Smaïn was a railway police officer for the RATP. A few months ago, it clicked. He quits his job and turns to business schools. His wish? Working in the world of cosmetics. Now a student at NEOMA, on exchange in Morocco, he looks back on his atypical career path.
Smaïn’s journey before NEOMA
Can you look back on your career before NEOMA?
I resumed my studies in 2019. I started with adult training, it was a BTS in one year, so a very intensive program. I was even able to keep my salary for a year. I had left my studies with academic failure. I got my baccalaureate at the limit, around 10. But during this BTS, I had an average of 18 and I realized that studies were not that difficult. It gave me back my self-confidence and I wanted to start another year of study.
The pandemic arrives. I was able to prepare for the competitions with a support organization which allowed me to structure my work. I prepared for the TAGE MAGE and got a good score. I passed ECRICOME and TBS and I got into all the schools. They particularly appreciated my profile since I got very good grades in all my interviews.
Why did you decide to become a railway police officer?
It was the first job that happened to me. When I arrived in Paris, I lived with a friend who works at the RATP. I needed money and I entered the RATP process. It’s a comfortable place when you’re not qualified. The working hours are cool, the salary and benefits are attractive. It’s good when you don’t have a diploma, but it’s also a golden prison. And then, it’s a particular profession where you are constantly confronted with anger.
Arrival at business school
What made you leave everything to go to NEOMA?
Quite honestly, it’s my entourage. I didn’t know at all what a business school was, what it was to study. Around me, being a civil servant is already an accomplishment. And I was happy in my job for the first few years.
But, by going to Paris, I was able to see my friends again who were talking to me about their studies. One of them did an exchange in Australia, he became a trader there and helps his family every month. I stayed in touch with him and he encouraged me to change my life at a time when I was less fulfilled in my profession. He showed me that there were other ways.
Why join a business school?
I was always passionate about cosmetics and I learned about these professions. Many people say that business schools are useless, that I could find courses on the internet, etc. I have the opposite opinion. I joined business school because it is the ideal path to work in this sector.
The business school provides the foundations and a global view of the business. I know how to talk with people who are in HR, in supply chain…. Tomorrow, if I open a business and start talking to an accountant, I know what I’m going to talk about. That’s what a business school is! It provides a base of common knowledge that allows discussion with all people in the company. Then, if I chose NEOMA, it was because I wanted a well-ranked school and I fell in love with this school.
Do you regret your choice?
I absolutely do not regret my choice. You have to be aware that being in business school is an asset. When I was in BTS or a bachelor’s degree, I struggled to find my internship. HAS NEOMAI just had to click a button to interview at L’Oréal. The school helped me create my CV and allowed me to train with HR. They gave me all the codes to succeed.
Internship, exchange in Morocco… Smaïn’s student experience
How did your internship at L’Oréal go?
It was my dream to work in this universe. The slightest change at L’Oréal has a big impact on everyone and it’s incredible. I did my internship at Garnier, I learned a lot. It was difficult, but I was supported as best as possible. If people have the opportunity to do an internship at L’Oréal, they will be surprised by the level of requirements and the quality of the internship. In terms of salary, you are paid a minimum wage. When you don’t come from a business school background, it’s important. I discovered so many things, I was able to make suggestions on what is indicated on the packaging. For me, who loves these products, it was a source of great pride. It was a very enriching internship, I loved it.
You are currently on exchange in Morocco. Why this country?
I wanted to go to Australia, like my friend, but I didn’t want to copy and paste his journey. I am passionate about cosmetics and it is in Morocco that we find the basic products: argan oil, prickly pear… I wanted to be present directly in a country that produces these raw materials. My goal is to try to offer my own cosmetic products. I want to share my story, my vision of beauty and cosmetics.
So entrepreneurship is part of your professional project?
Of course, but I still have a lot to learn. I would like to go into the corporate world to acquire new knowledge. We cannot imagine all the elements that go into the success of a product. I’m going to have to discover the whole world of the internet. I can’t wait to get started, but I’m in no rush. I want to fully experience this learning process.
Smaïn’s advice for those who want to return to their studies
Why did you launch a TikTok channel ?
I knew nothing about editing and I started at the beginning of September. I wanted to share my story. I arrived at business school saying to myself: “ I’m going to be weird, people are going to say to me “we’re 20, he’s 30, what is he doing there?” “. It’s the opposite. Even those who come from other backgrounds are amazed. They are surprised and encourage me.
I’m sure there are people who wonder if they should go back to school, but they don’t, because those aren’t the things we’re used to hearing. So I wanted to share my story. This reassures me in my choice, because, sometimes, I doubted.
In one week, I already had 750K views. There are a lot of people in the comments who talk about going back to school. Many young people tell me that my TikToks allow them to continue their studies. It spoke to people and I’m very happy.
@smain_demissionne In reality, RATP Money is a bit lacking 😂 #resignation #ecoledecommerce #cosmetic #skincare #France #training #sport
Any advice for those who get stuck in their job that they don’t necessarily like?
The advice I could give is to ask ourselves what scares us. Fears are not rational. I sought psychological support, because it’s difficult to question your life. I realized that my fears were not rational. The first fear is being on the street, my psychologist told me: “ at worst, you go to a temp agency and you work “. It’s a taboo for many, but it allowed me to go further in my project and to do it in a peaceful way.
