Where are they now? A Q&A with international alumnus Dylan Jacquard
Chatham University’s international students bring unique perspectives, diversity, and the potential for cross-cultural communication to our campuses. Our international community is valuable, and all Chatham students can learn from their insights and successes. By engaging with our international alumni, we can see that Chatham is not just as a small school in Pittsburgh — it is a university that affects lives internationally and paves the way for global citizens.
To kick off our “Where are they now?” series, we will hear from Dylan Jacquard, an alumnus from France, who completed the Chatham Semester and International Internship programs in 2018-2019.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Dylan, I’m 29 and French. I work as an International Business Developer, helping French companies expand their business activities abroad. My work involves international strategy, intercultural management, and import/export operations.
I currently live in Brussels, Belgium, where I continue to work on international development projects. I’m also planning new adventures soon — I’m eager to learn new languages and discover new cultures.
How have you progressed professionally and/or academically since your studies at Chatham?
I came to Chatham University through a partnership with my French university, and my two semesters there counted toward the first year of my master’s degree. After returning to France, I completed my program and graduated in 2020.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I postponed some professional projects, but in 2022 I was hired as an International Corporate Volunteer to help develop business in West Africa. I was based in Dakar, Senegal. After a year, I was transferred to Brussels to focus on business development in Europe (Benelux, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain).
So since Chatham, I successfully completed my studies, gained valuable international experience, and built a fulfilling career as an international business developer.
At Chatham — and everywhere I have lived and worked since — I’ve constantly expanded my personal and professional network. Meeting people from all over the world has been one of the most enriching parts of my journey. I’ve learned that networking is one of the most powerful tools in life — it opens doors, creates opportunities, and builds lifelong connections.
What is a challenge you overcame to get to where you are now?
I’ve faced two main challenges.
The first was dealing with people who doubted my ability to succeed. When I accepted my assignment in West Africa, some people didn’t believe I could thrive there — but I proved them wrong through hard work and perseverance.
The second was the language barrier. Even though I already spoke English when I arrived at Chatham, studying and writing academic work in a foreign language was challenging. But I worked hard, and everyone at Chatham was incredibly supportive. It turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
A challenge I still face today is feeling legitimate in my role. Sometimes I question whether I truly deserve my place — but then I remind myself of everything I’ve accomplished to get here.
Funny enough, during my second semester at Chatham, I had an internship and wrote the following sentence in my final report:
“This training will help me understand the practices of a U.S.-based company. The knowledge acquired will give me a better understanding of international trade and will be necessary for my future career. I want to focus my career on a globalized world environment.”
I guess I manifested it pretty well!
Can you teach us something about France?
Did you know that France has the most time zones in the world — 13 in total? That’s even more than the U.S. or Russia! This is because France has many overseas territories around the globe, such as French Polynesia (home to the famous island of Bora Bora).
That’s one reason I love working in international business — wherever I travel, France is never too far away. So next time you visit metropolitan France, remember that there are many other French regions and islands to explore!
Also, in 2024 France hosted the Olympic Games — exactly 100 years after organizing the very first Winter Olympics in 1924. I’m so proud of how France has celebrated this milestone.
And since Christmas is coming soon, here’s a fun French tradition: our holiday meal!
Starters: Foie gras, seafood, oysters, smoked salmon
Main course: Turkey with chestnuts or stuffed capon
Dessert: Cheese (of course!) and a Yule log, known as bûche de Noël
What advice do you have for prospective international students or scholars?
Go explore the world. It’s one of the most enriching experiences you can have. Learning other languages and discovering new cultures will open your mind and create incredible opportunities.
I’ve now lived in five countries and speak four languages — and I plan to keep learning and living abroad. Every experience abroad teaches you something new about the world and about yourself.
And never forget: build and nurture your network. It’s one of the most important tools you can have in both your professional and personal life.