Alumni Testimonials FNM 2012 / 2013

Master Marketing - Franchising and Network Management
Alumni Testimonials
FNM 2012 / 2013
The testimonials given in this flyer were written
by the current students of both groups, the
group of students who are in apprenticeship in
networks (Management des Réseaux et de la
Franchise - MRF) along with the international group
(Franchising and Network Management - FNM)
and by former students of the MRF group.
Julia BEUMER
(Germany)
These testimonials give you students and former
students’ perception of the Master program.
They also illustrate the wide range of diversified
career opportunities that can be targeted after
the Master Degree, in particular in the marketing,
management and development department of
franchise networks in the retail and service sectors.
My motivation to follow the Master FNM at the Rennes IGR-IAE was to get a well-founded,
competent education and, at the same time, to improve my language skills in French. My
expectations towards that were met and I am more than satisfied with the choice I have
made. I would recommend everyone who is interested in franchising, international business
development or entrepreneurship to follow this Msc. in order to get an insight knowledge
in the topic and to develop a professional network.
Florence COURBALAY
(France)
The Master FNM gives us relevant knowledge of network management and development.
It combines theoretical and practical approaches related to the franchising world thanks
to classes with franchising experts, to the possibility to attend franchising events and to
the internship during the 2nd semester. This Master well highlights the importance and
the interest of knowing the “culture of franchising” in order to enter the working life
in this specific field.
Shahab HAKIMI
(Iran)
It is a great opportunity to be able to learn from big network CEOs and great academic people
in the field. After 3 years working in a network company, I decided to accept the challenge of
studying again. When I found this Master, I wanted to learn the structure of networks, human
resources and financial things and how the CEOs think in such networks, I’ve learned much
more than those from the CEOs of the big companies and great academic people who are
travelling around the world to share their knowledge of franchising and networks. I wish I had
discovered this program much earlier so I would not have made some unrelevant decisions,
both strategically and financially, in my previous company. Right now, I’m thinking to go even
further in this field and going for Ph.D. in franchising.
Master of Marketing - Franchising and Network Management - GRADUATE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT (IGR-IAE)
University of Rennes 1 - Rennes, France - contact: 02 23 23 34 22 - igr-international.degree@univ-rennes1.fr

FNM 2012 / 2013
Aurélie LE GOFF
(France)
After living for one year in the United States, I wanted to continue my studies with an
English speaking Master Degree. With a marketing and sales background, this Master
Degree was the opportunity to mix together all my wishes: Master degree, business and
English. Moreover, franchising is growing all over the world. We have the opportunity to
be taught by professionals from different networks, from the French Franchise Federation,
from academics coming from different research centers. This Master Degree brings us a
unique and specific knowledge to integrate that passionate world of franchising.
Christa PLANTIN
(France)
I have already a Master Degree in Management, specialized in food-processing companies,
and I wish to work in a retail network. That is the reason why I chose the Master FNM.
The strength of this Master is the relationships with network professionals, through
courses, events… We are also a few students, which is very convenient. Another point is the
international point of view of this Master, with foreign students and courses in English. It’s
very interesting for the French girl that I am, because it gives me the opportunity to have
an international career.
Muhammad Akib WARRAICH
(Pakistan)
Business Development Manager “A to Z Enterprises (Pty) Ltd “
This Master program enhanced my understanding of establishing, growing and managing
a business in a professional and efficient way. In this program, I have not only learned
about theories on franchising but also attended several trade fairs, meetings, conferences
and worked on different projects alone as well as in team. In addition to franchising, the
supporting courses helped me to learn how to crack a problem in a systematic way and
to find out the possible solutions. The learning environment is truly international and
the faculty is very helping and welcoming. Living in Rennes is a wonderful experience
and this human size city is connected with every city of France. Considering the different
opportunities, I have decided to stay more at IGR-Rennes, so I will continue for a Ph.D.
and become a researcher in the world of franchising.
Victoria SMIRNOVA
(Russia)
I’ve gained a lot of incredible experiences since I came here. There is always the desire to
learn new things and acquire new knowledge. I am having a wonderful time at IGR. Also
there’s a great opportunity for students to broaden their knowledge beyond their field
of studies within an international multicultural environment. Due to its megadiversity of
cultures, it makes the place becoming interesting, exciting and vibrant.

