Henri Cotard

About you

What work experience/internships did you have before beginning with Imperial College Business School?

I worked as a data analyst for two months at Zenith Media, a global marketing agency which is part of Publicis Groupe, and I was the right-hand to tech entrepreneur Jérôme Doncieux, CEO of Relaxnews, the newstech of Publicis Groupe, for six months. I also co-founded a startup called Wisdom that connects students to seniors.

Why did you decide to study MSc Strategic Marketing at Imperial College Business School?

To obtain a quantitative approach in learning, to learn more in-depth about marketing and its practical implications, to enjoy an amazing campus and to meet diverse students with international backgrounds who had studied different subjects beforehand.

Programme

What aspects of the programme do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the more strategic modules because of their strategic discussions about the impact of tech on customer experience, how to market a B2B solution differently than a B2C, the implications on marketing of the differences between business models like freemium or subscription-based, one-shot, etc.

Which has been your favourite module so far and why?

Strategic Project Management as it is complementary to all other modules, and it is specifically covers product management, which I find extremely relevant as I will start at L’Oréal working on two amazing brands: L’Oréal Paris and Garnier, as an Assistant Product Manager!

What has been the most rewarding part of the programme?

I most appreciate working on group projects, as it is when I learn the most from others. Making an impact as a group, deciding on a marketing strategy, or working on a project for several months as a group of people from different cultures is very rewarding!

What has been the most challenging part of the programme?

Groupwork is also the most challenging for similar reasons because we all work differently and deal with different cultures and thoughts, therefore it is the most challenging yet most rewarding! I honestly think that you can find amazing teaching opportunities online, but nowhere else will you have the opportunity to work with amazing people and become friends!

How have you found the multi-mode teaching delivery?

Very efficient and I believe it is the future! You must be more flexible, more agile and quick, and take pleasure in that process!

People

How would you describe your cohort at Imperial?

International in their backgrounds, languages and cultures; open and proactive in their willingness to contribute to Imperials life and make it a better place, and analytical in the classroom. An approach that I found common to most teammates is the conviction that the use of data can help and that analytics will shape tomorrow’s world and bring creativity to a new level!

Did you have a favourite professor/lecturer and why?

Professor Andreas Eisingerich has a special human relationship and elocution that makes us students in a lecture theatre never disconnect!

Opportunities

What has been the greatest opportunity you have had at Imperial?

The Student Investment Fund has allowed me to work as a team with a manager, to lead 200 analysts, to bring the Fund to a new level from a marketing point of view. I have contributed to Speaker Series Events, podcasts, a monthly newsletter, the creation of social events, external partnerships with international companies, etc. It has shaped my experience at Imperial and I am happy to have been selected as one of the 10 students in the Fund’s video!

Which workshops, events or guest lectures at the school have been useful in developing your skills and knowledge?

The FMCG Society delivered an amazing talk with the CEO of De Beers was amazing, while the Sports Business Club events, notably through games organised with companies, were uniquely useful for making connections and learning outside class.

What clubs, societies or other activities have you been involved in at Imperial?

I am a Student Ambassador, a Marketing Associate at the Student Investment Fund, an advisor at the Sports Business Careers Club, and a player for the football team.

Have you had opportunities to work/socialise with students across programmes within the Business School?

Yes, mostly through the Student Investment Fund and the football team, along with students I know from outside university who also study at Imperial today!

How have you benefited from the Business School’s connection to the Imperial College London community?

Thanks to its diversity of profiles and competencies, I have been invited to become a part of Founders of the Future Community and a venture capital fellow at baby VC, an organisation created to train juniors in the venture capital industry. This was exclusively thanks to people I met on campus!

Career

What are your future career goals and how have they been realised since being at Imperial?

I want to work for amazing brands and thanks to my new position, I have achieved this goal. I also want to work internationally, and having met my future team at L’Oréal, it is mostly composed of people with international backgrounds!

Have you received any job offers since commencing your programme?

I was offered roles in tech and venture capital, but I accepted L’Oréal’s offer to become Assistant Product Manager for L’Oréal Paris and Garnier in Paris. I chose it simply because I am French and almost never lived in Paris and because it is the most relevant with my Master’s.

How did the services from Careers help in your professional development/securing employment?

I have been in contact with Careers every day, having appointments, contacting alumni and attending webinars.

London Location

Do you think studying in a central location such as London is beneficial for networking and career opportunities?

Yes, having lived in New Zealand, Australia, Paris, and Madrid, I have come to realise what a multicultural hub London is and the professional opportunities that it offers. Thanks to London I have met people from every continent and made professional connections! As a marketing student, visiting the Museum of Brands, for example, is an experience unique to this city.

Where do you live in London and why did you choose to live there?

I live in Fitzrovia as my sister studies near there and it is my favourite area, a great balance between the central student vibes and the historic and cultural influence of London. It is also near one of my favourite cultural institutions, the British Museum.

When you’re not studying, what do you enjoy doing?

Football, tennis, drinks with friends and I walk two hours every day, as this moment is when I am most efficient in my head! I spend time discovering new places and people. I am an ambassador of King’s College and IE Business School as well, through which I meet international people every week.

If you had to move to London for the programme, what have been the benefits and challenges of moving to London?

For a European student, I think the cultural difference is not too strong but meeting people is key to being happy for me! ‘Yes Man’ is a movie that shapes my lifestyle. Never say no to anything, meet new people, discover new places, try new foods and always try to move out from your comfort zone!

Tips

Looking back to when you were applying for the programme, did you attend any online webinars or on-campus information sessions?

I didn’t because I had three great friends studying this programme, so I felt I had a good impression of what the programme was! I would recommend talking to us Student Ambassadors, contacting current students and attending webinars to feel the atmosphere that is special in our programme!

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about applying for the programme?

As a Student Ambassador, I give personal advice every week. First, relax, and use the process as a chance to consider your options. Second, always think about yourself. Think about what you can bring to Imperial, why you are considering a programme from Imperial and what it will offer. If, after reflection, you still believe it is the right place for you, be authentic in the application process and trust yourself!