Can you tell us about your academic background and your studies at KEDGE? In what context did you study there?
I joined KEDGE in 2011, in my third year, after two years of preparatory classes in the Paris region. I then completed the PGE Master’s program at KEDGE Marseille.

While in Marseille, I was a member of the Unilab association, and that’s when I first became interested in Brazil.

I later did a six-month internship at the Franco-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce in Rio. I was supposed to do another internship in China the following semester, but it didn’t work out—and I was really happy in Brazil.

In my final year (M2), I was supposed to return to France, but I didn’t want to at all. I was feeling good in Brazil and starting to establish myself. The school eventually allowed me to complete my final electives remotely, as long as I had a concrete project.

Why did you decide to move to São Paulo? Was it a personal desire or an opportunity you seized?
Honestly, São Paulo was not my first choice—I felt very comfortable in Rio. But I had to work, and constantly renewing visas was not a sustainable situation. So after three years, I opted for a VIE (Volontariat International en Entreprise), which brought me to São Paulo.

During my VIE, I worked for a condiment producer, where I was responsible for developing the brand’s sales in Brazil. It was a real success and a role in which I truly thrived! After two years, the same company offered me a permanent contract, still in international business development, but now covering all of South America.

When I arrived, I didn’t speak a word of Portuguese. At KEDGE, I had chosen Chinese as my third language (laughs). Luckily, I had some knowledge of Spanish, which helped a lot at first. But Brazilian Portuguese is a language of its own, so I had to make a real effort to stop speaking “Portuñol” (a local term for a mix of Portuguese and Spanish).

Those two years of working exclusively with Brazilian clients really accelerated my language learning.

🎬 Fast & Curious – Virginie
Meet Virginie, Business Development Manager for Latin America at a condiment producer, and an expatriate in São Paulo 🇧🇷. Her full interview is coming soon—until then, enjoy this video preview!
Published by KAS – KEDGE Alumni Success on Wednesday, April 24, 2019

What differences do you notice in the way people work between Brazil and France?
The biggest difference is the role of emotions in the workplace. You have to be more careful with how you phrase things when speaking to Brazilian employees—they tend to be more sensitive.

In my role, I’m often the bridge between French and Brazilian business practices, so I have to find a balance.

But it’s not just in the workplace. In everyday life, you need to be tactful when speaking to Brazilians—especially for us French, who are often seen as “bulls in a china shop” (laughs).

Even with clients, conversations—mostly via messaging—are very informal. It’s perfectly normal to send a smiley emoji to a client here. That said, the cheerful tone doesn’t necessarily mean the deal is about to close—you have to read between the lines. On the flip side, formal phrases like “Best regards” simply don’t exist here!

What are your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
Big question! In the short term, I’d like to stay in Brazil—now that I’ve built something here, I’m not eager to leave. But in the long term, there’s a good chance I’ll move to another country.

One thing’s for sure—I won’t be moving back to France. It’s way too cold! (laughs) I’m drawn to the cultures of Asia and Africa, so one of those continents will likely be my next destination.

How did KEDGE help you when you moved to Brazil?
I’d say KEDGE was especially helpful after graduation. I wanted to do a VIE, and having a degree from a top business school was a real advantage when applying—first to the Franco-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, and later for my VIE with the condiment producer.

Did you have any apprehensions before moving?
Not really! When I arrived, my father was already living in Brazil, so it was easier for me—I had a solid point of reference. It was kind of cheating compared to someone who moves alone to the other side of the world.

I know many friends were worried about safety. Yes, you do need to adopt new habits and be cautious. But don’t fall into paranoia. Personally, everything has gone well for me—on all fronts.

What advice would you give to a recent KEDGE graduate who’s considering starting their career in Latin America?
Beyond the company you work for, I think it’s important to get involved in a local association. It helps you integrate and understand the local culture. Brazilians often perceive us as arrogant or superior. Getting involved is a great way to meet people and show them that we’re just like them!

Another small but useful tip: appearance matters a lot here. For example, chipped nail polish or worn-out shoes can give the impression that someone is careless.

Which sectors are thriving in this country, in your opinion? Are there opportunities for young graduates?
Some industries have always been stable in Brazil and offer job security. But if I had to name just one, it would be perfumery and cosmetics. Brazilians care deeply about their appearance, regardless of social background. Scent plays a major role in Brazilian culture.

There’s even a stereotype here that French people smell bad and never shower (laughs).

What have you found here that you wouldn’t find in France?
The reason I’ve always wanted to live here is the Brazilian way of life. Life here is truly enjoyable! It’s not a cliché—Brazilians are much more relaxed and less stressed than Europeans. We often compare our situations with our group of friends from KEDGE, and it’s clear that the pace and environment here are much more pleasant.

That said, it does come with some downsides. For example, everything moves more slowly here—people take their time with everything, including business. I can tell you it’s sometimes hard to close a deal with a Brazilian client, because even if they’re very interested, they’ll take their time to think it over.

What is your role as an Alumni? You graduated from KEDGE and are now part of our global network.
We’re kind of the face of the school abroad. We belong to a community, and it’s up to us to get involved. Here in São Paulo, we’re lucky to have a very active alumni chapter. I always attend the afterworks with pleasure. It’s a great way to maintain professional relationships—and we genuinely have a good time!

Interview conducted in São Paulo by the five students of the KEDGE Alumni Success pro-act.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE KAT PROJECT