Alumni Interview – Céline Nadeau
“At Primexis, every experience taught me how to be operational in any situation”
Discover the exclusive interview with Céline Nadeau, Consolidation Manager at Société Générale, who reveals the valuable lessons she learned during her time at Primexis. She talks about the key moments that shaped her professional journey and aspects of Primexis’ corporate culture that fostered her professional development and share her advice on how to succeed within the firm. Also discover a challenge she overcame at Primexis, one that strengthened her skills and contributed to her success.
What key moment at Primexis had a significant impact on your career?
There wasn’t one key moment. My entire experience at Primexis was very beneficial. I discovered rigorous working methods and a variety of files and sectors of activity, and it was an incredible learning experience. Thanks to this, we quickly become operational in any situation.
These experiences strengthened my confidence and tenacity
and taught me that you have to know how to ask for help
when you feel overwhelmed.
What aspects of Primexis’ corporate culture contributed most to your professional development?
Without a doubt, mutual support and a good atmosphere. I had many good laughs, which helped us unwind when the workload was intense. This was my first job; I came to Paris without many contacts, and now, more than 10 years later. I still see some of my former colleagues quite regularly. This experience allowed me to build a network, and in my next role, we called on Primexis when we needed reinforcements.
What advice would you give to new recruits at Primexis to help them succeed?
I would advise them to take advantage of every opportunity available to them. I would also advise them not to leave after 2 or 3 years as is often the case in firms. The years in a senior position are also very enriching and allow them to take a step back from files and develop organizational and management skills.
I see no other industry that allows for such a rapid discovery and learning curve. References and practices learned in such an environment are a major asset for future career development, whatever one’s wants or chosen direction. Also, this adaptability and flexibility have become absolutely essential in today’s world of accelerating innovation where disruption has become the norm. Flexibility and curiosity are key skills that are highly sought after today.
Could you share a challenge you faced at Primexis and how it strengthened your professional skills?
I can think of two in particular. The first was at the beginning of my 2nd year at Primexis when I had the opportunity to work on a new file, a large Parisian hotel purchased by a client. This was a challenge because I started from scratch, and everything had to be put into place. The hotel had been renovated, and managing the volume of invoices added to the complexity. A few years later, the hotel was sold again, and I had the opportunity to witness discussions between the buyers and sellers the day of signing, which was impressive and unusual.
My entire experience at Primexis was very beneficial.
I discovered rigorous working methods
and a variety of files.
The second challenge was just before my departure. I replaced a colleague at the last minute on an assignment in Ireland because he had a personal impediment. I didn’t know anything about the file; I was stressed to be in an English-speaking environment, but in the end, everything went smoothly.
All this strengthened my confidence and tenacity and also taught me that you have to know how to ask for help when you feel overwhelmed, a piece of advice that I still find hard to apply today…
Anyway, on a different note, I also remember a challenge, after losing a bet at a going-away party: spend a whole day at the office in my socks. The assignment was fulfilled.
