From Digital Marketing Apprenticeship to Investor Relations Professional: How Shauna Built an International Career in France
- My English Sister
- il y a 5 heures
- 4 min de lecture
A cancelled study abroad didn’t end Shauna’s French adventure; it transformed it. What started as a setback became the foundation for an exciting new chapter with a Digital Marketing Apprenticeship in Lyon.
Four years ago, after her year abroad was cut short by the pandemic, Shauna refused to let her dream of living in France fade. Freshly graduated in French and International Business, she opened her laptop, searched for English-speaking jobs in Lyon, and discovered the My English Sister Apprenticeship programme.
The chance to gain real digital marketing experience while earning a free Master’s degree was too good to pass up. At My English Sister, she sharpened her marketing skills, boosted her confidence and improved her French; all of which helped turn a temporary stay into a permanent move.
Today, Shauna lives in Lyon and has launched her career in Investor Relations at Archimed, an internationally renowned company. We sat down with her to learn how her time with My English Sister helped make it all possible.
Q1. Thinking back to when you first joined MES, what inspired you to take the apprenticeship route into digital marketing?
When I first joined MES, I had just completed my undergraduate degree in International Business and French. After spending my third year studying abroad in Lyon, I was eager to return to France and take my first professional step. The Digital Marketing Apprenticeship with MES immediately stood out - it offered the chance to gain hands-on experience within a French company while studying for a Master’s degree.
Having already worked as an English teacher, earned my TEFL certification, and gained part-time experience at a graphic design agency, I was particularly drawn to the creative and strategic mix that digital marketing offered. The apprenticeship path felt like the perfect way to build practical skills and grow in an international and dynamic environment.
Q2. How has your career or personal development evolved since completing the MES apprenticeship programme
After completing my apprenticeship with MES in August 2022, I had the opportunity to move to Paris to teach English in a primary school. Although I enjoyed teaching, I soon realised how much I missed the creative and organisational side of marketing. That led me to set up my own micro-entrepreneur business as a virtual assistant, offering remote marketing and administrative support.
The following summer, in 2023, I returned to Lyon and decided to gain experience in the corporate world. I joined a global private equity firm as a Front Desk Administrator and, after six months, transitioned into an Executive Assistant position.
In May of this year, I was promoted to Investor Relations Coordinator, a role that allows me to combine my communication, organisation, and business skills in a fast-paced international setting.
Q3. Can you tell us about your current role and the top three skills you use day to day?
I’m currently an Investor Relations Coordinator at a French private equity firm based in Lyon. My work involves supporting the Investor Relations team with daily operations; mainly assisting the Head of Investor Relations and liaising with Investors and between different internal departments to ensure smooth communication and coordination.
Three key skills that are essential for my role are:
Communication: Working with global teams and investors means that clear and timely communication is vital.
Organisation: Managing multiple projects and deadlines requires strong planning and attention to detail.
Adaptability: In a fast-paced financial environment, priorities can shift quickly, so flexibility and problem-solving are key.
Q4. After completing your MES apprenticeship, what stood out as your biggest takeaway, and what did you aim to achieve next??
My biggest takeaway from the MES apprenticeship was developing confidence in a professional environment. Working on real projects taught me how to adapt, collaborate effectively, and manage responsibilities - all skills I use daily.
After finishing the programme, my main goal was to stay in France and build a meaningful career here. With my background in International Business, I remained open to exploring different industries beyond marketing, and the MES experience gave me the foundation and confidence to do just that.
Q5. Looking back on your time at MES, what key lessons or experiences have had a lasting impact on your career?
During my time at MES, I built strong project management and teamwork skills. I learned how to handle diverse tasks, set priorities, and collaborate with colleagues from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds.
These experiences have been invaluable in every role I’ve taken since - whether teaching in Paris, managing my own business, or working in investor relations. I still rely on these same skills every day to stay organised, communicate clearly, and adapt to new professional environments.
Q5. How did your MES apprenticeship help you stand out to employers?
The MES apprenticeship really helped me stand out because it offered such a unique combination: teaching English, gaining digital marketing experience, and studying for a Master’s degree all at once. That mix of hands-on learning and academic study gave me plenty to talk about in interviews and allowed me to highlight my versatility, time management, and adaptability, qualities that employers value highly.
Q5. Do you have a favourite memory from your time at MES?
One of my favourite memories from my time at MES was collaborating on the team’s social media campaigns. It was incredibly rewarding to brainstorm ideas together, create content, and then see the results of our work shared with the MES community.
Q5. If you could speak to new apprentices joining MES today, what lessons or tips would you share from your own experience?
My biggest piece of advice would be to embrace every opportunity to learn, even beyond your main responsibilities. MES offers such a diverse range of projects that you can gain experience in many different areas.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or share your ideas; the team is very open and supportive, and your perspective as a new apprentice is always valued. Finally, treat the experience as a chance to grow both personally and professionally - the skills, confidence, and connections you build here will stay with you long after the programme ends.
Commentaires