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Internship Spotlight: Jade Bréchard - Chambre de Commerce de Paris

Jade at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Paris.

After graduating with high honors in Geopolitical and Economic Science from the French Baccalaureate, I’m pursuing a double major in Political Science and International Development in the Faculty of Arts. My coursework has focused on international relations, political science, environmental challenges, and economics. This academic background, combined with my practical experiences, has fueled my passion for addressing complex geopolitical issues through interdisciplinary solutions that integrate scientific and business strategies.

CEIBS Conference organized by the French-Chinese Committee.

I have always been deeply interested in understanding the mechanisms behind geopolitical tensions, economic relations between countries, and exploring ways to resolve them. This interest led me to become a member of the European League for Democracy, a non-profit organization that aligns democratic principles with solutions proposed by financial professionals and scientists to address ongoing political tensions in Europe.

Therefore, my internship at the International Chamber of Commerce (CCI) in Paris was a pivotal experience, allowing me to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting. The CCI Paris ÃŽle-de-France serves over 1,350,000 businesses, accounting for 31% of the national GDP, and focuses on facilitating business creation and aiding business transformations such as digitalization and ecological transitions. The CCI also provides training to prepare the workforce for current and future job market demands and engages with public authorities to advocate for business-friendly policies.

At CCI, I was part of the Department of Events, Networks, and Country Partnerships (DERP), where I worked with a team of regional advisors to assist French businesses in their international ventures. This included organizing delegation welcomes, webinars, forums, and B2B meetings. I collaborated with the World Trade Center and the "Doing Business" initiative, helping international companies navigate the French market. My responsibilities included drafting country reports to understand the economic and political landscapes before hosting delegations, such as the delegation from Binh Dinh, a Vietnamese province interested in trading with French companies.

A significant aspect of my internship was my involvement in the "Women in Tech for Future" initiative, a collaborative effort by Numeum Syndicate, and the Paris ÃŽle-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This initiative aims to enhance the visibility and international business opportunities for women in the tech sector. I contributed to organizing their participation in major events like the Web Summit in Lisbon, Viva Technology, Slush, and Gitex Africa. I assisted 11 women in preparing their pitches for Viva Tech, connecting them with potential investors, and promoting diversity and inclusivity in the tech ecosystem.

Another extremely enriching experience was my involvement with the CEFC (Comité d'Échange Franco-Chinois), which specializes in fostering and strengthening relationships between France and China in the hearth of the CCI. The CEFC plays a crucial role in organizing events that bring together business leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to promote bilateral trade and investment. My work with the CEFC provided me with a unique perspective on international diplomacy and trade relations, further enhancing my understanding of geopolitical dynamics.

Viva Tech 2024.
My responsibilities were multifaced, I was actively involved in the organization and execution of various high-profile events. One such event was the CEIBS (China Europe International Business School) conference, which attracted numerous journalists, officials, and business leaders. This conference was a significant platform for discussing and exploring business opportunities between France and China. I had the opportunity to engage in meaningful networking at these events. One of the highlights of my time with the CEFC was meeting Dominique de Villepin, the former Prime Minister of France. Engaging with such high-profile individuals allowed me to gain insights into the nuances of international relations and the strategic considerations that underpin diplomatic engagements.

Throughout my internship, I faced several challenges, such as mastering new technologies, confidently approaching senior professionals, adapting to a professional environment, and developing creative solutions beyond academic requirements. I overcame these challenges by seeking help, staying open to learning, and continuously improving my professional creativity.

This internship reaffirmed my choice of majors and inspired me to consider a master’s degree in international relations with a stronger focus on business. It highlighted the importance of business acumen in implementing effective solutions, such as supporting women in tech or developing a small economy. The experience provided me with valuable skills and qualifications that will benefit my academic and professional journey.

The funding I received for this internship allowed me to fully engage with the Women in Tech community, participate in events like Viva Tech, and enjoy team-building activities. This financial support facilitated my involvement in professional gatherings and discussions, and personal activities in parallel, I therefore thank you very much for that.

In conclusion, this internship was a transformative experience, providing me with practical skills, professional insights, and a clearer vision for my future career path.

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