The allure of French culture, lifestyle, and education is undeniable. Hitesh Ananthakrishna, a graduate of the Paris Cite Universite & Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters in Economics and Policy (EPOG+), shares his journey of immersing himself in the French way of life and navigating the intricacies of the French job market.
Hitesh’s fascination with France began when he embarked on a journey to teach English in the country. Starting in smaller suburban cities, he yearned to experience the renowned Parisian lifestyle, which led to his choice of France for his higher studies.
Tell us a bit about your experience as a student in France.
I applied for a Master in Economic Policies for Global Transition (EPOG+) under the Erasmus Mundus program. I selected specialisein innovation knowledge and digital transition. While the lectures and conferences were very informative and interesting to attend throughout the program, the exposure that I got through the interactions with the international community is what helped me develop an interdisciplinary approach to understanding how economics and international relations work. Questioning innovation and environmental impact measures taken so far and the ways in which it can be modified was not only enriching, but very effective to come up with my own ideas of environmental preservation. Having been in two countries over two years of my Masters helped me also to understand different cultures as well as the European mindset.
Did you know any French before you came here?
I already had a C1 in French when I came here, and I’m convinced that my proficiency in the French language facilitated my communication and integration into French society, a factor that significantly enriched my over-all experience.
As one of the few people who spoke the language among my peers, I could see the difference in interaction. While English is occasionally used in larger cities like Paris, French remains the primary language of communication. Knowing French can be a serious advantage especially in everyday situations, such as seeking medication or navigating public transportation.
How was your job hunt experience after you finished your course?
Entering the French job market can be challenging, especially if you aren’t very clear about the kind of roles you want to work in. In France, specific roles correspond to specific educational backgrounds, necessitating a clear career trajectory.
It can be very frustrating to navigate the complexities of the assessment procedures during the process. Moreover, there is a real a gap in support for crafting CVs and cover letters tailored to the French market, a task distinct from its English counterpart. I was lucky to get assistance from friends, but there is a serious lack of accessibility of such support from the educational institutes and most people struggle with this part.
Hitesh’s observations shed light on the challenges faced by international graduates navigating the French job market. While proficiency in the French language offers an advantage, comprehensive support tailored to non-native applicants remains scarce. Institutions and career intelligence platforms could play a more proactive role in bridging this gap, facilitating the integration of international talent into the French workforce.
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