Alumni profile
Francoise
Graciet, Full-time MBA
Joint owner and manager of Euro4x4parts.com, which imports and distributes spare parts to trade and to private 4x4 vehicle owners, Francoise Graciet, believes studying abroad should be compulsory in a student's education because of the many benefits its brings to both the professional and private life.
Francoise, aged 46, hails from Mulhouse, France, and studied on the full-time MBA programme at Bradford School of Management, graduating in 1986.
After gaining her MBA, Francoise spent a decade in top marketing positions with international food companies. Despite extensive success, Francoise felt increasingly frustrated at not having the power that comes with company ownership, and decided it was time to start her own business. She formulated a business plan after evaluating ideas from her husband Georges' experiences in the automotive industry. Together they formed Euro4x4parts.com, which operates primarily through the Internet. The main company is located in France but the couple have also set up a subsidiary in Spain. The business is enjoying continued fast growth and profitability.
"Doing the MBA gave me a full understanding of the business as a whole. It gave me a useful insight into the way the English-speaking world does business. I gained extra skills through taking International Financial Management, to add to my previous French business school marketing degree. Plus it allowed me to discuss things and work with people from very different backgrounds, different work experiences, many different countries, and many varied characters - which is always the best way to enhance your own point of view," commented Francoise, adding that it gave her a fluency in English that she did not previously possess.
"Other benefits included meeting friends who I still have today; getting to know the northern hospitality; appreciating Indian food; and going to the pub for a good pint of beer!
"Whenever you have the opportunity to learn in another country, in another environment, in another language and with different people around you, jump on it. You will be such a better person as a result," Francoise stressed.