Interview with Mohamed I., Structured Equity Valuation Consultant at Quanteam North America – on assignment at BNP Paribas in New York since 2023
Mohamed, can you tell us how you first got the idea to move to the United States?
From the very start of my assignment at BNP Paribas in Paris in 2020, I knew I wanted to add an international dimension to my career. I spent three years as a Trader Assistant in one of the bank’s international divisions, and I realized that to advance quickly—both in terms of responsibility and skills—a transfer to New York represented an exceptional opportunity. Working in the United States means joining an environment where versatility is key, where front, middle, and back-office functions are closely interconnected, and where employees are expected to quickly become self-reliant. For me, it was the right moment in my career to take on this challenge.
How did you preparepreparedthis internship with Quanteam?
I discussed my project with Maxime, my manager at Quanteam in France. He was supportive from the very beginning and played a very hands-on role as a facilitator between the client and the Quanteam North America teams. He was the one who championed my project internally, working closely with Jean-Étienne Retaureau at Quanteam North America and the client. It took time for everything to fall into place. As an Algerian national, the visa process for the United States is particularly complex, and the assignment also had to be approved by BNP Paribas as a local contract—which represents an additional investment for them. I was patient, but I felt supported, guided, and advised.
In practical terms, how didyour move in New York?
This has been a major turning point in my career. Here, everything moves quickly, everything is demanding, and there’s a strong emphasis on responsiveness and true autonomy. Being in constant communication with the front, middle, risk, and back offices has allowed me to develop a much more comprehensive understanding of the challenges at hand and true agility.
But beyond the professional aspect, it’s also an intense personal experience: discovering a new work culture, learning to adapt to a completely different environment, and reinventing yourself every day. You gain confidence, openness, and maturity.
What advice would you give to those who are hesitant to go on an exchangeabroad or or to anyone who would like to join Quanteam theabroad?
When we think of mobility, we often imagine the challenges: moving to a new country, finding our bearings again, facing the unknown. But in reality, it is precisely in that unknown that the greatest rewards lie.
An international assignment is a leap that pushes you to go beyond your limits. You discover a new professional culture, learn to juggle new responsibilities, and emerge stronger from every challenge. Intellectually, it’s stimulating. Professionally, it’s a real springboard. And personally, it’s an adventure that leaves a lasting impression.
If I had to give one piece of advice: plan your project carefully, weigh the implications… and then just go for it. Because once you’re there, you realize that everything you gain far outweighs what you leave behind.
13 OFFICES IN FRANCE AND ABROAD
Cultural diversity is a core value at QUANTEAM! Paris, Lyon, New York, Montreal, London, Lisbon, Geneva, Casablanca, Singapore… our experts support our clients with their challenges around the world. Looking to relocate? Our offices also support our consultants in their plans to live and work abroad. Because being close to our clients is part of our DNA, you’ll always find a QUANTEAM and RAINBOW PARTNERS expert by your side.
