Holder of a Master’s degree in Economic and Social Administration, graduate of the IAE Pau-Bayonne, Philippe Gérard worked for twenty years in the retail sector before taking over his first Bureau Vallée franchise in Bègles (33), in 2016.
Why did you choose this course of study?
On the day of registration, I had two files in my hands and was still hesitating between Economics and ESA… I compared the list of courses and, in the end, ESA won out thanks to its multidisciplinary aspect, much more in line with my project. It was still rather vague, but I dreamed of running a company! I must admit I didn’t really know which path to take to get there. At the end of the 1980s, university was still very far from the business world. So, although it wasn’t mandatory, I did several internships to “test” different sectors: banking, insurance, healthcare, retail. And I became president of the ESA students’ association, a mini company where I learned how to manage a budget, generate revenue by selling pastries and photocopies, organize student events, recruit and supervise volunteers…
After obtaining a Master’s degree in ESA, did you continue your studies at IAE Pau-Bayonne?
University offers many opportunities to those who are proactive, hardworking, and curious about new experiences. With my Master’s degree in ESA in hand, I naturally applied to the IAE (Institute of Business Administration) — somewhat like UPPA’s “business school” — to obtain the Certificate of Aptitude for Business Administration, recognized in the job market. This diploma allowed me to get through the first selection rounds and land interviews… At the same time, I also took courses in the DESS Business Law program.
What has been your career path?
I found my first job within four months. I was aiming for an initial experience in retail and was hired by Auchan Bordeaux Lac as a department manager. Then I moved on to become department head and deputy hypermarket director. In 2004, I joined Leclerc as a non-food buyer, then commercial director of the Mont-de-Marsan purchasing center, and director of the Leclerc Biscarrosse shopping center. After twenty years in retail, it was time to start my own business. I studied several franchises and chose Bureau Vallée (a network of nearly 400 stores in France) which was gaining market share. A first store in Bègles, a second in downtown Bordeaux, and a third one in the works.
What memories do you keep from the Pau campus?
Wonderful years, meeting my future wife — a law student at UPPA —, high-quality teachers, and countless hours at the university library doing research that today would take only a few minutes with the internet…
Three words you spontaneously associate with UPPA and IAE Pau-Bayonne?
Friendliness, simplicity, and closeness.
I chose UPPA for three reasons: I could easily return to my family in Tarbes, Pau was a pleasant, human-sized city, and the university had a reputation for offering a good quality of life and work.
What advice would you give to a future student?
Make sure you get informed before starting a program or choosing a specialization. Having taught at the University of Bordeaux, I’ve noticed that many young people today tend to think that social networks alone convey absolute truth… They would benefit from broadening their sources and engaging with professionals or professors. Second piece of advice: don’t think that at university, you can do the bare minimum and get by. In the job market, there’s truly an advantage for those who invest themselves, get involved, travel, and diversify their experiences. An excellent economics professor in my first year once told us, “you know, university is only worth it if you work hard enough to be among the top students.” He was absolutely right.
Interview by Florence Elman.
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