Frank Zschiegner - STU 2006 - economic development officer at the city of Vélizy-Villacoublay

At the end of his internship at the Institute of Urban Planning and Development, and after two months in Germany, Frank returns to France to seek work in economic development. He attends about ten interviews, including one for a position in Massy. The interview with the Deputy Director-General and the Director of Economic Development goes very well, particularly on a personal level. Frank secures a fixed-term contract two months after his return to France.

For a year, he thus participates in the implementation of an economic development strategy. Frank is then recruited by the Evry urban area in a similar position. After a year and a half, his former "boss" from Massy seeks to form a new team in Vélizy-Villacoublay. Frank is then offered a position as an Economic Development Officer in this municipality within a team that also deals with employment and transport.

His work encompasses two essential dimensions. The first dimension is endogenous and involves retaining the companies already present in the area by providing them with premises, adequate transport means, and broader services for employees. This also entails knowledge of the property market and the construction of the missing premises with the help of the Urban Planning department. It also requires a significant amount of preliminary work, such as on housing, to ensure that a sufficient supply is available for those working in Vélizy, which should also facilitate commuting within the geographical area. The second dimension is exogenous. It involves thinking about the economic fabric to attract, conducting prospecting, communication, and marketing. Collaboration with partners (such as the Regional Agency or the Paris Saclay Public Establishment, for example) is also necessary, as well as managing various business clubs and HR departments, as exists in Vélizy. It is essential to be attentive and well-acquainted with one's contacts.

It has now been almost four years since Frank started working in Vélizy, but an important change is looming as the responsibility for economic development will be transferred to the urban area. Despite the uncertainty, this presents an exciting prospect for Frank, giving him the opportunity to work on a new scale.

Frank's Advice

"The relational aspect is very important during interviews. The hierarchy must appear clear, the missions well-defined, and it is essential to ask precisely who does what, who validates, and with whom I will be working. The human aspect within teams is essential."