French for Professional Success: A Round Table with Diplomatic, Consular, and Business Representatives

October 17, 2023, 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Price Gilbert Memorial Library, Scholars Event Theater (Room 1280)

The French Program at Georgia Tech invites you to "French for Professional Success: A Round Table with Diplomats, Consular, and Business Representatives."

This event aims to provide a platform for meaningful discussions and insights into the role of the French language in enhancing professional success, particularly in the context of diplomacy, consular services, and business interactions, for students interested in exploring the opportunities that learning French can lead to. The event has several key objectives:

1. Showcase language learning opportunities
2. Provide insights from experts in the field
3. Foster networking, collaboration, and professional development
4. Offer an opportunity for students to engage in discussions with experts and explore internship opportunities
5. Celebrate culture, multilingualism, and diversity

Through new collaborations and discussions, our faculty are working more closely together, and our students are benefiting from internship opportunities and discussions that address critical challenges they may face when entering the job market.

Katherine Lafourcade, executive director of the French American Chamber of Commerce Atlanta-Southeast, emphasizes the importance of learning a second language:

"I cannot stress enough the opportunities that learning a second language can offer. As a native English speaker who is now totally fluent in French, I am thrilled to be back at Georgia Tech to share my professional and personal experiences with French students, particularly my journey from the UK to France to Switzerland and now to the Southeast US."

The French Program within the School of Modern Languages aims to create a dynamic and informative panel that celebrates the value of the humanities and language proficiency. It encourages collaboration and equips Georgia Tech students with the insights and strategies needed to excel in their respective professional endeavors. This event is part of the French Day program and is organized by Stéphanie Boulard, professor of French literature, film, and visual arts.

Panelists

• Michel Gerebtzoff, Consul General of Belgium in Atlanta
• Omar Aleiwi, head of public diplomacy & cultural affairs, Consulate General of Switzerland
• David Ruffel, cultural attaché, director of Villa Albertine in Atlanta, Consulate General of France in Atlanta
• Katherine Lafourcade, executive director, French American Chamber of Commerce Atlanta-Southeast
• Hélène Touré, VP development & executive recruitment, YER USA
• Stéphanie Boulard, professor of French literature, film and visual arts