Putting ICDP to work: Four points of view

Over the past 32 years, an impressive range of corporations throughout the United States have participated in the International Career Development Programs of the FACC. With business endeavors ranging from fashion to finance, aeronautics to software, wine distribution to public relations —these companies are able to offer a unique world of learning experiences while benefiting considerably from an enthusiastic pool of international talent.

Tori Schappert – LVMH

Tori Schappert is a Human Resource Assistant at LVMH Fashion Group Americas, the New York-based subsidiary of the prestige conglomerate, LVMH. Their celebrated designer lineup includes Louis Vuitton, Celine, Christian Lacroix and Fendi. The company has been involved with ICDP for five years.

What are you looking for in a trainee?

We’re open to candidates from diverse backgrounds. Most of our trainees are Young Professionals right out of school. What they all seem to share is an incredible desire to work in the U. S. and the ability to offer us something unique… an enthusiasm, a fresh point of view that our seasoned mangers really appreciate. Our trainees are usually in their early to mid 20s. They have tons of energy. Lots of great ideas.

Tell us about the work they’re doing.

We have created a structured training program for our international trainees designed to provide hands-on involvement with the inner workings of our organization. One individual with our internal audit team was so effective that her 12 month internship has been extended to 18 months, the maximum for Young Professionals. We have a young woman now in public relations and another in marketing.

Does the FACC make this an easy process?

They’re great! When I first started working here, I wasn’t familiar with the program at all. I called Elliot Repko in your New York office and he was incredibly helpful. He broke everything down into simple terms and walked me through the whole program. He was a big help when we had to deal with the trainee extension. The people at FACC make the process seamless. Simple.

David Morgenstern – Symtrax

David Morgenstern is a Vice President at Symtrax in Los Angeles, a company specializing in software capable of transferring complex mainframe data to PC applications. Symtrax, with offices in Los Angeles and Cambridge, has participated in the internship program for three years.

Symtex is a French-headquartered company. How has this fact propelled your ICDP endeavors in California?

With our roots in France, the company was thoroughly familiar with the CSNE trainee program for millitary draftees which was fazed out last year, and has since been replaced by VIE. Its operation is very similar to CSNE, and we’ve already welcomed two VIE participants, including our new webmaster. It’s easy for us. Most important, it works for us.

Describe some of the benefits.

The best thing about these interns is that they’ve benefited tremendously from a great educational system in France. They come here – some with limited work experience, some more highly trained – and they integrate beautifully into our training program at Symtrax. They learn how we do business, and get familiar with important areas like support and web technology. We don’t have to backtrack and start with basic skills – we can start at a higher level of training and go a lot further. We all get great results. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

Do you tell other companies about the success you’ve had with ICDP?

Sure. When we have FACC chapter meetings here, I discuss the good luck we’ve had in using this service provided by the FACC New York. More often, I talk up the program with a lot of people I know in France who have divisions here in the States. And I make sure students know about it. There’s no better way to see how American companies run.

Nathalie Cadot – EADS, Inc.

Nathalie Cadot is Director of Expatriates Affairs at the Washington, D.C. office of EADS, Inc. Headquartered in France, European Aerospace Defense and Space manufactures the Airbus, Concorde, satellites, helicopters and missile defense systems. The company’s affiliation with ICDP goes back 15 years.

From which sector of ICDP do you find most of your trainees?

They’re all VIE interns. I like the fact that they can work with us for up to 18 months. Sometimes, when a person is particularly excellent, I wish they could stay with us longer. Our facility in Florida has become another excellent resource for trainees. I’ve recommended the program to co-workers there, and there’s a VIE trainee down there right now.

How does EADS provide a genuine learning experience?

It helps if trainees arrive with some aeronautics background, but at their age, they might not have much experience. We find that getting our interns immersed in the myriad of research projects that take place here is an excellent way to get an in-depth look at our company. They learn quickly. And dialoguing with these young individuals is the best way for us to stay alert as to what’s going on in Europe. This is very important.

Thoughts about the FACC?

They offer a very organized process. Once you’ve been involved in the program – even the very first time – it all goes smoothly. The staff is very dedicated and informed. They make things happen. When our interns arrive, they’re ready for a great American experience!

Rebecca Herrmann – BNP Paribas

Rebecca Herrmann serves as Coordinator for Campus Relations for BNP Paribas in Manhattan. The bank has been an active supporter of ICDP for several years, welcoming 2-3 interns each month. Currently, the emphasis is on VIEs, with training periods lasting 12-16 months.

What makes an ideal VIE candidate?

We want someone who is interested in advancing their career by learning the business world from an American standpoint. We don’t expect most of our VIEs to have a lot of experience, but they have to be motivated self-starters. Energetic. Candidates also must be proficient in English.

Most of your interns are in their early 20s. What sort of impact does that make?

They make us look at things from a different angle. They keep us in touch with what’s going on in France and Europe from a younger perspective. When you’re in the business world for so long, you get used to seeing things from a single viewpoint. That’s not the way it should be.

Have you experienced any delays in getting interns approved since 9/11?

Surprisingly enough, even though some extra paperwork is required of the candidates, I’d say the whole process seems to run even more efficiently! Working with the FACC here in New York is great. They know everything that needs to be done. If I have any questions, I call them and say I need this or that, and they’re always there to help.