FOCUS & ME
FOCUS & ME Stephanie Gentelle
My journey with FOCUS is in two steps and started three years ago when I first arrived in London for one year. I then renewed my subscription two years later when I returned. I also joined our very active and supportive local French association. Both entities complement each other perfectly.
FOCUS helped me to settle in London in many aspects. First, it is a truly international environment where you meet people from across the globe who share the same concerns: a new city, an education but no job (yet), and an intense curiosity.
FOCUS also provides two other aspects. One is learning with various events and seminars, ranging from British culture (you hear and learn how to decode certain situations) to the structure for handling difficult conversations and the foundations of the search for a new job in an existing, or to-be-created, career. I also learned to be a better recycler for my planet at a FOCUS
event.The Career Development Programme runs during the day for four weeks and you meet up in small groups and think things over under guidance from a career coach. I really appreciated some very useful tips about LinkedIn and networking, and the whole process helped me to feel so much more confident with my CV and the application process, even though I didn't use them as I was offered a job in my home country the following year.
But anyway, I am back and I can again benefit from the second aspect of FOCUS which is high-quality entertainment. I remember the network event on a pleasant roof top in Kensington, with flamingoes, nibbles and a view; a visit of the collections of Christie’s (where Dali and Magritte's paintings were presented, prices included - you could not believe your eyes); a tour of the Victoria & Albert with tea of course!
“I have t ad that
eerything in FOCUS i aot thir popl (th tam) caring fo popl.”
At FOCUS they are always bursting with new ideas and evening events which enable you to meet other members who are usually fellow professionals. I’ve seen the website grow over the years and offer more information from sports classes to places to learn English. To top that, the atmosphere at FOCUS is highly professional and relaxed and provides a well-located, warm and safe environment to share with others in the daytime. I have to add that everything at FOCUS is about their people (the team) caring for people (me and you). The team there made me feel welcomed, supported, privileged and encouraged throughout my journey of becoming a new citizen of London. And I am thrilled to continue this journey with them!
Stphanie 26 FOCUS The Magazine March/April 2020
www.focus-info.org
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