Editor's note: This is the second piece in a series written by students and faculty in a study abroad program — “Travel Writing through Italy and France” — a project-based immersive learning course to capture the flavors, culture, history and natural beauty of France and Italy. 

By Jason Doudt

Paris, France – In May, ten journalism students of Ball State University traveled to Europe for a study abroad experience titled “Travel Writing in France and Italy.” During the visit, our professor, Kate Elliot, coordinated meetings with notable alumni who work internationally. These experiences enriched our journey as many of us aspire to work in different corners of the world. The most personally impactful rendezvous was with a communications lead at a high-level energy company.  

Headquartered in the business district of Paris, France, Technip Energies is a company that specializes in the realization of environmental projects. Technip Energies is among the countries’ forward-thinking enterprises. They value sustainability and renewable energy sources while they envision a greener and cleaner future for the entire world. Technip operates at an international level, with most of its partners being in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, or the United States. Their engineers assist in the construction and training of energy production facilities around the globe.  

Ball State University also operates at an international level, and being a Cardinal means leaving the nest and flying. The networks and communities of college do not disappear after graduation - in fact, many of us make our way onto bigger stages. By retaining these connections, we create an international web of professionals, executives, and most importantly: lifelong learners.  

Any Ung Rangarajan, who received her Master’s of Communication at Ball State University, hosted our group of students as we partake in our international writing residency. After receiving her master’s degree, Any worked for the school she graduated from, pioneering a new position within the College of Communication, Information, and Media. Now, she returns to her home country of France to be the Communications Lead at Technip Energies. Her role is to produce multimedia storytelling for external audiences as well as informative internal communications to connect and empower its 15,000 employees. She collaborates with a team of writers and visual storytellers positioned at Technip’s locations across the globe.  

Their Paris facility is modern, sleek, and striking - it also runs on geothermal energy. We were required to watch a safety briefing before receiving specialized credentials. We learned about the company’s latest billion-dollar project in Qatar as well as its other energy transfer and construction ventures.  

She very graciously allowed us to tour parts of the facility and introduced us to other staff. One of the employees who made an impression on me was Victor Nicolas, a communications and multimedia production officer, also a polite and educated young man. During the visit, the students were given a presentation on the importance of Technip’s many energy programs while enjoying traditional French pastries and coffee.   

Overall, the experience heightened the students’ awareness of colleagues who live and work abroad. Graduation can make the world feel inaccessible as the safety blanket of the small community is pulled away and you are forced to assimilate into the larger working force. 

However, in France, the working culture prioritizes the human capital. Most businesses undergo diversity processes that give each individual the best opportunity to match their job to their skill set. French work/life balance is not a suggestion, but a priority. Employees get mandatory lunch breaks outside of the facility and up to 30 days of vacation time. Technip Energies represents the forward-thinking nature of French culture. The facility is tidy and the rules prohibit idling cars and smoking. By simply walking near the headquarters, one can notice how impeccably clean the area is. 

A stark contrast to the historic districts, the business district of La Défense is as uniquely Parisian as any other area. It may seem like a crowded city, but it is still people-focused with pedestrian-centered infrastructure. Technip Energies is located directly across from Paris La Défense Arena, a stadium that will host events during the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. It is a beautiful place to behold. 

Any ended her talk with advice for us as we begin careers in journalism, communications, and marketing. She reminded us to embrace being uncomfortable. She gave us several examples of times she has grown through personal experiences that pushed her outside of her comfort zone. Those experiences equipped her with the agility and creativity to succeed. 

We are very thankful to Any Ung Rangarajan and her colleagues for hosting us during their workday, providing us with breakfast, and inspiring us to continue pursuing our international dreams. There are many Cardinals who have taken on important, high-impact jobs around the world, and Any is just one stellar example. Before leaving, we posed for a picture outside of La Défense Arena, proudly displaying the Chirp! Chrip! symbol with our fingers. 

Despite the challenges of international travel presenting themselves day by day, we have always prevailed. Through hard work and dedication, we will always spread our wings, proving to the world that no matter the difficulty or distance – We Fly.

Class Act articles are written by students in a classroom environment with a faculty adviser.

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