Interview with Marine Fosse, Talent Acquisition Manager at Quanteam North America at Canada
After spending a year at Quanteam in Paris, Marine arrived in Canada on October 1, 2024, and decided to add an international dimension to her career by joining the Canadian teams. Now a Talent Acquisition Manager, she reflects on how this move came about, her transition to life in Canada, and the key lessons she’s learned from this experience.
Can you tell us how you first got the idea to move to Belgium?
I had originally applied for a position based in Paris. During our discussions, the recruiter told me about a VIE opportunity in Belgium, at our Brussels office, which had just opened. I was immediately interested: I wanted to travel and experience something other than Paris, while still staying close to France.
Belgium seemed like a natural choice. It’s a neighboring country, easily accessible, yet with a distinct identity and a different work environment. I then had an interview with David (Associate Director of the Belgium office). We hit it off, which confirmed my desire to give this experience a try.
Can you tell us how you first got the idea to move to Canada?
My relocation plans began fairly early on. When I joined Quanteam in France, I had already started thinking about moving to New York. But at that point, the timeline was too tight, and I wasn’t in a position to make a decision that quickly.
So I spent a year at Quanteam Paris, during which the recruiter was looking for Talent Acquisition Managers for Canada with specialized tech backgrounds—a role that was difficult to fill.
After discussing the details of the position and career progression, things moved quickly and the process naturally got underway.
How did you prepare for this internship with Quanteam?
I received excellent support throughout the entire process, particularly from the North America Division (Marion Rousset and Jean-Etienne Retaureau), who were a great help with the visa application process. The process is quite involved, with several steps to complete, so that support was crucial.
Two months before my departure for Canada, I continued to support the teams in Paris, which allowed me to prepare for the transition with peace of mind, both professionally and personally.
In practical terms, how did you go about settling in Canada?
Settling in was fairly easy. I found a place to live quickly, which was made even easier thanks to my VIE status. Everyone involved was very accommodating, especially regarding the dates: I was originally supposed to arrive on the 1st of the month, but that ended up not being possible, and everything was adjusted without any trouble.
This allowed me to start this new chapter under good conditions and with peace of mind.
Can you tell us about your current role at Quanteam in Montreal ?
My role today is more versatile, even though I’m still focused on the same core business: sourcing talent for the firm. I mainly recruit for projects, often with tight deadlines—sometimes as little as two weeks’ notice—which is a unique feature of the Canadian job market and requires a high degree of responsiveness and adaptability.
The context is different from that in France, but that is precisely what makes the job so stimulating.
What have you learned from this international work experience?
What I find particularly rewarding is the opportunity to compare markets that are completely different from one another. You’re constantly having to adapt, push yourself, and rethink your assumptions.
Beyond the professional aspect, it’s a truly enriching human experience. Moving abroad forces you to find a different way of working, but also a different way of living. You learn a great deal about yourself.
What advice would you give to those who are hesitant about participating in an exchange program or joining Quanteam internationally?
When you feel like taking on a new assignment, you have to go for it. The important thing is to see your plans through to the end and not be left with regrets.
Quanteam has a strong international presence, with clear and well-structured processes, which makes taking on new assignments simpler and more reassuring. It’s a real comfort when you’re taking the plunge
If you had to sum up this exchange program in three words?
If I had to sum up this three-month exchange, I would say: discoveries, new perspectives, and confidence.
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.
