As a student of the Rennes School of Business in France, Alexandra Garnier decided an exchange program would broaden her experiences on an international level. Garnier chose to pursue an MBA at USF, saying she was “seeking not just top-tier education but also an immersion into an academic culture geared towards innovation and leadership—skills pivotal to managing enterprises in a globalized context.”
During her time at USF, Garnier noted that the Integrated Business Applications project (IBA) — an assignment that gives business students an opportunity to apply skills they’ve learned in the classroom in the real world— resonated with her the most. Working closely with candy maker DeBrand’s Fine Chocolates, Garnier honed her analytical skills and learned the value of meticulous research. The project “underscored the importance of team synergy,” and she was able to integrate the skills she learned in the classroom while collaborating with a real company. “These experiences have been fundamental in shaping my approach to leadership and decision-making,” Garnier said. Not only was she able to gain insight into the workings of a successful business, but she was also able to be creative in the workplace.
After her time at USF, Garnier spent a decade at Capgemini, an IT services company, where she oversaw large projects. She then spent another decade “creating, structuring, managing and developing companies” within traditional sectors. Today, Garnier is a partner at Wayden, an executive interim management company, in Paris. While working to continuously improve her understanding of her clients’ plans, she said that she is “lucky enough to be at the very heart of business transformation,” and is planning on to continue developing her professional network to succeed in her field.
When asked what advice she would give French students at USF, Garnier encouraged them to “immerse themselves in campus culture, but also to stay connected to their French heritage.” She advised them to have an open mind to the diverse experiences that they will have during their time at USF and embrace every professional opportunity that comes their way.
To students who are considering a study abroad program in France, Garnier recommended, "You should dive into the local customs, cuisines, and daily life. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that can shape your life in unexpected and wonderful ways. France has so many enriching experiences both in and out of the classroom that USF students should fully embrace."