#SuccessStory : Valentin Riou
Learn more about Valentin and his experience as a VIE in Chicago
The VIE Experience: A Self-Driven and Challenging Mission
Once in the U.S., Valentin had to manage complete autonomy. With no established local team, his role was to:
✅ Analyze the U.S. market, which was far more mature than the French one.
✅ Identify potential opportunities for expansion.
✅ Develop the first client relationships and assess the market fit for Alobee’s offering.
✅ Support and retain the company’s first American client, adapting the solution to meet their needs.
"My daily tasks were pure business development. I scheduled meetings, researched the market, prospected, and built sales strategies. But I had full autonomy and had to structure my work myself."
One of the biggest challenges was understanding American business culture and adapting his sales approach accordingly.
"In the U.S., everything is more direct. They need proof, numbers, and you have to get straight to the point. A French-style approach can be perceived as strange. I even had a misunderstanding where a client thought I was flirting with her when I was just trying to be polite!"
To avoid miscommunication, Valentin found a creative solution: using AI to rephrase his messages in American English, ensuring they were perceived professionally.
Cultural Challenges: Integrating into American Society
Beyond business, adjusting socially was also a challenge. Valentin highlights a major difference in relationships:
"Americans are very friendly and welcoming, but it’s hard to truly become part of their close circle. There’s an expression I learned here: French people are like coconuts—hard to approach at first, but once you break through, you build deep connections. Americans, on the other hand, are like mangoes—soft and friendly on the surface but harder to get close to in a meaningful way."
Ultimately, his social circle ended up being mostly French—a contrast to the full immersion he had originally hoped for.
"It wasn’t the experience I initially envisioned, but I have no regrets. I’ve made unforgettable friendships and built strong bonds that will last a lifetime."
Another striking difference was how people socialize.
"In France, we can spend hours at the table, just talking and enjoying a meal. In the U.S., it’s much faster. Even at Thanksgiving, after eating, everyone moves to the couch to watch football. I just wanted to keep chatting!"
The Role of the French-American Chamber of Commerce in Chicago
One key element that played a significant role in Valentin’s journey was his involvement with the French-American Chamber of Commerce in Chicago.
"The Chamber of Commerce was a real booster for me. I met French entrepreneurs who had successfully established themselves in the U.S., learned from their mistakes, and developed a valuable professional network."
The French network, in particular, helped him avoid costly mistakes, make the right strategic decisions early on, and connect with relevant and inspiring professionals.
Through the FACC, he was able to:
🔹 Engage with C-level executives and experienced professionals.
🔹 Gain insights from other French expatriates.
🔹 Create potential business opportunities.
"It’s a shame that more VIE participants don’t take advantage of it. It’s not just networking—it’s an investment in your future career. For me, it was a crucial part of my experience."
Takeaways and Future Career Prospects
After spending a year and a half in the U.S., Valentin reflects positively on his experience:
✅ Developed greater autonomy and resourcefulness
✅ Expanded his international perspective
✅ Built a strong professional network
✅ Successfully secured Alobee’s first U.S. client
His one minor regret? Not achieving full bilingual fluency, due to spending most of his time with fellow French expatriates.
"I thought I would become bilingual quickly, but you have to be kind to yourself. The important thing is that I made significant progress."
This experience also opened new doors. Originally, Valentin was planning to move to Barcelona after his VIE, but the plan fell through at the last minute.
"Even though Barcelona didn’t work out, I’m still actively looking for an international experience—whether that means living abroad, working in a multicultural company, or targeting global clients."
"Before, I thought I would just return to France after my VIE. Now, I realize my daily life could be anywhere. This shift in perspective is something I owe to my experience in the U.S."
Finally, Valentin offers a key piece of advice to future VIE participants:
"Set clear goals before leaving. In a year and a half, if you don’t know what you want to learn or achieve, you might miss out on the full potential of the experience."
Why Do a VIE?
Valentin’s journey with Alobee in the U.S. shows that a VIE is much more than just a job abroad. It is an opportunity to:
✅ Develop autonomy and key professional skills
✅ Navigate a new business culture
✅ Build an international network
✅ Fast-track your career with valuable global experience
While the journey isn’t always easy, it offers invaluable growth—both professionally and personally.
"The VIE is an adventure. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, but it helps you grow in ways you never imagined."
📌 Valentin at a Glance:
👔 Former VIE at Alobee
🌍 1 year in the U.S.
📈 Business Development & Market Strategy
🏆 Secured Alobee’s first U.S. client
🎯 Currently seeking his next international opportunity
