Life @Convelio - Ségolène, Customer Service Intern

Can you please introduce yourself: who are you and what's led you here ?

Hello! My name is Ségolène and I am 21 years old. After undertaking the International Option of the French Baccalaureate, economics and social science stream, I did two years of Classe Préparatoire ECE to prepare for the entrance exams to the French business schools at the Lycée Henri IV, in Paris. Yet, rather than pursuing the traditional path and accepting my offer to business school, I decided to continue my academic pursuits at the University of Oxford, where I study Geography, specialising in economic, financial and urban geography.

Can you briefly explain what you are doing at Convelio?

I joined Convelio as an Operations Intern, working in the Customer Service team. My job is to be the first point of contact for all of our clients, assisting them from the very beginning of the process to the final delivery, from devising quotes to answering queries along the way.

What does a typical day in your job look like?

I typically tend to start my day addressing by email and phone calls any quotes or queries that may have come through the night. I continue to monitor these throughout the day as I simultaneously process orders and ensure that shipments are on track within our timeframe. I also deal with mishaps in any shape and form, liaising with clients and our partners to guarantee that the artwork arrives at destination as soon as possible.

Why did you choose Convelio for your internship?

Currently studying Geography, with a background in Business, I wanted to find an internship that linked both disciplines together. Logistics thus seemed like a perfect fit. On another note, this internship was an opportunity to combine logistics with my personal interests. With a strong interest in the arts in my spare time, I was enticed by Convelio’s concept.

What do you like about the job today?

It has enabled me to enhance my rigorousness, deepen my understanding of the field of logistics, and gain me first-hand experience of working in a start-up. With every order being different from the last, bringing their own sets of experiences and challenges, the internship has been fast paced and dynamic.

You come from a bicultural family, how does that help you in your internship today?

Born of a Scottish father, and a French mother, I grew up in a bicultural environment, speaking both French and English at home. This has helped me in my internship immensely, enabling me to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in both languages with all of the different parties involved. Being dual national has also conferred me with the ability to understand different cultures and perspectives, enabling me to better cultivate personal relationships with clients.

In your opinion, what are the required traits and qualities to work in Operations inside the Customer Service team ?

I believe that working in Customer Service requires adaptability, thoroughness and patience. Indeed, one must be adaptable as we continuously juggle with the different situations that arise everyday, making the ability to simultaneously multitask and handle a large quantity of information essential. Being thorough and rigorous is also key. Indeed, through devising quotes, processing orders and communicating crucial information to customers, the customer service team lies at the very foundation of the logistical chain. As a result, any inaccuracy, or mistake made in the early stages can ripple through the entire process with lasting consequences. Finally, I believe that working in customer service requires patience and the ability to communicate effectively to all parties involved, as we must remain steadfast in all times and in all situations.

Can you share a fun fact you experienced during your adventure at Convelio?

During my 3 month stint at Convelio, I was able to help transport famous artwork to famous people (sportsmen, film directors, actors…), on which I cannot divulge, for obvious reasons. My personal favorite was the unexpected transport of hundreds of letters written by Simone de Beauvoir to her family!

Ségolène’s experience at Convelio seems appealing? Come and have a look at our jobs & internship opportunities and join the Convelio adventure!