At first glance, “V.I.E” might sound like just another corporate acronym. But behind these three letters lies a community of young professionals helping shape Servier’s international presence. Whether supporting R&D, legal, marketing, or many other teams, V.I.Es are an integral part of our organization’s international journey. Servier currently welcomes around 60 V.I.Es, spread across more than 20 countries – from Argentina to China, Brazil and the US – and gives them a unique opportunity to live and work abroad, combining both professional development and cultural discovery.
Four of us are currently based in Boston, involved in teams ranging from legal to R&D, to communications and public affairs. As part of this experience myself, I wanted to spotlight this incredible adventure and share some of this experience with you. After starting my career in public relations in Paris, I, like many of my fellow V.I.Es, was eager to take on a new challenge, to broaden my horizons and gain meaningful international experience. In February, I was fortunate to be selected to join the communications team at Servier’s Boston office.
So, what’s a V.I.E?
The V.I.E program – short for Volontariat International en Entreprise – is an initiative supported by Business France. It encourages young French professionals under 30 to take on international assignments, usually for 18 months, the U.S. being one example. This program is a unique chance to explore a new culture, grow professionally, and support the international activities of a French company – all while gaining valuable real-world experience.
At Servier, V.I.Es are welcomed as a full-fledged member of the team. The roles vary, but what they share is a common approach: being involved, learning on the go, and contributing where they can. In Boston, the work environment is open and collaborative, allowing each person to sharpen their expertise while adapting to a new work culture. There’s always a space for us to grow, ask questions, and take part in meaningful projects alongside experienced colleagues.
A Cultural Exchange
One of the most rewarding aspects of a V.I.E is the cultural exchange. Living and working abroad means more than just navigating a new language or adjusting to a different pace – it’s about opening yourself up to new ways of thinking, working, and connecting. It’s about stepping outside your comfort zone. Thankfully, the warm welcome from the U.S. team makes that leap easier.
By bridging cultures and bringing fresh perspectives to the table, the V.I.E program creates something truly special – a shared experience of growth, learning, and mutual discovery. Of course, the cultural exchange is not limited to the workplace – it’s a 24/7 adventure. Some of us have even faced painful cultural shocks – like discovering chicken salad croissants on a menu.
A Career Milestone
For many, the V.I.E marks the beginning of something bigger. It’s not a shortcut, but a steppingstone to an international career, a deeper understanding of the industry, or even a fresh outlook on personal growth. Some stay abroad, while others return home with expanded horizons and new ambitions.
Either way, the experience is often transformational – both professionally and personally. In the end, being a V.I.E at Servier is less about the title, and more about the journey. It’s about learning how to navigate a new space, building skills, and contributing in your own way to a global organization – while having the time of your life in a dream destination!