Master Marketing - Management des Réseaux et de la Franchise
MRF 2012/2013
Lettice DE FABRE DE LATUDE
Happychic group (Jules + Brice + Bizzbee) (apparel)
After graduating in Private Law, I changed gears in order to focus on business. Last year,
I attended a non-specialized program (management, project management, finance) and
discovered the concept of franchising during a coursework where students had to work on
a market research aiming at opening a store. I was convinced that I wanted to continue in
that direction, and was selected to attend the Master MRF. I work in apprenticeship in the
Happychic group, where I create various tools aiming at helping the company have a clearer
and more efficient vision of our development. The goal is to secure a quicker, more targeted
and more profitable development for all our stores. The added value of the program comes
from meetings with renowned professionals, working in the franchising and networks, who
share their experience with us, as well as the common classes we have with the international
program (English-taught counterpart of the apprenticeship program) where we can improve
our professional vocabulary.
Marina GAVALAND
Marketing Coordinator
Cuisines Raison (kitchen design)
I discovered the world of franchising during my first working experience in apprenticeship as
an on-field consultant in a franchise network operating in the home care sector. I discovered
an exciting and dynamic world, humanly rewarding but demanding. This experience
triggered my desire to engage in the MRF adventure! This Master gives us real legitimacy
in the eyes of the professionals. The quality of the courses, the variety of professionals
involved, their professionalism, as well as the in-company experience acquired all year long
are real assets upon entering the active life and building our career in franchising. Currently,
I work as a marketing coordinator in the Cuisine Raison franchise network (kitchen design),
where I manage the marketing and communication projects at the brand and franchisees’
levels with the marketing director.
Anne GOSSELIN
Casa del Campo (restaurants)
The Master MRF offered at IGR-IAE gives a broad outlook of networks and franchising as well
as the various positions that can be held in the networks. Being immersed in a company, we
can put into practice the notions learned during the classes. Our involvement in different
tasks, coordination and participation into the company’s events are positive aspects.
Franchising embraces a wide variety of sectors and positions, illustrated in the various
missions assigned to the students of the 2012-2013 cohort.

MRF 2012/2013
Anne-Sophie GUENOT
O2 Home Services (home services)
After non-specialized studies in management, I looked for a workplace-oriented
program. I found the Master MRF, the only existing program on franchising
proposed in apprenticeship. It alternates course sessions and in-company periods.
This master offers a transversal training in network culture and addresses the main
issue encountered by the graduates on the job market: having diplomas and having
experience. I work in apprenticeship in a home service network which, after 16 years
of company arrangement with 142 agencies, decided to duplicate its model through
franchising. I liked this twofold challenge from the start: first to participate in the
creation of tools and processes helping recruiting future franchisees, selecting them
and accompanying them during the entrepreneurship process, and on the other
hand to take part in organizational changes linked to the transition from a fully
company-owned network to a plural form network.
Gildas HORELLOU
Fournil de Pierre (bakeries)
After reading an article on franchising in a trade magazine, I became interested in this
sector. Jobs in franchising met my professional ambition: dynamism, variety in the tasks,
very promising development perspectives, etc. Therefore, I chose the Master MRF
which perfectly targets the specific needs of the network operators. The combination
of theory, taught by recognized experts in franchising, and the practice gained during incompany
periods give us attractive profiles for network operators. The most important
is that the dynamism and promising evolution of franchising make this sector a thrilling
and really fulfilling world.
Marine MAERTEN
EDF (power company)
I focused on the Master MRF because in the long run, I would like to have my own
business and I think that franchising is a good opportunity to make this project come
true. I currently work at EDF power company. It is not a franchising company as
such, but I coordinate a network of claims referents within my department. Network
coordination is always the same whatever the company structure. Therefore, I can
easily draw a parallel between the courses and my activity at EDF. Moreover, I think
that these two aspects school/company although different will certainly be a real
asset for my professional future.

