How to Succeed in the U.S.? - Interview with Roman, Vice President of Mining Finance at SGCIB

Want to learn more about the opportunities, challenges and tips related to expatriation in the United States? Read the interview with Romane (Grande Ecole 2003) currently Vice President of Mining Finance at SG CIB in New York.

What was your journey from EDHEC?
> I made my career at Societe Generale. After an internship in Paris, I went to Hong Kong VIE. Later I joined the structured commodity finance team in Paris for five years, then the Mining Finance team in New York.

What did EDHEC and its network bring to you ?
> EDHEC has allowed me to develop a great professional network, particularly in the SG who recruits many EDHEC student. The network has allowed me to get strong support for my career in various positions and finally abroad.

For how many years have you expatriated?
> I spent two years in Hong Kong with the SG at the end of my studies, prior to 5 years based in Paris in the commodity finance department. It was after this experience that I was sent to New York to work in the same business line.
 
What was your first job arriving?
> I have always been working for Societe Generale. I work in the mining finance team since my arrival.
 
How did you get that first job abroad?
> I did 5 years in the commodity finance department in Paris, which also includes many teams abroad (NY, Hong Kong, London ...). I asked an international mobility always within the same department and I had the opportunity to go to NY.

How you are you welcomed in the U.S.?
> I have an expatriate contract, which includes an important aid (temporary apartment, real estate agent ...). My arrival has been made much easier and I was very well received.

What was the most difficult period in your time abroad?
> The first three months were the hardest. Arrival in a new position and the workload associated with the troubles of installation especially with a young baby take time and can be tiring.

If you had one piece of advice to give EDHEC wishing to emigrate, what would it be?
> Unfortunately, I know many people looking for a job here and face the difficulty of obtaining a visa. Without green card or work permit, I would advise them to start with an experience in a large French company with the ability and experience in managing immigration procedures. I also recommend solution of VIE or an internship in Paris earlier in the target company in order to more easily get a VIE offer which is wanted by a lot of people.

Interview from San Francisco by Jerome Berthiau (MSC Finance 2012)