Hello, my name is Valérie and I am the Operational Director of the Collège de Paris Grand Est, Eucléa Business School and Akalis Mulhouse. I take care of the structuring and coordination of the operational activity, the implementation of the operational strategy as well as the management and management of the activated and resources.
What would you like to tell us about your career?
I have been in recruitment and vocational training for over 16 years. I obtained my BTS Accounting and Management of Organizations in Saint André in Colmar, then I obtained my Bachelor Human Resources. I was a recruitment consultant for 3 years. I then joined the professional training sector in different sectors to finish as Group Operations Director. Finally I am currently Operational Director of the Collège de Paris Grand Est, Eucléa Business School and Akalis Mulhouse.
What are the different missions/responsibilities of an Operational Director?
My missions are very varied. My days are never the same, I don’t have a «typical day». My work varies according to periods and projects. That’s what I love about my job. I take care of the operational management of the sales administration, the educational organization of the alternates as well as the management and management of the entire team of trainers. This position is very transversal and constantly evolving, which leads me to do other missions as well.
What personal qualities and professional skills do you need?
You must be attentive, available and have a good relational adaptability: know how to adapt to the person in front of you! In the field, you must be able to anticipate problems, be open, intuitive, reactive, love social relationships and be conciliatory while being firm according to the situations. You must also have a good analytical ability and a good sense of organization otherwise you can quickly be overwhelmed. From a more technical point of view, you have to master the numbers and love management.
What do you think is Eucléa’s strength?
Our strength is to be part of the Collège de Paris network with whom we share the same missions and values. The notoriety of the Collège de Paris is also a strength for Eucléa. Another strength: our pedagogical, administrative and commercial teams who invest daily to grow our school. Il y a aussi la qualité d’intervention de nos formateurs puisque ce sont des professionnels expérimentés qui maitrisent parfaitement leurs sujets et qui transmettent toutes leurs compétences et leur savoir à nos alternants. Our school is accessible to all students who wish to grow professionally and academically. I would finally highlight the pedagogical innovation that is increasingly present such as the English courses under hypnosis offered by the College of Paris Continuing Education.
Do you have a story to tell us?
«the» meeting with Laura Dubois, the Commercial Director of Eucléa during a former professional experience where one of my companies bought its own. First there was a «taming» phase (laughter) and day by day we became very close friends. And by partnering with Collège de Paris, we continue to work together and raise this beautiful project! It’s a great meeting for me, both professionally and personally. And as a bonus, Vinciane, a former colleague, also joined our adventure!
Do you have a particular passion?
I have always loved travelling, discovering new places, other cultures, other ways of living, other horizons etc. A trip for me is not to go as a tourist and bask in the sun (which I admit is very pleasant too), it is initially an opening on other cultures, a discovery of other customs, architecture, culinary art. Gastronomy which for me is a heritage, a culture, an art.
Any advice for someone who would like to become an Operations Director?
Always anticipate each other’s requests to be more effective! No day is the same and every day is a surprise! We work mainly with the Human, so knowing how to be is an essential dimension! It is important to know how to stand out, to bet on the difference. Skills are obviously important, but so are thinking, questioning, and even speaking.
Any final words for our readers?
My work is truly a passion! I have the chance to do a job that is very diverse, or I learn new things and that allows me to have a great deal of autonomy.
