Career re-orientation towards area where triple bottom line is primary goalWhat type of job are you looking for? I am a financial professional seeking to apply my analytical skills and knowledge of environmental and social risks in the realm of sustainable development. The relevant target industries are financial institutions concerned with the above risks related to their clients, NGOs requiring a business factor in their strategy, and financing for sustainable projects. What nationality are you? Swiss and American What languages do you speak (and at what level)? My mother tongue is English. I currently live in France and have had continuous contact with the French-speaking cultures for the past 20 years. I speak and read French very well, and have an good level in writing. I also use German and Spanish in speaking, reading and writing on a daily basis. What country or area are you looking to work in and why? I am most interested, for family purposes, in working in the Basel area. This area includes Alsace (France) and the Freiburg (Germany) regions. I enjoy this area due to the international working environment and availability of public transportation. It would also be possible for me to relocate to Geneva, Brussels, or the surrounding regions as my son could continue his education in a similiar system as the present. These metropolises have many international organisations where I could work towards my job objectives. What countries have you worked in? I have worked in the U.S. and more recently, in the Basel area of Switzerland. What countries do you have a visa to work in? I am able to work in the U.S.,a European Union country or Switzerland without a visa. What field do you currently work in? I most recently worked in the Finance Department of a pharmaceutical company, responsible for the setting and justification of prices for inter-company transactions. My work involved intensive collaboration with company affiliates and outside consultants. What fields have you worked in before? I have worked as a Financial Controller for a newly-appointed team. I was responsible for managing and monitoring all financial aspects of operations related to registration, marketing and sales of one product, in collaboration with an American company. I also had the opportunity to perform analysis in Market Research for pharmaceuticals. Lastly, my initial jobs were as internal, international Auditor. What qualifications do you hold? I completed studies for and received an MBA, with a major in Finance. I also have a Master of International Management degree, with emphasis on Finance/Accounting. Which do you consider more valuable? Formal education or skills and why? I consider skills more valuable at this stage in my career. In a first or second job, the formal qualifications are more important in order to have a springboard into the working world. Formal education teaches the ability to learn. Afterwards, the actual skills developed become more essential and should be applied to some extent as one moves throughout his/her career. Describe the benefits of working with others I enjoy the motivation and adrenaline experienced when working with others. Having a backboard against which one can toss ideas and action plans is a very useful learning experience and helps attain larger goals. Brainstorming is a powerful method towards inciting innovation and creativity. Describe the benefits of working alone While working individually, it is possible to concentrate on the task being faced. Also, ideas to be discussed with colleagues can be developed. What was your worst working experience? I felt especially disappointed and upset when my relationships with colleagues in other departments were compromised and their frequency diminished. This change was mostly due to the growth of the organisation, which resulted in conflicting priorities and company politics. What is the most important lesson you have learnt throughout your career? In the course of my career path up until the present, I have ascertained that a multi-cultural environment necessitates the consideration of national customs,an understanding of the needs and priorities within the various cultures, and a certain flexibility in dealing with these issues. in what competencies do you excel, which you feel are relevant for your future position? •cross-cultural communications •taking initiatives •financial controlling •flexibility •integrity •risk analysis •resolution of problems involved in inter-company transactions •language skills •enthusiasm What would you consider as your 'dream job'? My ultimate goal is to work in project management and financing of an environmental project within a corporate structure. What are the most interesting aspects of your field? I particularly enjoy working with others, especially persons in other countries, to develop strategies. The actions resulting from these strategies need to meet local needs, as well as corporate goals. What are the least interesting aspects of your field? I am less motivated in studying the tax implications of a strategy, where the knowledge of local tax laws is needed. I would not like to contine the controlling and judging of the work of others. How can potential employers contact you? ReneeMeyer@global.thunderbird.edu +33 389 233 557 (home) +33 678 907 175 (mobile FR) +41 79 401 2709 (mobile CH) | 
