Georgina: Project Manager at SYARTEC

Can you present your professional background?

I'm British and studied European and French law during my degree in England. I also had the opportunity to study in France at Aix-en-provence thanks to Erasmus. It really was a dream for me to live here, as I've always loved this country.

After my studies, I started working as a Sales Assistant in a cybersecurity company, as it was linked to my studies. I then moved on to other companies, but always in the same sector. In 2020, I moved to France and have held a number of positions, including Telecom Project Manager.

How long have you lived in France?

I've moved back and forth between France and England several times over the last few years. In 2014, I moved to Aix-en-provence for 1 year and then finished my degree in England. I then came back to France in 2020, so I've been living here for almost 4 years now.

How did you hear about MisterBilingue?

I simply did an internet search for a bilingual English job based in Aix-en-Provence or the PACA region. MisterBilingue was among the first results, so I decided to sign up.

Did you have any problems while looking for a job? If so, which one(s)?

I didn't really have any difficulties, as I wasn't necessarily looking for a job when I was contacted for this position. To cut a long story short, I had already applied for the job 1 year earlier, but the recruitment process had already begun. I was contacted again the following year as SYARTEC was again looking for someone to fill the position.

After that, everything went very quickly. My profile was sent out and I had two interviews: the first by phone and the second on site. I received a positive response shortly after the second interview.

What do you think of the French application process? (CV standards and almost compulsory cover letter, for example)

I don't think there are many differences between the process in France and in England. Apart from the CV, which takes a different form in the UK, the rest is fairly similar (covering letter, one or more interviews, etc.).

What advice would you give to an expatriate to help them integrate into a company in France?

I'd say it all depends on the company you're in. The corporate culture is not the same everywhere.

But if I had to give some advice, the first thing I'd say is to try to take part in activities organized outside working hours with your colleagues. This will help you get to know your team better and strengthen your professional ties with them. You can also ask your colleagues for advice, or ask them questions about their own experience on arrival, for example.

Do you socialize with expatriates from your home country?

No, because I've always been against staying with people from your home country when you live in another country. Since my Erasmus, I've always tried to stay with French speakers to improve my French. I've developed a very good level and a good accent thanks to that.

What do you miss most about your home country?

Obviously, I miss my friends and family who are living in England. But I grew up abroad, so I'm not as attached to national traditions as others.

I'm still homesick for one thing: English cheddar!