Students pass internationally recognized business exam

Five undergraduate students passed the rigorous Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris exam, making them qualified to work in the French business world despite not yet receiving their diplomas from Grand Valley.

Kevin Sielaff, Jordan Hurner, Rosie Dutfield, Donald Braendle and Melanie Watson recently received a diploma certifying "an operational competency to communicate in French in a professional context," which is an internationally recognized distinction.

Since 2009, only 21 Grand Valley students have passed the exam.

Students study for the exam as part of a business French course taught by Séverine Ward, affiliate professor of French in the Modern Languages and Literatures Department. 

The exam requires students to demonstrate their knowledge of the French business world through simulated professional tasks covering a variety of subject matters, including French postal and banking services, the stock market, taxes, marketing and publicity, imports and exports, insurance and even how to apply for a job in France.

Some of the tasks include analyzing and presenting concepts from business documents, and showcasing knowledge of the French business terminology and practices.

Jordan Hurner, senior international business and management major from St. Clair, said preparing for the exam was extremely challenging, despite guidance from Ward.

"There was a lot on the exam that could not be prepared for specifically, so we really needed a deep knowledge of the Business French course content in order to use critical thinking to come to the correct answers," Hurner said.

Ward said offering students the opportunity to take the CCIP exam is critical for their success in a world where speaking a foreign language isn't enough.

"What will constitute a professional asset and give students a marked advantage is their knowledge of cultural differences and their ability to navigate and function in the business world," Ward said.

Dutfield, a senior majoring in French, said passing the exam will help give her a leg up on the competition.

"I will soon be graduating from Grand Valley and moving to Paris," Dutfield said. "Knowing the ins and outs of how the business world functions in France will be of great use to me because I can put this on my resume, which will open up even more opportunities."