Ovidiu Sofronia (ESSEC 1995)

Q: What is your background?

I started my higher education in Romania, my native country, where I obtained a master of engineering degree from the Polytechnical School of Timisoara. December 1989 events brought me the desired freedom and opened new opportunities for my career. I integrated ESSEC in 1993. In 1994 I did my first internship with Arthur Andersen in Paris - 6 extraordinary months to understand the financial side of the enterprises in France.

The LVMH-ESSEC Chair of Marketing and Management for Luxury Brands really "opened the doors" for me to this exclusive industry. Another 6 months internship with Guerlain in Paris as controller allowed me to understand and appreciate even more this historic and exceptional French knowledge of luxury and "art de vivre".

After my graduation from ESSEC and another year spend in audit with Arthur Andersen, in 1997 I have returned to my "first love" - Guerlain perfume house. Almost three years in Finance as budget and Export Dept. Controller, together with my "international profile" prepared me enough to take a responsiblity abroad.

I control now the financial activities for both Guerlain and Parfums Christian Dior in Latin America, a very challenging task through the diversity, difficulties and potential of the region.

Q: Why did you decide to come and stay here?

My decision to come to Miami was motivated by the opportunity to work with a team I have worked with at the headquarters and to take this big challenge of reorganizing Guerlain Latin America. An American experience is also valuable to any career path, even though Miami is not necessarily the most representative for the American business environment. As a matter of fact, this makes it even more interesting by facing American, Latin and international influence in South Florida.

Working for a French subsidiary in the US brings another very interesting challenge, to adapt to the local business practices while keeping our identity and enterprise culture - which I consider determinant factors for our success.

Last but not least, Florida offers a great living environment - even though very different from the one in France - not less interesting.

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

First, to be flexible and able to adapt to a very different life. Second, to accept that as a foreigner in the US you will spend some bad time for your installation. But once you pass this period, you can start enjoying the good parts of the American way of living. In order to make this period smoother, get all the information prior to your arrival; personal experience shared by the ones already here is the most valuable. Every detail counts: understanding the private banking system, tips on accommodation searching, best place to buy a car or negotiate a lease.

Third, don't get influenced by all the pre-conceived ideas about the US you got back in Europe; take the time to understand the people and the country and you will realize that it doesn't have to be better or worse, it's just different.

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

ESSEC gives us this flexibility and open mindness you need so much here. In the same time, a rigorous way of doing business which doesn't have anything to envy to the American one. Also, the language and cultural courses at ESSEC prepared me with a good understanding of the US before arriving here.

The different specializations where ESSEC is a pioneer and/or the best - like LVMH chair - gives you unique and valuable skills easy to apply in the "land of all the opportunities".

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

By organizing the Miami Chapter, I took a first step in organizing activities with and around ESSEC alumni here in Florida. From the simple exchange of experiences to networking, every action can provide an important help. In the same time, I try to advise all the ESSEC students asking for information, internships and jobs in the US. I succeed to bring also one 1st year student from ESSEC for 1 year internship in my department.

Besides these direct actions within ESSEC family, I try to promote our school whenever I have the chance in my working environment and through my business contacts.

Thank you...

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