Nicolas: English-speaking Business Developer at Swikly

Could you please present your professional background?

I did a degree in English as I wanted to become a teacher in the French school system. However, I decided to switch to a business school with a focus on sales, which allowed me to become a business developer. I also found an opportunity in England, where I became a team leader in charge of development in France.

Then, I returned to France to become an export manager. Afterwards, I moved to Russia so I could continue working in international development, though I had to return to France because of the global pandemic.

How did you find a job at Swikly?

After returning to France, I wanted to keep working in international development. Margaux from MisterBilingue spotted me and reached out to me, which led to me finding this business developer job at Swikly.

What do you think about the French application process?

In general, I feel like the recruitment process in France increasingly evolved. When I was in Russia, I was directly exchanging with companies instead of handing them my C.V. In my opinion, it adds a human touch to the recruitment process.

With MisterBilingue, we took the time to discuss the job, about me, about why I was a corresponding profile to the job offer. Nowadays, more and more companies would rather exchange with candidates than give them a response based on their C.V.

How did you imagine the business developer position? Was it true to reality?

I think that the company was looking for someone to take care of the British market and someone else for the French and international markets. Both missions were assigned to me, so I am taking care of the British and French markets. I was able to start from zero and do things as they were meant to be done on the UK market. Learning in an already mature market like France allows me to see the issues I will face in 2023.

Why are you interested in international work?

I was born in England with English as a mother tongue. I went to France and went back and forth to England. I also went to Russia afterwards. I can’t always work in the same place, I want to explore different places, ways of working and it helps me evolve in an international environment.

Is there something you dislike about the French way of working?

I find it kind of delicate to plan meetings during lunch breaks, though it is the case in France. Lunch hours, in my opinion, are made to establish and develop relationships with colleagues. I noticed throughout my professional experiences that some important decisions were given during lunch hours.

Culture is really diversified in France, what is a place where you can find British culture in France?

I would say I would rather find France in other countries since I was an expat most of the time. There is a place in England named Blackpool, my birth city, where there is a beautiful beach that brings back memories and makes me feel nostalgic.