MRF 2012/2013
Noëmie MAILLARD
Kangourou Kids (home services)
The strength of the Master MRF is to be a tailor-made course with immediate and tangible
applications in companies, but also benefiting from feedbacks from professionals and
interaction with other students. These elements challenge our creativity and help us spread
information in our own network. These are promises of success for the students upon entering
the job market. The positions held by recent graduates are the most telling examples. Being
trained to become proficient and operational rapidly, but also a specialist in franchising and
network management is what the master MRF represents for me. Joining this Master was
making a key decision, the decision to get a position in an environment of quality.
Marine MENARD
SNCF (railway company)
After a rather general academic background, the Master MRF appeared to be a very good way to
specialize. By associating practice and theory, it encompasses all the skills needed to enter the
job market. Moreover, franchising and organizations in network are an expanding sector giving
us a real opportunity. I currently work as a project manager at SNCF (French railway company).
My task is to analyze customers’ satisfaction and to initiate actions in order to coordinate the
network of agencies. Little informed until recently about the franchising sector, I hope now to
evolve professionally in this one.
Malvina MORTEVEILLE
Laboratoire Santé Naturelle - Yves Rocher (cosmetics)
After five years in a work/training scheme, this teaching method seems to be the richest and
the most interesting one. It allows to combine theory in class and on-field practice. After a
non-specialized curriculum in business, management and human resources management, I
decided to become more specialized and attend the Master MRF. In this work/training scheme,
I was hired in the Yves Rocher company, more specifically for the Laboratoire Santé Naturelle
(Natural Health Labs), in charge of operational marketing. My work is not entirely related
to network organization and it requires mental gymnastics, but it it allows me to enrich my
knowledge and explore more activities in the world of marketing. In the Master MRF, our
classes and our lecturers give us all keys and the knowledge in order to benefit from job
opportunities in franchising.
Hugo MOURARET
Scarabée Biocoop (organic products)
For me, apprenticeship has always been the best way of learning. It has helped me compare theory
with on-field reality. I am becoming more of a “hands-on” man than a student, and this can be felt
in my professional life. Moreover, this will give me legitimacy and experience which will be useful
when looking for a job in the future! Managers prefer students with a professional experience and
this is normal! My choice of the Master MRF was not accidental. My non-specialized background
(company manager) lacked specialization. It has been achieved now, because I have real skills
in franchising and network organizations. I would like to end saying that for me franchising and
network organizations are the future of retailing, because only “hand in hand” can men erect the
most beautiful buildings…

MRF 2012/2013
Corentin PAQUET
Marketing and Communication Assistant
Label CO-PILOTES (accounting)
A perfect combination between support from an organization and independence spirit,
franchising is the solution for people who want to become entrepreneurs. This is the reason
why the Master MRF proved to be the best solution for finishing my studies. Moreover,
choosing the work/training scheme is a significant asset to make our integration to
working life easier. The course gave me basic knowledge in development and coordination
in order to carry out the tasks entrusted to me by the nascent network where I am in
apprenticeship. Finally, whether they are researchers or professionals, the lecturers are
on the lookout to our difficulties and they always offer enhancing discussions.
David ROHEL
Franchising Consultant
ST Developments (consultancy)
Nowadays, the franchise business model is booming. More and more entrepreneurs tend
to use the franchising system. After meeting an on-field consultant during a summer job, I
decided to go to this type of organization. The Master MRF at IGR is one of the only programs
fully dedicated to franchising and networks existing in France. Thanks to the participation of
practitioners and the integration of research in our classes, this Master MRF prepares us ideally
to the world of franchising. Moreover, this curriculum is made as a work/training scheme.
We can therefore implement our knowledge directly, and learn more during our in-company
periods. In short, this is a very complete program which offers us a professional experience
at the same time and that allows us to be operational for entering the professional world.
Louise TESSIER
Louvre Hotels Group (Campanile, Golden Tulip, Kyriad...) (hotels)
For the last year of my Master, I wanted to specialize in order to be fully operational on the
job market. In addition to preparing us for active life, this work/study scheme gave me all
the theoretical skills needed in the job I have currently. During the in-company period, I
acquire know-how and experience which will be valued when graduating. Finally, the world
of networks and franchising is rapidly expanding, with great professional opportunities in
the future.
Johanne THIEBLEMONT
Commercial Assistant
Akena Hotels (hotels)
The Master MRF gives me the opportunity to discover franchising-related jobs and to meet
professionals who share their experience with us and give us advice. The in-company periods
are an excellent opportunity for us to put into practice the knowledge acquired during the
classes and to become proactive. Taking a first step in a company during my last year of study is
very rewarding. It is an advantage in terms of know-how or social skills. It is also an opportunity
to improve my skills directly in the professional world, which will be a real asset for the
future.

