From French Jobs For Me to Ask Sétu

French Jobs For Me started in 2019 as a newsletter, born from the recognition of a pressing need within the student community of the Alliance Française of Bangalore. The initiative quickly gained traction, supported by a growing community of students eager for insights into the job market requiring candidates skilled in French.

The platform experimented with job curation, providing valuable resources to its subscribers, till the arrival of COVID-19. The global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns in 2020 presented unprecedented challenges. Faced with several challenges and some existential angst, I found myself questioning the viability of French Jobs For Me, and finally decided to send the platform into hibernation.

During the next three years, I was focused on other personal and professional projects, including my work with Adaptiv. This period, while seemingly quiet for French Jobs For Me, was crucial for its eventual evolution. Continuous interactions with Indian students revealed a significant gap in the information provided to those pursuing higher education in France.

My work over the last few years in building Generative AI products to solve the problem of skills gaps, and the information mismatch leading to unemployment and lack of professional satisfaction among GenZ made me realise that the technology could also be used to address the information gap identified during the platform’s hiatus.

🤖 Generative AI offers the potential to provide personalised, accurate, and up-to-date information at scale. Large Language Models have demonstrated the capability to process and synthesise vast amounts of information, making it an ideal tool for guiding students through the complexities of French higher education and career planning. The technology’s ability to understand context, provide nuanced responses, and continuously update its knowledge base aligns perfectly with the evolving needs of international students.

Recognizing the potential of AI to revolutionize educational guidance, French Jobs For Me finally pivoted to become Ask Sétu, an AI-powered guide to higher education in France. 🇫🇷

This transition marks a significant leap forward in the platform’s ability to serve its user base.

Understanding Sétu: More Than Just a Name

The name Sétu ingeniously encapsulates the platform’s essence, functionality, and inter-cultural nuance:

In Indian culture, Setu refers to a mythological bridge, symbolizing Ask Sétu’s role in connecting students’ aspirations with opportunities in France. It also playfully refers to the French expression “Monsieur Sais-tu,” alluding to a knowledgeable figure. While Sétu isn’t as boastful as a proverbial Monsieur Sais-tu, it leverages extensive training on web-based information to provide comprehensive guidance.

In essence, Ask Sétu embodies the convergence of cultural understanding, technological innovation, and educational insight, thus serving as a knowledgeable bridge to success in France. 🌟

Sétu’s Capabilities

Ask Sétu is a sophisticated Generative-AI powered guide, capable of addressing a wide array of professional questions about life in France. Its areas of expertise include:

• Identifying optimal courses in France aligned with individual goals
• Elucidating recruiter expectations in the French job market
• Highlighting essential soft skills for professional success in France
• Offering insights into French work culture and professional norms

Looking Ahead

The evolution from French Jobs For Me to Ask Sétu represents more than a mere rebranding. It signifies a fundamental shift in how educational and career guidance can be delivered in the age of AI. As Ask Sétu continues to develop and refine its capabilities, I stand true to my mission help young people unlock professional success and play a crucial role in shaping their educational journeys and career paths in France.