Vivien Cotier was drawn to ESSEC’s Global Bachelor of Business Administration (GBBA) program for its esteemed reputation, expansive global alumni network, and invaluable opportunity to study abroad. His academic choices have paid off. His current role at L’OCCITANE Group, secured through active participation in career services workshops and extracurricular activities, involves delving into sales data analysis, price management, and improving data visualization tools.

This internship starkly contrasts his previous experience at Sanofi-Opella. The environment at L’OCCITANE is significantly faster-paced and more consumer-driven, demanding a different set of skills and a heightened awareness of market trends. Cotier’s double degree experience at ESIC in Madrid, which focused on adaptability and innovation, has undoubtedly equipped him to navigate these contrasting environments.

As he nears the culmination of his academic journey, Cotier’s career aspirations are beginning to crystallize. He developed a keen interest in the dynamic fields of digital transformation, fintech, and business development — areas that are not only rapidly evolving but also hold the potential to reshape the business landscape in the future. His current experience at L’OCCITANE, academic foundation, and international exposure will prove invaluable as he embarks on this exciting next chapter.

Why did you choose to join ESSEC’s Global BBA program?

ESSEC emerged as my top choice even before I finished my high school baccalaureate program. Its prestigious reputation and extensive global alumni network, offering invaluable connections for my future career, were key factors in my decision.

I was particularly drawn to studying and living abroad when deciding where to pursue my undergraduate studies. That’s why I knew from the outset that I wanted to begin my journey at ESSEC’s Asia-Pacific campus in Singapore. The prospect of immersing myself in a vibrant new culture, gaining exposure to a distinctive work environment, and exploring Asia’s rich diversity was incredibly appealing.

For me, choosing ESSEC was more than just an educational decision—it was an opportunity to embark on a transformative, life-changing experience in a dynamic and multicultural setting.

What do you do at L’OCCITANE Group? Perhaps you can describe a day in your life as a travel retail financial data analyst intern.

I’m interning at L’OCCITANE Group in the travel retail sector, supporting the duty-free business for five global brands. As a financial data analyst in the revenue growth management team, I analyze sales data (sell-out from retail locations and sell-in from brands to retailers). This helps identify top-performing locations to optimize investments and adjust budgets for weaker ones, driving growth and maximizing revenue.

I also manage prices, creating price lists aligning with local market pricing strategies. Additionally, I work on improving data visualization tools for internal teams, helping them make informed, data-driven decisions and ensuring the accuracy of key databases to streamline operations.

This is my first experience in the industry, and it’s been incredibly enriching. It’s one thing to learn about business in class, but another to work in the real world with a management team and impact everyday consumers.

Overall, this internship is a rewarding opportunity that sharpens my analytical skills and deepens my understanding of international business operations. Best of all, I’m interning in Geneva, which allows me to be close to home!

How did you secure this internship?

From my first year at ESSEC, I had access to career services workshops that sharpened my interview skills and helped me master the art of writing CVs and cover letters. These sessions gave me a real edge when it came time to apply for internships.

Outside of academics, my involvement in extracurriculars at ESSEC—like being part of the Student Council, joining various clubs, and working as a Student Ambassador—helped me develop key soft skills like leadership, teamwork, and public speaking. These experiences boosted my confidence in “selling” myself to companies, highlighting my technical skills, strengths, and unique qualities.

My biggest takeaway is that landing an internship takes preparation and persistence. It’s a process, so don’t get discouraged if things don’t work out immediately. Start early, keep applying, and focus on opportunities that align with your goals—you never know which one will open the door!

How is your current experience different from your past internship at Sanofi-Opella?

Both internships have a similar focus: analytical roles aimed at driving revenue growth by spotting opportunities and identifying areas for cost savings. However, the industries and environments I’ve worked in are worlds apart.

At Sanofi-Opella, I was in the pharmaceutical industry, specifically in the general medicine sector for the AMEAA region (Africa, Middle East, Asia, and Australasia). My work there revolved around health-oriented solutions and navigating the complexities of a highly regulated and regionally diverse market.

On the other hand, my current internship at L’OCCITANE Group is in the cosmetics industry, within the global travel retail sector. It’s a much faster-paced, consumer-driven environment focused on luxury products and understanding customer behavior in duty-free settings.

These two experiences have exposed me to industries with unique challenges and opportunities. They’ve helped me expand my skill set, adapt to different business landscapes, and better understand what drives growth in various sectors. Plus, working in both fields has given me more clarity about where my interests lie and how to use my analytical skills to make an impact.

Please share about your ESIC double degree experience. How has the overall experience contributed to your development?

Of course! Last year, I completed my double degree program in digital business at ESIC University in Madrid.

As part of the ESSEC Global BBA curriculum, students must participate in an exchange or double degree program with one of its partner universities. With over 180 options, I was thrilled to expand my business knowledge at another prestigious institution like ESIC.

The program focused heavily on adaptability and innovation, skills I’ve found helpful during my current internship and know will continue to benefit me.

Studying in Madrid was also a unique experience for me. I’d never lived or studied in Spain before, so spending a year there was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

I met and worked with peers and professors from various cultural and professional backgrounds. After spending two years in Asia, it was refreshing to experience such a different environment, and it helped me grow both personally and professionally.

As you come closer to graduation, what are your current career goals?

Throughout my four years at ESSEC, I was exposed to many opportunities, which broadened my perspective on the business world’s diverse possibilities. I’ve better understood my interests, from exploring different sectors and roles to envisioning opportunities across dynamic locations.

Although I am not entirely sure about my future career plans, I am confident that I want to continue exploring digital transformation, fintech, and business development. So many exciting possibilities are ahead, and I’m eager to see where this journey takes me!