In 2011, after earning her ES baccalaureate, Sophie Gourdon enrolled in the BUT* Marketing Techniques program at UPPA in Bayonne. Two years later, she joined ESC Montpellier and shaped her path to take over the family business. 

How did you build your career path? 

After high school, I was advised to do a preparatory class to enter a business school. I didn’t see myself in that type of track, so I preferred to choose a more hands-on program. I applied to several BUT Marketing Techniques programs in Occitanie and Nouvelle-Aquitaine and was selected by UPPA’s IUT in Bayonne. I didn’t hesitate because it’s known for the quality of its courses, and you need a very good record to get in. At first, I didn’t really plan to take over the family business — that idea emerged in my second year when my brother mentioned continuing the adventure. Gourdon, based in Aire-sur-Adour, was founded by my father and uncle over fifty years ago, and they were both starting to think about retirement. 

What memories do you have of those two years at UPPA? 

I wasn’t disappointed! It was exactly what I expected — a very practical program, a timetable similar to high school, a small class, and attentive teachers… During the BUT, I learned all the basics of entrepreneurship: accounting, negotiation, human resources, sales… In fact, when I joined ESC Montpellier, I really had a head start in these subjects compared to students from preparatory classes. The two programs turned out to be complementary: the BUT gave me the foundations for day-to-day work in a company, and the business school gave me the perspective I needed to manage teams and develop a medium- to long-term strategy. My journey shows that you can go to business school with a BUT, as long as you’re among the top students in your class. 

How are you approaching the takeover of the family business? 

Along the way, once I agreed with my brother to take over the business, I shaped my path to be as prepared as possible. In particular, I did my final master’s year as a work-study at the Van de Velde Group, a company that supplies transport machinery for agriculture, construction, and industry… And I stayed there for another 18 months after graduating. I learned a lot in sales and marketing. Most importantly, it was a company in the same sector as Gourdon, which helped when I joined the family business in 2018. At 25, I was in charge of sales and marketing. Three years later, when the first generation initiated the handover process, I became president of Gourdon (75 employees), responsible for commercial operations, human relations, and finance. My brother, who is a mechanical engineer, handles all the technical aspects. 

Two or three words that you spontaneously associate with UPPA?

Proximity — with teachers, students, and the region – The quality of the teaching – The human scale of the Bayonne campus. 

Any advice for students?

I would tell them not to hesitate to do a BUT, especially if they feel more practical than theoretical. Back then, it was a two-year program, but now it’s three years, which allows you to mature your project and validate the subjects you enjoy most. The BUT is a real springboard. You can decide after this program to continue your studies or look for your first job. Employers really appreciate this training. 

* BUT = University Bachelor of Technology

Interview by Florence Elman

Want to know more? 

IUT Marketing Techniques  Gourdon company website