Launch of France Alumni in Nanjing

In a context of sharper competition, whatever the situation, whatever you do, whatever the type of company you’re working in, intercultural and interpersonal communication play a significant role in professional development. Did your experience of studying in France facilitate the integration of France Alumni members in the labour market? Is the “France” label an asset for holders of a French degree on the labour market? Does the multicultural aspect help them find work more easily? So many questions are asked during meetings with France Alumni members. That’s why we wanted to hold a round table about this theme.

On December 8, 2018, we’ve had the pleasure to welcome six young Chinese with experience in France, and currently working in diverse fields in Nanjing. They were present to unveil the multicultural aspects of their professional lives. 108 members of France Alumni in Nanjing were present to exchange and listen.

For Qi Fei, all challenges he had to face in relation with integration in everyday life and studies during the first months after arriving in France became an asset once he found the solutions. Approaches used by teachers and artists he worked with had a major impact on him. He’s trying to put these approaches at the service of students at the Forestry University in Nanjing, where he teaches design. 

For Chen Shunzhi, vice executive director at Jiangsu International Trust Corporation Limited, a big 100% Chinese company in investment, the added value of the multicultural aspect is to “have a skill, to understand the limit of interpersonal communication, and to have learnt to find balance between your personal and professional life. Work is important, but life also is.”

Xing Shanshan, director at Orpea Xianlin International Care Centre in Nanjing, had relations with the French and French culture since she was a child. Her double culture profile is a great asset for her, and it “greatly facilitated my internal communication in my team. I feel very comfortable when I work with French collaborators, and I can find an adapted way of communicating with Chinese collaborators at the same time. This multicultural aspect makes my work much more efficient.”

For Chen Fei, Assistant Director at the Department of International Cooperation of the Administration Committee of the Pukou High Tech Zone in Nanjing, the multicultural aspect is like “the cheese slice in a sandwich. It could be like a double-edged sword: it gives you the possibility to achieve an efficient communication between the two parties (French and Chinese), but at the same time it could put you under significant stress when parties can’t find a compromise because of misunderstandings caused by mutual cultural unfamiliarity.” 

Jin Kexin, HR at BSH Home Appliances Holding（China), confirms that HR actively look for applicants with multicultural profile. The reason is simple: multicultural profiles are more flexible in general, and it’s easier to communicate with them.

For Qiu Yuehao, Manager for key international accounts at Phoenix Group: he started working in an American company, then in his current German company. He admitted that he was a bit at a loss at the start of his career, and never stopped thinking about his professional plan. After working in highly multicultural environments (Chinese, French, American, German), he strives to communicate in a language taking all cultural aspects into consideration.

Other members present in the room added their intervention:

• Yang Min, frequently travelled to China and France, like a true ambassador for wine.
• Kong Long, who put his skills at the service of Pierre & Vacances.
• Wang Bin, who works for the leading tech company Nanrui Nanqi, and spends most of her time in North America.
• Shi Yi, an entrepreneur building bridges between French clients and the Chinese market.
• Huang Li, a young talent in investment.
• Professor Zhang Xinmu, decorated Knight of the Order of Academic Palms.

Personal stories confirm the asset of the “France” label in the development of their occupation, and the importance of skill in intercultural communication.

Exchanges continued at a buffet prepared by the chef at Sofitel Galaxy Nanjing.

The year 2018 ended with a nice meeting. We want to thank you for your participation, your loyalty, and your commitment!

France Alumni in Nanjing will welcome you in an even richer program in 2019 to continue to flourish together.   

Happy New Year!

In video

Launch in Nanjing