Tec graduate wins contest in France with 2-minute pitch!

Vanessa Jimenez Peña, a graduate of the Industrial and Systems Engineering degree at the Tec’s State of Mexico campus, has won a contest held at the Montpellier Business School in France. 

Around 500 people from all over the world participated in the competition at the university where she is currently studying for a Master’s in Management.

During her studies at Tec de Monterrey, Vanessa had the opportunity to participate in an exchange in La Rochelle, France. Her ambition to take on new challenges prompted her to choose the country as a destination, as she would have to learn a new language, discover a new culture, and adapt to an unknown place.

“My dream was always to return to France, so I had that clear goal for seven years. I wanted to return to do my master’s degree, to be competitive internationally, and to create opportunities for myself in other parts of the world,” she said.

The pitch

As part of her studies, she participated in a program that aims to promote student talent to recruiters from companies such as Dell or Royal Canin through different activities. 

For Vanessa, the event consisted of making a two-minute pitch, in which around 500 participants from around the world shared their stories.

“The real prize for me was to get these recruiters’ contact details so I can knock on doors at companies that interest me,” she said.

They received guidance for preparing their pitches during a three-day workshop, and then presented them to company and program representatives.

Vanessa took this opportunity to talk about her dreams, her motivation, and her skills.

“I wanted to share that I like challenges, that I find it easy to adapt, that I always want to fulfill my dreams, and that I am self-motivated and don’t give up in the face of any adversity that comes my way,” she explained.

A well-rounded education

The graduate explained that she acquired many of the tools and skills that she uses today, and which have been key in helping her achieve her goals, during her time at the Tec. 

As Campus Queen, Vanessa played a part in key moments in the institution’s history, such as the change of logo. She also organized various blood donation events, book donation drives and Children’s Day events.

“The skills that the Tec gives you include being able to speak in front of people comfortably, being a leader, being a person with a plan who knows how to carry it out step-by-step and develop it, and being analytical, as well as many others. They have helped me become who I am today,” she said.

“I want to help Mexican education and people with limited resources.”

New challenges

Vanessa explained that she still has many goals to accomplish. She is currently focused on finishing her master’s and developing professionally, directing her career towards her areas of interest and environments which will allow her to develop and grow.

All this is with the aim of giving back something of what she has acquired to her community, specifically the Mexican education sector.

“I want to help Mexican education and people with limited resources, which is where I see quality education is most lacking. It’s something I see as an opportunity. I would like support of this part of my country,” she concluded.

YOU’LL ALSO WANT TO READ: