Claire Gauduchon - Sales representative for a French signage company in Peru “Signaux Girod” - Alumni IAE Pau-Bayonne Master MIAL

Claire Gauduchon, Sales Representative for a French signage company in Peru, “Signaux Girod”, and alumni of the Master 2 International Management Latin America program at IAE Pau-Bayonne.

“Going abroad during your studies is an excellent opportunity. Personally, you learn a lot, you get out of your comfort zone and come face to face with the realities and workings of other countries. But it's also a real advantage on your CV. Employers like students who seize opportunities and get out of their comfort zone. ”

Can you introduce yourself in a few words? Which IAE Pau-Bayonne training did you graduate from? What has been your career path so far?

Hello, I'm Claire Gauduchon, I am currently living in Lima, Peru. I graduated from the IAE Pau-Bayonne in 2024 with a master's degree in International Trade specializing in Latin America. After graduating, I went back to my student job in a bar-tapas in Bayonne to find a position in the Marketing sector. Then, after 9 months of searching, I decided to try living in Peru. After several months of searching, I found a sales job with a French road sign company (paint, road signs, lane dividers...).

Why did you choose Peru for your international experience?

Peru has always been a dream destination for me, ever since I was a little girl. My grandmother had been there, and she used to tell me about the trip with stars in her eyes. As part of my Master's degree in International Business with a specialization in Latin America, I went to Peru for a year, where I spent 6 months studying at a local university and 6 months as an intern. Having had this first positive experience in this country, I was keen to go back.

How did you go about your mobility abroad? What difficulties did you encounter?

As far as the formalities for entering the country are concerned, it's pretty straightforward. I obtained a PVT visa (working vacation permit), which entitles me to 1 year in the country and the possibility of working there. On the other hand, I had trouble finding a job in the country. Here, companies are only allowed to hire a few foreigners, i.e. 20% of the total number of employees.

So how is life in Peru?

Life in Peru is pleasant. It's a real challenge to live here and understand the cultural aspects. Peruvians have very good values; when they know someone who has a problem, it becomes their problem and they'll do everything they can to find a solution. They're very supportive. The food is really excellent. There are lots of specialties and it's really good. You have to get used to the traffic and the horns, but otherwise life in Lima is pleasant; the capital is by the sea and close to the mountains. It's a country steeped in history, with the Incas, colonization and wars.
So for all nature and history lovers, it's a great destination.

A word for students hesitating to go abroad during their studies?

Going abroad during your studies is an excellent opportunity. Personally, you learn a lot, you get out of your comfort zone and you come face to face with the realities and workings of other countries. But it's also a real advantage on the CV. Employers like students who seize opportunities and get out of their comfort zone. So I'd advise every student to seize every opportunity that comes their way. The IAE Pau-Bayonne is a great course that opens up a lot of doors for us later on.

Find out more about the Master in International Management Latin America :

Master International Management Latin America