MRF 2011/2012
Emilie Even
Marketing Assistant
Vivre & Savourer (fast-food)
I work as a Marketing Assistant in Vivre et Savourer. I chose the Master MRF
because franchising is growing. The biggest asset of this Master is that many
classes are taught by professionals. Specific cases are dealt with, and we can
become specialists of networks and franchising. Not a single day passes when I
don’t relate my work to the classes we are taking this year.
David LEPRETRE
On-field Consultant
Domicile Clean (home services)
This is a really comprehensive Master, giving us very wide knowledge in networks and the
various practices to develop and manage them efficiently. We are skilled and dependable as
soon as we start working in the company. The career opportunities are excellent.
Cécilia Mezzano
Development and Coordination Assistant France & International
Brioche Dorée (fast-food)
Choose a targeted, professional and complete Master!
The Master is perfectly suited to franchise network needs. The essential
theoretical contribution is directly implemented during the periods spent in the
franchise network. This multidisciplinary Master opens our minds to the world of
networks and franchising. Lectures given by recognized professionals make the
Master credible, dynamic, concrete and directly applicable in the network.
Last but not least, franchising is an exciting world.
Alexandre Pommey
On-field Consultant
Brit Hotel (hotel)
A year ago, I did not know which Master I should choose to complete my academic studies. I was
sure about something: I wanted to acquire professional skills while gaining more knowledge.
My problem was solved rapidly as soon as I heard about this specialized Master MRF. As
a matter of fact, spending 70% of the year in a network provides credible experience and
legitimacy when dealing with professionals. As far as I am concerned, I decided to specialize in
on-field consulting in the hotel industry because of the significant employment opportunities.
Moreover, whatever the sector, network organization is the future of business, and I know it
will never be difficult to find a job. Moreover, the courses are given by professionals in this field,
who provide their hands-on experience. We are confident that we learn valuable information
for our future career. This Master is designed for those who want to professionalize in the
careers of tomorrow.
Anne Raymond
Development Assistant
Monbana (chocolates)
I discovered franchising during an internship. I did not know that it could become
a job! To tell the truth, I did not know exactly what franchising and networks
were! I discovered a dynamic, demanding world, and a hands-on Master which
meets the market’s demands. I work as an assistant in network development. My
job is to develop franchising in my company that has only focused on company
ownership until now. My knowledge in this field is valued, and I love witnessing
how the project progresses.

MRF 2010/2011
Michel Faguais
On-field Consultant
Pizza Sprint (fast-food)
I graduated from the Master MRF in June 2011. I work now as an on-field consultant
in a fast-food network established in France’s western region. This Master in
apprenticeship allowed us to combine theory, with high quality professors, and
practice in our respective networks. It gives us real legitimacy in the franchising
world.
Martin Gaillard
Project Manager
SFR (Internet/cellphones)
The Master MRF provides knowledge and know-how in an expanding business type,
despite the difficult economic situation. Beyond its own specificities as a combined
work/training scheme, this Master offers real basics about retailing, marketing and
management. As a consequence, the students have a comprehensive approach of the
business world. Another highlight of this success is the faculty’s commitment and the
quality of the professionals giving lectures throughout the year.
Mickaël Riaud
On-field Consultant
Daniel Moquet signe vos allées (garden alley design)
I attended the Master MRF that combines work and training periods, part time at IGR
and part time in a network where I work now. This Master gave me both theoretical
and practical experience, which is very useful today to carry out what I wanted to
do a few years ago.
Romain Rouxel
Head of the Franchise Network
V and B (wine and beers)
After a more general curriculum, in commercial development, this specialized Master
opens the door to growing economic actors, in other words retail and service networks
using franchising, but also trademark licensing and associated trade. The Master gives us
the basics in franchising and organization in network and deals with the specific issues of
network management. Moreover, conferences given by various franchise professionals
allowed us to exchange our points of view, and then share them within our network.
These meetings open our minds and give us the chance to acquire a significant network of
relationships. I am now head of the V et B franchise network (trademark licensing), with
varied potential career evolution (development, marketing, consulting…).
Renan Josse
On-field Consultant
SOCOO’C (kitchen design)
The Master MRF gave me sound theoretical fundamentals about the world of franchising
(network management, development, business plan…). The combined work/training
scheme gave me adequate field experience. Moreover, within that 1-year period, each
company where the students work as apprentices develops, and job opportunities
appear, which proved to be the case as far as I am concerned.

