"My French language abilities made me the only candidate available [for a position at Trek Bicycle working in their French Canadian dealer base] and the obvious go-to to be hired. They needed to fill this unique position and there were very few available for the job."
Major(s) and Certificate(s): French
Language(s): French, Italian
Graduation Year: 1996
What motivated you to study this/these languages?
I started studying French for language requirements and tested in to a mid level class so I was able to get some retro credits. After the first classes I was doing very well and seemed to have more language learning skill or motivation than in high school. I moved into an honors course and that accelerated things.
What do you remember about your UW language classes? How were they different from other classes you took?
The 200 level courses were interesting to learn about the structure and language nuances and also the cultural aspects were enjoyable as well. I enjoyed the literature and film. I had the opportunity to study for a semester at University Laval for a summer and in Aix-en-Provence, France for year. The year in France was the year of my life that changed everything and I highly value this experience. It gave me the fluency and skill in the French language, the confidence to go outside my comfort zone and so much more. I joined a local cycling club where I trained and raced with which was amazing. The classes at the Universite d’Aix-Marseille were intensive, challenging and at the end helped me grow so much.
How valuable were your out-of-classroom experiences? How did they add to your undergraduate experience/coursework?
See the previous answer but the Laval University was a nice ‘warm-up’ being a summer program for a year abroad. Again, the year in France was life changing and an all around excellent experience. This was the most formative year in my life and complemented nicely the other years spent at the Madison campus. I could talk for hours about this topic.
What have you done in a professional capacity since graduating from UW-Madison?
It is a long list but my French language ability helped me getting a job with Trek Bicycle in working with their French Canadian dealer base. I spoke in French every work day for 4-6 hours and held this position for about 7 years before being promoted to other international positions like International Territory manager overseeing distributors in Europe and Africa. I did visit Senegal a few times where French came in very useful on those trips and with that customer. I moved to Prague in 2012 and worked with a few other bicycle companies in management roles before coming ack to Trek in 2020 at the start of the Covid pandemic and also at the start of the ‘bicycle boom’. This led me to my current position as Regional Sales Manager for Europe with a testing and compliance company focused on the bicycle industry. I now work with a number of French clients, the number of which continue to grow and we see France as having strong potential for future sales.
What are ways, either expected or unexpected, that your language study has benefited you in your career?
My French language abilities made me the only candidate available and the obvious go-to to be hired. They needed to fill this unique position and there were very few available for the job. It has also always been nice to be able to switch between French and English whether at trade shows, customer visits and travel. When the Americans with only one language see that they are impressed and more importantly you immediately add value. Some skills are picked up easily or over a short period of time but fluency in a language takes a lot of effort but when you get there it is another level of thinking. One interesting story is that when Lance Armstrong started winning the Tour de France it was a big deal at Trek. In 2000 Trek wanted to take a small group of VIPs for a trip to the TdF. I knew nothing about it and then they asked me to come on the trip and help out with everything including taking our VIPs on bike rides, going to amazing restaurants and viewing the TdF up close. The guests really depended on me and we offered a wonderful and life changing experience for them.
How have you maintained or improved your language(s) since graduation?
For the first 7 or 8 years after graduation it was at work where I spoke French most of the day. That actually kept it in very good shape but as I was promoted I spoke less and less. Now, I have a few French clients and so that is the only chance for practicing French other than occasional trips to Paris. I mainly am working on my Czech language skills and after more than 10 years here I will take formal lessons and the goal to attain A2 level.
What advice do you have for students who are studying language(s) about how to incorporate their interests and skills into their future goals?
Do what you love and what you do well. I loved cycling from the age of 12 and it still consumes my free time and interest outside the family. I also very much enjoyed studying French literature and the French language. After I graduated I worked in construction and the odd jobs scratching my head at what I would do. Then, I had a moment when I realized to get involved in the cycling business no matter how low the pay and work hard every day. I was then able to combine the cycling and the French into a unique job but also fun and interesting life experience.
Also, I highly advise you to find a mentor or alum to help with these difficult life decisions. My parents for sure were helpful but it’s good to seek out wisdom from people willing to help. You can also learn from their mistakes. I felt alone in a way with this and having a strategy or idea what to do so sit down with someone who can help guide you. Some people know what they will do and it is crystal clear but for some like me it was not so evident at first.