Arnaud Crémèse - Independent truffle broker - Alumni of the IAE Pau-Bayonne Master's in International Purchasing and Logistics

‘The IAE Pau-Bayonne has an excellent reputation, both for the quality of its support and the strength of its network of companies, which was a decisive factor for me in pursuing a career in the strategic field of purchasing and logistics.’


Hello, could you introduce yourself in a few words? What degree did you obtain from the IAE Pau-Bayonne? What has been your career path so far?

My name is Arnaud Crémèse, and I graduated from the IAE Pau-Bayonne with a Master's degree in International Purchasing and Logistics in 2022. I first enrolled at the IAE Pau-Bayonne in the MIAL Master's programme, then took a gap year to complete two internships. I then decided to switch to the ALI (International Purchasing and Logistics) Master's degree.

Throughout this journey, I was able to talk to the heads of these two programmes, who guided and supported me in my career plan to join a fast-growing SME in order to help build and develop their purchasing department.

In 2021, you enrolled in the Master 2 in International Purchasing and Logistics at the IAE Pau-Bayonne. Why did you choose this programme?

I chose this Master's programme because of its rich curriculum, which combines technical expertise, international exposure and proximity to the professional world. The IAE Pau-Bayonne has an excellent reputation, both for the quality of its support and for the strength of its network of companies, which was a decisive factor for me in pursuing a career in the strategic field of purchasing and logistics.
Another factor that strongly influenced my choice was its resolutely practical approach, with a sustained work-study programme in companies. This format represented a real challenge that I wanted to take on. I felt the need to directly confront my university learning with operational reality and to apply, in a concrete and immediate way, the knowledge imparted by the IAE Pau-Bayonne.

How has the IAE Pau-Bayonne helped you in your professional career and in building it?

The IAE Pau-Bayonne has enabled me to develop key skills such as project management, negotiation and mastery of international logistics flows, while strengthening essential soft skills such as intercultural communication, teamwork and adaptability. The quality and commitment of the lecturers, whether academics or professionals, were decisive in my career: they were able to pass on not only their technical expertise, but also their strategic vision of the profession.
The practical projects, rooted in real-world situations, helped me gain confidence, learn to make strategic decisions and, above all, develop a real ability to identify and seize opportunities, whether professional or related to market developments. Finally, the IAE Pau-Bayonne network has been a real springboard, offering privileged access to contacts and varied and stimulating career prospects.

What motivated you to turn to entrepreneurship and business creation?

Originally, entrepreneurship was not my immediate plan. At the end of my studies at the IAE Pau-Bayonne, I had the choice between two VIE (Volontariats International en Entreprise) programmes in the field of purchasing and logistics. Ultimately, due to a combination of circumstances and a concrete opportunity, I chose to pursue a field I was already familiar with, but one with real prospects for growth.
This change of direction came about naturally: I felt ready to take on this challenge thanks to the solid knowledge I had acquired in business management at the IAE Pau-Bayonne, whether in strategic planning, team management, budget management or market analysis. These skills gave me the confidence I needed to get started, combining strategic vision and operational execution, and thus transform an opportunity into a real entrepreneurial project.

Do you have any advice or recommendations for young talents who have recently graduated?

I would tell young graduates that learning is not limited to classes or exams: it also happens through exchanges with speakers and through the real-life cases we work on throughout the year. These projects are real-life professional situations; it is essential to take them seriously and to learn as much as possible from them in terms of skills and professional reflexes.
For work-study programmes, I advise getting fully involved in the company, integrating into the team, being proactive and seeking to understand in depth the objectives set for us. The more committed you are, the more you will develop your autonomy and added value, and the more this experience will become a decisive asset for the rest of your career.

Do you have a message for students currently studying at the IAE Pau-Bayonne?

Make the most of your time at the IAE Pau-Bayonne! Get involved in projects, talk to your classmates and teachers, and don't be afraid to ask questions or test your ideas. This is the ideal time to build a solid foundation, not only in terms of knowledge, but also in terms of the human relationships that will accompany you throughout your career.

And don't forget to enjoy the South-West: the local culture, the richness of the terroir, the culinary specialities, the landscapes and the unique atmosphere of the region are an integral part of the experience. On the Bayonne campus, it's hard to find a better place to combine quality education with a fulfilling student and personal life.


Find out more about the Master's in International Purchasing and Logistics at the IAE Pau-Bayonne:

Master's in International Purchasing and Logistics