From sport to employment: a young beneficiary talks about the impact of “Sport dans la ville” on her professional future

Can you tell us about your educational background?
Hello, my name is Maïmouna D. and I'm 23 years old. I obtained my Baccalauréat Economic and Social with honors in 2019. I then entered the Université Panthéon-Sorbonne to pursue a degree in Economic and Social Administration, which I obtained in 2021. During these three years, I specialized in the private "Labor Management" course, which aroused my interest in the Human Resources professions, thanks to the different subjects I studied. To complete my career path, I decided to join a business school specializing in HR after my bachelor's degree. I did my Master 1 and 2 at ESGRH Paris (school specialized in Human Resources), and graduated at the end of 2024.

What has the “Sport dans la Ville” association done for you?
Sport dans la Ville (Sport in the City) is an association that took root very early on in my hometown. I've known them since I was 12! I grew up with this structure which, at the outset, only offered sporting activities.  I started with soccer, then dance all through secondary school thanks to Sport dans la Ville, and also took part in dance shows and soccer matches organized between different towns in the program.

Over time, the association has grown, and young athletes like myself have been directed towards professional programs. For us, Sport dans la Ville has become a real springboard to professional integration. Thanks to their support, I was able to benefit from invaluable assistance in writing my CV, practicing mock job interviews and visiting major companies such as Chanel, Coca-Cola, Facebook and JP Morgan. These experiences have enriched me enormously. Sport dans la Ville also offers specific programs, such as "L dans la Ville", dedicated to the professional integration of women, which I find particularly inspiring.

How did you get in touch with Air Liquide for your work-study program?
I was put in touch with Air Liquide by Sport dans la Ville's integration manager. During our discussions, I told him about my plans to enroll in a school specializing in Human Resources and my desire to do this training on a sandwich course. He suggested a number of partner companies, including Air Liquide. I was immediately interested in the company's activities and the assignments on offer. He forwarded my application to them, which marked the beginning of this wonderful adventure.

Can you tell us about your work-study program (duration, assignments, etc.) and what it brought you?
My two-year work-study program began when I met Sarah, my mentor. She made me feel welcome right from my interviews, and our exchanges were enriching for the young student I was. As I'd never done a work-study placement before, I really appreciated her teaching approach, her experience and her passion for her job.
Right from the start, we discussed my expectations and hers, which confirmed my interest in the Human Resources profession. I quickly realized that the position of HR Manager was the perfect match for my aspirations. The varied assignments, the working environment and Sarah's support helped me enormously to develop my skills and boost my confidence. I also had the chance to take a "Fundamental Technical Knowledge" training course. It was very enriching, because with a better understanding of Air Liquide's business, I was much more at ease and competent in my work, which was decisive for the rest of my work-study period.

How do you see your professional future?
Unfortunately, I didn't find any long-term opportunities at Air Liquide. However, this experience has strengthened my conviction that I want to work in Human Resources, with diversified missions. In the short term, my goal is to obtain a position such as HR Officer or HR Project Manager. In the longer term, I'd like to move up to HR Manager thanks to the experience I'll be gaining over the years. I'm currently looking for a job and going for interviews.

The Air Liquide Foundation is providing three years of support to the Sport dans la Ville association and its Job dans la Ville program at their new Pantin Campus, which is dedicated to social and professional integration through sport.