MRF 2009/2010
Nicolas Gaugain
Head of Development and Management
L’Orange Bleue (fitness centers)
Three years ago, I attended the Master MRF. Today, I am in charge of development and
operations for the Orange Bleue network in the fitness industry, where I was hired after
my apprenticeship contract. This Master allowed me to acquire knowledge in network
management, in how to create and develop a network, in how to optimize outlet
locations and relationships with the partners. During the Master, I discovered how some
networks recruit and train their future franchisees. Conferences and meetings given by
professionals gave me the insight knowledge which allows me to work now as network
developer and manager. Today, I only deal with the recruitment of future franchisees and
of their opening procedures. Without this Master, I would never have been able to acquire
so much knowledge about the world of franchising and networks, where I have been
working for three years now and, I hope, for many years to come!
Soazig Le Dorze
On-field Consultant
Ek France (home equipment)
The Master MRF gave me sound theoretical knowledge in network management.
This is priceless information in my job as an on-field consultant. Moreover,
working in a company via the apprenticeship contract gives the possibility to
put knowledge immediately into practice. This double training became a real
asset when taking my first steps into work.
Antoine Lemelle
Network Manager
Lidl (retailing)
The quality of the Master MRF taught at IGR gave me the keys to retailing… This Master
meets the expectations of companies looking for graduates in line with modern business,
where networks take an ever growing place each year…
Miki Otosaka
On-field Consultant
La Mie Câline (fast-food)
I graduated from the Master MRF in 2010. This Master allowed me to
discover the world of franchising. We met many network professionals, onfield
consultants, developers, company CEOs and many experts (lawyers,
statisticians…). The combination of theory and these very enriching meetings
complemented by practice within the franchise network make this Master a
very good preparation to working life and a transition from school to company.
Gaëlle Ricaud
Head of Marketing
Easy Cash (second-hand products)
The Master MRF in apprenticeship allowed me to gain additional knowledge in
marketing and network management, and to strengthen this knowledge during the incompany
periods. I was hired at the end of my apprenticeship contract in September
2009. Since then, I have been coordinating all the marketing and communication projects,
whether in B2C (consumers) or B2B (prospective franchisees) of the franchise network.
I work in close relationship with the Top Management.

MRF 2008/2009
Coralie DENIS
General Manager - China
Lollipops (accessories and shoes)
Thanks to this workplace-oriented professional Master, I was efficient upon entering
the working life. Throughout the Master, practitioners and professors’ testimonies
make us understand better all the franchising-related issues.
Myriam EL FARIS
Head of Development
Phone House (mobile phone)
I have always been fascinated by the world of networks. The Master MRF gave
me the opportunity to be trained by franchising experts and to specialize in this
field. Now I have a very sought-for atypical profile. I am regularly in touch with
people I met during my Master course (members of the French Franchise
Federation…).
Alexandre Musset
Head of Development
Générale d’Optique & Grand Optical (optics)
This Master enables students to discover and enhance their knowledge of the world
of franchising. As a matter of fact, this “Culture of Franchising” is essential if you
want to work and do business with franchisees. Nowadays, each project to open a
franchise is different. The candidate likes to be listened to, supported and advised
during his training as a prospective franchisee. We need to keep in mind that we
have the know-how and expertise in our field.
Sébastien Ollivier
Sales Promoter – Network Coordinator
Automobiles Peugeot (cars)
Gaining credibility!
The Master MRF is a combined work/training scheme. This gave me more
credibility, especially during my first professional contacts where recent
graduates find it difficult to show legitimacy and experience. Knowledge about
network structures as well as about specific human environment acquired
during this Master program, made my integration easier into the company
where I work now, and will make it easier for me to evolve professionally.
Florence Therreau
Project Manager
Chocolats Roland Réauté (chocolates)
With the Master MRF, I have been able to get to grips with an expanding type of
business. The various meetings with professionals were enriching. During my year as
an apprentice, I joined a young franchise network, and I participated in the beginning
of its development, as an on-field consultant. Since my graduation, I have continued
my experience in the same network. This Master brought me a lot: knowledge,
human relationships and a fulfilling professional life.