The United Kingdom is home to the biggest ESSEC community outside France, with more than 1,600 graduates and students residing across the Channel, and new comers arriving every year. Olivia Verbrugghe (M09), President of ESSEC Alumni’s UK Chapter, tells us more about the local community, the services her team offers them – and the aftermath of Brexit and the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.  

ESSEC Alumni: What is your history with the UK? 

Olivia Verbrugghe: I have been living in the UK for the last 10 years after 6 years in New York City. With a corporate finance and procurement background within the secondary sector and more recently the wine and spirit industry, I am now dedicating my time, effort, and energy to representing ESSEC’s entities and activities in the UK, alongside 25 other board members and Geneviève Helleringer (E96), a law professor both at ESSEC and Oxford, who also supports our school’s London office.

EA: What makes UK special in your eyes?

O. Verbrugghe: During the last 10 years, we witnessed some of the most defining moments in the nation’s recent history. The Brexit referendum of 2016, which officially came into effect in 2020, reshaped the country’s international relationships and domestic landscape to a challenging situation. Then the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, after a reign spanning over 70 years, marked the end of an era. However, it also paved the way for the monarchy to evolve, with King Charles III accessing the throne. His 2023 coronation, a rare event in the modern era, brought a renewed sense of continuity and tradition that the British appreciate. 

EA: What about London? 

O. Verbrugghe: When we think of London, its reputation as a leading European and global financial hub often comes to mind. However, one of the city’s greatest attractions lies in its vibrant festive and cultural scene. The French community ranks as only the eleventh largest immigrant group in London, underscoring the city’s incredible diversity. This transpires through numerous events such as carnivals, fireworks, exhibitions, and themed festivals. In addition, London boasts an impressive range of over 40 live scenes, as well as more than 250 museums, offering endless opportunities for exploration and entertainment.

EA: What is the outline of our community in the UK? 

O. Verbrugghe: The country is home to the largest ESSEC community outside of France, with approximately 1,600 alumni. While Brexit has inevitably impacted our presence, London remains a highly attractive destination for professionals in banking, finance, and fintech. Around 65% of our alumni work in the financial sector, with the remaining 35% spread across various industries, including consulting, entrepreneurship, retail, energy, and education, among others.

EA: What opportunities do our alumni have in the UK? 

O. Verbrugghe: The job market is currently very dynamic, shaped by the combined effects of Covid and Brexit, which have strengthened the position of qualified job candidates and led to higher turnover rates for employers. However, foreign job seekers must be patient, as the process has become more complex, requiring work visas for candidates and sponsorship licenses for employers. A government website publishes a list of companies holding sponsorship licenses, which can be a helpful starting point for non British citizens.

EA: What other practical advice do you have for our alumni moving in the UK?

O. Verbrugghe: London offers a wide array of networking groups that accommodate a large variety of interests. These include active groups in various professional fields, as well as community-based networks by area of interest for both English and French speakers. Being engaged in a charity is also a way to integrate with the local community. As a reminder, there are approximately 170,000 registered charities in the country, and they play a key role in British society, both socially and economically. Last but not least, of course, don’t forget to connect with the UK Chapter! 

EA: What is the offer of the UK Chapter?

O. Verbrugghe: Our fantastic team of 25 volunteers launches an impressive average of 50 events per year. We run initiatives such as a Book Club, Finance Club, Mentoring Program (EWA Boost’), Senior Executive Clubs, Running Club and a Hospitality Club. 

EA: What are the latest events you organized? 

O. Verbrugghe: We recently participated in and won the Hackathon organized by the French Embassy, where a small ESSEC team came together to brainstorm ideas. The focus of the project was to engage the French higher education alumni community in the UK to strengthen Franco-British relations, both academically and professionally. Our solution was to create opportunities to connect and engage in concrete, meaningful actions around solidarity and civic involvement. Also, on the 30th of September, we invited Maud Chassande (E17), Head of Ecological Transformation at ESSEC, to share her insights on the recognition ESSEC has gained in this field, alongside Sébastien Bidaud, Ministre-conseiller at the French Embassy in the UK, and Jérôme Walczak, Head of the Dispensaire français. In the aftermath of the event, a newsletter will be issued by France Alumni, managed by the Higher Education Department of the French Embassy, to highlight two ESSEC graduates, one actively engaged in the charitable sector, supporting a cause and community, and the other leading a successful business focused on ecological transition.

EA: Do you need more volunteers to get involved? 

O. Verbrugghe: We always welcome new comers and ideas. Some club leaders are looking for a "partner in crime" to help organising events. We are also making a call for alumni who do not live in London and would like to engage in their city or region. If you're interested, we’d love to hear from you— the more, the merrier!

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