Have you ever found yourself standing at the crossroads of education and the future, wondering:
What comes next?
The question haunts countless graduates, echoing through the halls of universities and the minds of young professionals.
My journey began long before I understood the depth of this existential quest.
Global Childhood, the Seeds of Curiosity
From my earliest memories, the world was my classroom. Africa became my first teacher, introducing me to exotic flavors and perspectives that would shape my understanding of life. My name, Gurval meaning “very valiant” seemed almost prophetic of the adventures that awaited me.
Breaking the Traditional Mold
Growing up in a small French village of barely 10,000 souls, I quickly realized that traditional paths were not my destiny. While others saw limited options becoming a doctor, lawyer, or engineer…
I saw potential for something different. Commerce became my gateway to possibilities, a route less traveled but full of promise.
Education: More Than Just a Degree
My five-year master “programme grande écoles” (plus an MSc ) journey was more than an academic pursuit.
It was a global expedition of professional experiences.
From startups to multinational corporations, I immersed myself in understanding business mechanisms.
Each internship, each project was a piece of a larger puzzle of understanding how the world truly operates.
The Unexpected Lessons
Contrary to popular belief, education isn’t just about acquiring skills to earn money. It’s about life experiences, personal growth, and discovering who you truly are.
Love became my compass, guiding me beyond monotonous theoretical courses and pushing me to explore beyond conventional boundaries (not anymore; everything has an end…)
Challenging the System
Our educational system often fails to ignite passion. It creates a machine-like approach to life: study, work, retire “if you’re lucky enough to live that long”…
But is this truly living?
The Pareto principle suggests that only 20% of educational experiences are truly transformative (teaching, friends, encounters…), with the rest being mere routine.
The Real Questions
What does success really look like?
Is it a predictable life of metro, coffee, lunch breaks, and after-work drinks?
Or is it something more profound, leaving a mark, creating change, understanding our place in this complex world?
A Personal Manifesto
I realized I was different a “madman” who still believes in change, who sees beyond the mundane.
My studies revealed not just career paths, but the intricate problems of our world: the loss of human warmth, the obsession with money, the disconnect from our childhood curiosity.
Advice for the Graduating Class
- Don’t Follow, Explore: Your degree is a tool, not a destiny.
- Question Everything: The traditional path is not the only path.
- Seek Passion: Find work that ignites your soul, not just fills your bank account.
- Stay Curious: Never lose the wonder of a child.
- Create Your Network: Build connections that challenge and inspire you.
The Ongoing Journey
Ten years after my studies, I’ve learned that life is not about reaching a destination, but about the continuous journey of learning, growing, and challenging the status quo.
So, what will you do after your studies?
The world is waiting, not for your resume, but for your unique passion and perspective.
