Marine Cazenave, Managing Director of the Immo 64 Group – Soumoulou Agency
A graduate of the Marketing Techniques programme at the Bayonne and Basque Country University Institute of Technology (IUT), Marine Cazenave turned her entrepreneurial ambition into reality by opening her own real estate agency in July 2023.
At the time, how did you envision your future career?
I chose to study Marketing Techniques after completing a scientific baccalaureate. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into three Marketing Techniques programmes, but I chose to study at the Bayonne and Basque Country IUT, which had an excellent reputation and offered a welcoming, high-quality living environment.
This broad-based programme was perfectly suited to my goals: working in sales and developing a wide range of skills. I learned how to manage the finances of a business, from processing accounting data to preparing financial statements, as well as the different stages of sales negotiations (pricing strategies, understanding the customer journey and closing a sale) and communication skills (writing sales copy, designing flyers and using social media).
At that point, I had not yet considered opening a real estate agency. I was equally interested in sales negotiations, communication and marketing.
When did you decide to start your own business? What did your years at UPPA bring you?
It was only later, while completing my Bachelor's degree in Business and Marketing at the Toulouse School of Management (École Supérieure de Gestion – ESG), that I identified this professional opportunity. I first worked as a sales agent for the Immo 64 group before setting up my own business in July 2023. I have always been driven by the ambition to run my own company and be independent. This goal was perfectly aligned with the range of skills I had developed during my University Diploma (DUT) in Marketing Techniques: management, sales negotiations, marketing and more.
Do you remember any particular highlight from your time at UPPA?
I remember winning an internal sales negotiation competition organised by UPPA, which took me all the way to a national selection event held at a ski resort. The atmosphere was particularly friendly and welcoming, and I have very fond memories of the experience. I also greatly appreciated the programme's friendly atmosphere and its broad-based approach, which opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the business world.
What advice would you give to a young person considering studying at UPPA?
If they have not yet decided on their career path, I would recommend starting with this broad-based programme, which provides valuable foundations for anyone aspiring to run their own business. The programme also includes internships that give students the opportunity to explore different professions. For example, thanks to my first work experience, I realised that I did not want to become a bank advisor, as I had initially considered. I would also encourage them to gain professional experience through work-study programmes, allowing them to develop their skills and broaden their experience.
Interview by Séverine Cuesta
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Bachelor of Technology in Marketing Techniques
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