Mandy Maselli: Consulting in Paris
Mandy Maselli: Consulting in Paris
During my five week internship with Corporate Value Associates (CVA) in Paris, France, I learned a lot about consulting, French working culture, and French markets. Specifically, I helped French clients determine how viable their business models would be in the face of rising manufacturing power in China. This taught me about how the French financial market is shifting and how French companies are adapting.
My daily schedule always included presenting to the other junior and senior consultants about where we were on a project. I also had to create deliverables in French which required me to understand the proper jargon needed (both culturally and linguistically). I also experienced the one hour French lunch time which I quickly learned is where all critical business decisions are made. This was another good opportunity to practice my French language skills because a lot of slang was used and multiple different people would be chiming in at once.
Outside of working, I attended language learning nights in Paris at local restaurants where people from all over the world would practice English and French. This was particularly rewarding because I got to practice consistently, but also could help others with English. I also joined French run clubs so I could meet more French speakers and learn exercise terminology.
Although I had previously studied French at Stanford for a year, without this experience, it would not have been possible for me to expand my French language skills. I specifically gained skills in regards to presenting and learning French business terminology. There are certain language skills that are only able to be learned in real life practice. At first it was difficult for me to adjust to working one hundred percent in French, but then I began to notice increased comprehension and the ability to discuss complex business problems and I gained confidence.