Antoine Cousseau, Athlete Coordinator on the Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games

After a DUT (Technical University Diploma) in Marketing Techniques and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management at UPPA, Antoine Cousseau completed his studies with a Master’s in Sports Marketing at the University of Montpellier. A pathway with plenty of professional experience that opened the doors to the world of sports events. 

How did you choose what to study? 

In the final year of my Baccalaureate, like lots of high school students, I didn’t really know what career to choose. As I wasn't set on a particular sector or profession, I chose generalist courses, so that I’d have as many options as possible two or three years down the line. I applied to several DUTs in Marketing Techniques in France and was accepted at UPPA, on the Bayonne campus. These first two years helped clarify things and showed me that I was more attracted to marketing than to sales. The work placements - the first in Los Angeles with an NGO that helped disadvantaged children through sport, the second with a company in Biarritz that was expanding internationally in the surfing market - and my final year project on preparations for the French University Surfing Cup, were decisive. The field of sport was became an obvious choice… Hence my decision to enrol in the Bachelor’s in Economics and Management, also on the Bayonne campus, to enhance my skills in the fields of international relations, project management and marketing, followed by a Master’s in Sports Marketing in Montpellier, which included a tutored project in the second year. I also set up my own communication business for surf brands in the Basque Country. 

What memories do you have of the Bayonne campus? 

A convenient location, close to the Petit Bayonne district, cafes, shops... And beaches nearby for surfing, which I’ve enjoyed since I was a child! There’s also a very motivating study environment with very friendly and approachable lecturers. 

What did you do after graduating from your Master’s course? 

In 2019, at the end of my Master’s, I did a six-month work placement with the Landes Olympic and Sports Committee, in the team in charge of preparing the application to host Olympic surf teams. At the end of the internship, I was hired on a fixed-term contract and continued working on the organisation of the Olympic events, building the image of the Landes as a surfing destination, and developing the sport… Unfortunately, the Landes’ application was unsuccessful and then COVID happened. I decided not to continue the adventure and set off to spend three months sailing on a boat in the Caribbean.

When I came back, I started job hunting. I had three key words: Olympics, marketing, sport… I spent six months working on the Génération 2024 programme (Paris 2024 education programme) with the Paris educational authorities, which allowed me to grow my network. In May 2022, I joined the Paris 2024 Organising Committee in Saint-Denis (Seine-Saint-Denis) as Athlete Coordinator. It’s been a unique and highly motivating experience, if somewhat stressful at times! My job is to attract athletes to the highlights of the Games - the opening ceremony, the Olympic torch relay, the celebrations, etc. - and organise all the logistics of their stay. Afterwards, I’ll have to move on… I'm thinking of travelling for a few months and finding a job abroad, still in sports events! 

What words do you spontaneously associate with UPPA? 

Pedagogy – Inclusion in the faculty/student relationship – Quality of student life.  

What would you say to a young person starting a course at UPPA?

Lots of young people want to work in sport. I’d say there is no predetermined path. In the Organising Committee, there are accountants, architects, salespeople, marketers, project managers… Recruiters look for a coherent study background, skills and experience acquired in sport. Work placements and group work are a real plus on your CV. I realised this afterwards. I can't thank UPPA enough for giving me the opportunity to work on the organisation of the French University Surfing Cup. Without this experience, I might not be on the Organising Committee! 

Want to find out more? 

DUT in Marketing Techniques    IAE Pau-Bayonne