local craftsmen to major construction groups, while meeting their specific needs.

A personal and professional turning point in 2019

The birth of my daughter in 2019 was a key moment in my life. At the time, my job involved a lot of travelling across France, often five days a week. I felt the need to spend more time with my family and find a balance between my personal and professional life.

That's when an opportunity came up at Altran, part of the Capgemini group. This change enabled me to discover the sector of consulting, while remaining close to my family.

I have absolutely no regrets about that decision, which gave me the opportunity to reorganise my priorities.

My new start at Capgemini

In January 2020, I joined Capgemini to develop sales activity in the Normandy region. My initial mission was to prospect for new clients in the engineering sector. But the Covid-19 pandemic changed everything.

Like many people, I had to adapt to this new reality. The crisis required a complete reorganisation, at both strategic and operational levels. It was an intense but formative period. I learnt to work differently, to reinvent commercial approaches and to bounce back when things went wrong.

My specialisation in key account management

After this period of transition, I was able to focus on what I love most: managing key accounts. This role allows me to put my skills in strategy and customer relations to good use, while working on complex and challenging projects.

Today, after four years with Capgemini, I'm really fulfilled in this role.

Every day brings its share of challenges, but also great satisfaction. My career has shown me that the ability to adapt, take on challenges and stay true to your priorities is essential to building a fulfilling career.

What I've learnt from my career

Looking back, I'm convinced that every experience has been another stone in the edifice of my career. Whether it was training courses, competitions or meetings, everything contributed to shaping my path. Today, I'm proud to share my story and inspire others who are just starting out to believe in their abilities, seize opportunities and find their own way.

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