Deborah Turquais (Info-Com bachelor's degree, 2018), communications manager at ATLYN

Déborah Turquais is a former student of the first UCO Nantes Information Communication class. Today, she is in charge of communications for the ATLYN group. Déborah shares with us her university career and memories.

Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your academic and professional background?

My name is Déborah, and I completed the Information Communication Licence course at UCO Nantes from 2015 to 2018. After my bachelor's degree, I took a year off to go abroad (notably to England and South Africa), before resuming my studies for a master's degree in Communication for companies, public institutions and associations at the Université de la Sorbonne-Paris Nord. I completed 2 internships during this master's degree: the first in a press relations agency in Paris and the second in the company where I currently work as a communications assistant.

Why did you choose to study at UCO Nantes?

As a beginner in the field of communications, I was reassured to enroll in a course such as the one offered by UCO. It's a recognized university with a very good reputation, where several people I know were studying. UCO was interesting both for its international outlook and its level of professionalization.

I grew up between Le Mans and Angers, but it was important for me to change my horizons, which is why I chose the Nantes campus.

Would you like to share any memories of your time at UCO?

As we were the first UCO Nantes information-communication class, we did our L1 at the Lycée Saint Stanislas in Nantes, as there weren't all the facilities on the Naudières campus yet. I have a lot of fond memories of that time; it was hard work, but quite fun as we were mixed in with other high school students. This L1 enabled us to meet each other, integrate well and get involved in our training.

The following two years at Les Naudières were more relaxed. The newness offered us a certain freedom, allowing us to initiate actions such as the creation of the first Info-Com BDE at UCO Nantes. We organized various activities, including an integration day.

What did the UCO bring you?

My experience at UCO was excellent. The support from both faculty and administrative staff was outstanding. UCO was always very attentive, offering personalized guidance. My bachelor's degree from UCO was an asset when I interviewed for my master's degree, as recruiters appreciated my background.

Tell us about the ATLYN group and your missions for this group?

I'm in charge of communications for the ALTYN group in Nantes. ALTYN comprises 6 subsidiaries specializing in building and energy engineering, and is strongly committed to the energy transition. I focus on external communications for 4 subsidiaries.

My missions in external communications include managing the company's image on social networks, especially LinkedIn, publishing articles on the website, creating newsletters, and participating in commercial communications to respond to calls for tender in collaboration with our teams. I particularly enjoy interacting with customers, which involves ensuring their satisfaction and meeting their expectations.

Any advice for students who'd like to work in corporate communications?

Take advantage of internships to explore different worlds! If you've got an idea of what you'd like to do, go for an internship to confirm your choice. If in doubt, the aim of internships is to explore the professional world and gradually find your way, rather than to immediately master specific skills.

In my opinion, you just have to follow your instincts: if you know more or less what you like, then you should go for internships to confirm your idea. On the other hand, if you're not sure, the aim of internships is not to improve your skills directly, but rather to explore the professional world and find your way little by little.