François Cassayre (TBS 2019) - The network is your greatest ally!

Several months ago, I decided to make a major career change. 

Such a re-orientation plan led me to the world of consulting : a world about which I new absolutely nothing, apart from a few friends who work in the field. It can be a complicated, stressful and long process looking for a new job.  

To ensure I found the right match, I decided to make use of my network.

Firstly, I looked to my close network who all responded with advice and referrals. It is important never to neglect your personal and professional network, whether you are a student, in working life or looking for employment, or even if you feel lonely as an expat.

The second network level that you can lean on, if you have been lucky enough to study in executive education establishments, is the Alumni network. I was lucky enough to study at not one, but two executive education establishments that have strong, supportive Alumni networks.

I joined the TBS Alumni network even before I left the school (yes that is totally possible). Once I had started working, I continued the adventure as an active volunteer with Paris Chapter. The team was keen to put energy into the Alumni network, in a really friendly and caring way. This goes to explain why we have a worldwide group which goes by the name of "caring attitude". I got closer to the Alumni network as I was looking for work. 

I looked through the Alumni directory for people working in companies I was interested in. I contacted them and in all honesty, I was lucky to get an answer every time I asked about their companies, their jobs and their day-to-day occupations. They all offered to provide referrals, to pass on my application directly instead of going through the standard company procedures. There is no doubt that this really helped me in the next stages of the hiring process.  

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all those that I contacted during my time job hunting, all those who answered my call, whether it was to simply explain their own experience, to be a reference or to advise me throughout the entire time. 

Alumni associations, in this case, TBS Alumni, have volunteers who offer support for re-reading CVs and letters of motivation, and offer advice about interviews.  

There is no reason not to seek help. Caring is the operative word. When I contacted Audrey, she started by helping me for interviews I had planned with MC2I, BearingPoint Forizons and Oresys, and then gradually our conversation turned towards the consultancy firm where she works : iQo. It is a new consultancy firm (started early 2021), a mergure of several different consultancy firms that came together for the same project (including ex-MLA) involving skill hybridization and the "for good" concept.

I have to admit that Audrey was very convincing because I have now been part of the project itself for two months. All the exercices I took part in have been a great experience. I have learned a great deal. I have met some very interesting people and while I didn't join their respective companies, I still have a link with them and I would be happy to return the favour one day for the help they gave me. 

I believe that these are the most important points to keep in mind : 

• the network won't give you everything on the spot, 
• you don't get a job because you went to the same school as someone in the company, or simply because you know them 
• you don't steel someone else's job, despite this popular belief in the past, 

You will benefit from a helping hand and caring support : that in itself is already a great deal.

Of course, the day you do call apon your network, don't forget to have the same caring attitude that you received and to treat others in the same way. In reality, an Alumni network can be likened to a small family where we don't necessarily talk to each other every day but we have something in common (in this case, the school) which brings us closer together and means that we respond to each other. 

I particularly appreciate this mutual support which is vital but is often lacking in society in general.
Today, I have finished job hunting, I have begun working on a fabulous project. Right from the start, I have been entrusted with responsiblities and I participate in internal processes, the firm's development and operations. 

I am really proud to be able to contribute to this fabulous project, iQo. I have met people who are just as caring and very inspiring. I would like to thank them for the trust they bestowed in me since I started, which involved a very interesting project in Marocco.  

The strength of a network can also be found when you are living abroad and you don't know anyone. This is exactly what happened to me in New York several years ago, and more recently, in Marocco. Locally, people were so caring and you can always find someone to talk to, who can give you advice and provide a clear explanation about cultural differences you need to understand. They can also give you vital information like, for instance, where the best bars are to watch the French national teams play! And that is not insignificant ! 

JI wanted to share with you my vision of what a network is, whether it is a personal, professional or Alumni network.

It is also the opportunity to thank all those people who have helped me over the years in my professional career. Students and professionals : go ahead and contact your network. ela me permet à nouveau de Put your energy into is as well to keep it alive. In conclusion, you can of course contact me if you need to.