Hello, my name is Laura Dubois and I am Commercial Director since November 2019 of the Collège de Paris Grand Est, Eucléa Business School and Akalis Mulhouse.
What would you like to tell us about your career?
I had a literary baccalaureate and then I did a Spanish degree. I then embarked on a year of international relations at a Brazilian university, since originally I wanted to be an interpreter and work internationally. I always liked the contact! I chose Brazil easily since it is my origin, my mom is Brazilian!
After being admitted to the Higher Institute of Interpretation and International Relations I chose to discover something else, that’s why I integrated an International Relations section in a Brazilian university, an excellent experience! On my return, I started working in a language training organization (French, Spanish, Portuguese) while continuing my studies: I gave language courses to young people, students, and employees.
I really enjoyed it! At the same time I also did interpreting for people arriving on French territory and having trouble integrating, translation for the Louis Pasteur University of Strasbourg also. When I finished my degree I continued to work in training. And little by little, over experiences, training and meetings during my career I arrived there!
What are the different missions/responsibilities of a Sales Director?
We are in a new structure so I am very operational and I really like it. I am in charge of relations with companies, sales monitoring, accompaniment of apprentices in their host companies, prospecting, training and statistics monitoring. I am also in charge of the commercial development of Eucléa and Akalis.
On the communication and marketing side, in support with the communication department of the Collège de Paris and our communication agency, my mission is to promote Collège de Paris Grand Est, Eucléa and Akalis. Finally, there are plenty of things to do on a daily basis, offers to set up, innovative products, looking for the best way to work commercially, communicating on networks, launching new campaigns. I actively participated in the assembly and administrative follow-up of the 3 entities, exciting as experience also.
What personal qualities and professional skills do you need?
My job requires an excellent sense of relationship, spontaneity and dynamism! I would add that a big smile is also necessary as well as to know how to manage his stress and keep his cool!
From a more professional point of view, you have to be very organized. You need a very important sense of listening, computer skills (pack office, etc.) and be determined. But you also need a sense of teamwork: without the team, you can’t get out of it! This requires respect for everyone’s work. Finally, responsiveness and commercial sense are also essential!
What do you think is Eucléa’s strength?
Our strength is the Collège de Paris and its network, we can rely on them for a lot of subjects, their knowledge of the functioning of business and management schools is a real asset for us. The reputation of Collège de Paris is also a strength, we also share the same values. We learned a lot this last year with Collège de Paris at our side. I think we must also highlight the team: the teaching team, the administrative team and all those who invest in this project. For me it’s the human side that makes the difference!
Do you have a story to tell us?
My meeting with Valérie (Operations Director)! For the record at the time, his company bought mine, so we were «forced» to work together, to get to know each other and from thread to thread, we became great friends! And when we set up the current project with the Collège de Paris, we also decided to recruit Vinciane last year as we knew about our past experiences!
Do you have a particular passion?
I have this double culture that gave me a passion for languages and for travel! I travelled a lot, lived in Brazil for a few years and have my family there. I also like to read just like gastronomy!
Any advice for someone who wants to become a sales manager?
You have to be prepared! We must be aware of the responsibilities this entails for teams in particular. I think you have to be passionate!
Any final words for our readers?
I think that we write our career path and that if we are good personally, it is felt professionally! At the Collège de Paris I have a lot of autonomy and it is very important for me. They believe in us, our project, our abilities and our experience!
