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Interview of the month - July 2004:

Alexandra Bouhet-Domart (ESSEC 1992)

What is your background?

I am currently working at AXA Financial in the Treasurer's department, following AXA's US asset management activities and closing down a small bank it owned here. I have been working at AXA since 1996 at various asset management related positions within several companies (French asset
management company, French insurance company, holding company). Prior to AXA I worked as a credit analyst in Frankfurt at a German merchant bank, BHF-Bank, which has since been acquired by ING Bank. I am also a Certified European Financial Analyst since 2000.

Why did you decide to come and stay here?

I was offered the job while I was working in Paris and saw it as a great opportunity for me and my family. The US is the Mecca for asset management, as US citizen are fully aware they need to provide themselves for their retirement directly or via Pension funds combined with the depth
and innovative capabilities of the US financial markets. I appreciate the American focused and "just do it" attitude. They break up challenges in smaller steps and take that first step.

What advice would you give to ESSEC graduates who would like to come to work here?

When planning to come over one must be fully aware of the very focused attitude of Americans. People often have very focused job descriptions and very sharp professional skills: an American company will hire a foreigner only if he possesses sharp skills, which are not available locally. The visa paperwork is getting more and more complex and lengthy. The best transition is to be sent over by a French corporation and decide if the lifestyle is right for you, learn to play by the local rules and develop your network. Networking is crucial here: it is easy to meet people, especially
through projects such as charities, which are almost compulsory. On the logistics side, flawless health coverage is crucial as medical expenses can reach extravagant levels. Schooling is also very competitive and expensive as early as preschool.

How do you think your ESSEC background helped you to be where you are?

ESSEC gave me strong fundamentals as well as an eagerness to explore new horizons, an ability to seek and learn new skills, to adapt and get out of the comfort zone. I learned how to take a step back and grow beyond being a specialist. My time at ESSEC enabled me to travel a lot through internships and an exchange program (Japan, New York, North Carolina), to do a lot of things in terms of industries and academic subjects as well as student clubs (ESSEC Chine, ESSEC Golf). I also met a lot of different people, most of whom are still close friends. I appreciate the flexibility, just do it attitude of the school.

What do you consider as your role in the ESSEC family?

I participated in the organization of the 2003 ESSEC USA conference on corporate governance, securing my boss as a key speaker. I attended conferences organized by other business schools. I find it is a great networking opportunity and a chance to meet people outside the financial services arena as well as to get feedback from those who have been around longer.

Thank you Alexandra…