François-Xavier Latappy

BA Hons Business Administration, 2001

"I am a Financial auditor with Mazars & Guérard in France."

François-Xavier Latappy’s year in Luton on an exchange programme changed the direction of his career.

He thought he would be interested in the marketing side of business but after his course, it was a broader look at business that motivated him.

He’s now working with Mazars & Guérard in Paris, a leading European audit organisation. Previously he was a strategy intern with KPMG, after completing his training in the E.M. Lyon Graduate School of Management.

François said: “I spent two years in school in France doing business basics and the final year of my degree was in Luton as part of an exchange programme. I had a really good time there.”

“It was, firstly, a great international experience. I had already lived in Stuttgart, Germany and Nouméa, New Caledonia but it gave me the broader international and cross-cultural view I was looking for. I am still in touch with the many friends I made, from all parts of the world.”

“Secondly, I had thought that marketing was for me, but the course changed my vision. Luton’s corporate strategy course was taught very differently to the way we are taught in France. In France we generally sit and listen, but at Luton we had to prepare much more before lectures and there was more interaction. It really motivated me to carry on with my studies.”

After his graduation François went through a tough selection process to do a DESS, the French equivalent of a UK Masters degree, in Geopolitics in Paris, topped up by a Mastère Spécialisé, a year’s course in entrepreneurship and strategy at the E.M. Lyon.

François said: “My international experience at Luton really worked in my favour to get into these prestigious institutions. This year, the E.M. Lyon took only six per cent of students and professionals who applied for a Mastère Spécialisé programme.”

“I was then an intern as a strategy consultant with KPMG. There was a lot of work and it was very challenging. It gave me valuable strategy experience. Now I want to deepen my knowledge in finance and accounting and Mazars offers me this opportunity.”

“Eventually I hope to run my own company in France, the UK or Germany.”

“I would be glad to talk about my experience to anybody who wishes to know more about it. You can contact me via the Luton Alumni Association.”

Interview took place in 2004.