In what context and why did you attend the Quebec Digital Week?
Benjamin: I had the opportunity to go through an internal competition at Digital Campus Rennes. We had to create a video or motion design piece expressing our desire to attend the Quebec Digital Week. Selections took place in November, with organisation in December for a departure in April.
Erwan : I attended the Quebec Digital Week as part of a trip organised by the OFQJ. The aim was to bring together many French and Quebec entrepreneurs around a shared dynamic: exchanging experiences around digital technology.
Hugo : I submitted a cover letter, a portfolio of my work, and my personal blog through the school. They liked the editorial line I proposed, so I was chosen to be part of the adventure!
How did your school support you throughout this adventure?
Benjamin: I created a photomontage to announce my departure. Once there, we faced two constraints: time for producing the videos and the cold — which led to a frozen camera battery! Fortunately, we kept in daily contact with the school, particularly through my Snapchat Story, which I shared on the Digital Campus Rennes Facebook page. It was a far more engaging and immersive way to communicate than email. Snapchat also allowed me to communicate directly with all the Rennes students. We also held video calls, so the other students could experience the event as if they were there themselves.
Erwan : I had the opportunity to take part in the Quebec Digital Week thanks to Digital Campus Bordeaux, which took the initiative to register some of its students to join the French delegation. Once on site, the OFQJ took care of us throughout this experience-filled trip.
Hugo : We had the opportunity to apply through the school, which, once the selections were confirmed, handed over the follow-up and organisation to the OFQJ.
Can you tell us about the WAQ?
Benjamin : The WAQ is impressive! It is the largest French-language digital festival in North America. There were around 3,000 people. The TEDx conference was one of the flagship events of the WAQ. I discovered a fantastic working and social atmosphere. The talks were very diverse, covering topics ranging from development and programming to UX design and interface design for Google Glass. There was a great buzz at the after-work events. I think Quebec is ahead of France when it comes to approaches to work and entrepreneurship. Quebecers organise a lot of after-work gatherings, which allow for exchanges in a more relaxed and convivial setting than we are used to. You get to know the person before the professional.
Erwan : The WAQ is a digital event in Quebec City — in fact, it is the largest French-language digital event on this side of the Atlantic. Many talks took place around digital intelligence and business digitalisation. We met many young entrepreneurs who had just settled in Quebec or were looking to do so. The tone was very friendly. In addition to the talks, we attended many after-work events where we gathered to discuss digital topics but also, and above all, about ourselves. There was a great deal of social energy, which was very enjoyable.
Hugo : It was an incredibly intense experience: from Wednesday to Friday, the days were packed with talks from 9am to 6pm. In the evenings, we made the most of the after-work events to network and chat with professionals. I attended many talks, both to write summaries and for my own personal development. There was also the "Pixel Challenge", a competition to create a video game in 48 hours. I followed a French team that was part of the delegation and wrote an article about it, which should be published on our networks soon. I learned a great deal — it was incredibly enriching as a student. I met, talked with, and spent time alongside many start-up founders, which brought me a great deal in terms of both professional and personal experience.
As a Digital Campus student, what was your mission during the week?
Benjamin : I was in charge of creating a web documentary about the WAQ talks and the people we met. I also had to assist volunteers on site. Finally, I interviewed Secretary of State Jean-Vincent Placé on behalf of the OFQJ.
Erwan : I handled the video coverage of the WAQ and conducted interviews for the OFQJ. We are currently in post-production on around ten videos about the WAQ talks. We would generally receive a brief at the start of each day, then split into groups to cover the event.
Hugo : Every day, I had to publish articles from the French delegation on the blog http://OFQJ-numerique.org. I was also tasked with taking photos to feed it. Finally, I wrote summaries of the talks and took part in the reporting.
What did this transatlantic experience bring you?
Benjamin : I got to talk with one of the heads of OVH Quebec. I want to go back for longer to have the chance to meet more interesting people and exchange more with them. In Quebec, digital unemployment is at 0% — it is full employment! Managers are very close to their employees because there is no vertical hierarchy. It brings a whole new perspective. A very fulfilling experience. I think I have grown and gained in maturity.
Erwan : This trip genuinely changed my life! I say that because it allowed me to meet professionals at a time when I had certain preconceptions about entrepreneurs — my future employers. I was able to realise that they are people just like us: humans who know how to have fun and remain highly professional. I came back with many ideas in mind for my own business, and a desire to start something in Bordeaux. We have a lot to learn from Quebec. We need to put people first. Meeting over a drink or a plate of tapas tends to break down the barriers that can exist between people. In Bordeaux, we have the French Tech label, and I believe we have both the means and the desire to be as dynamic as Quebec. Let's keep that momentum going!
Hugo : I ran into a former Community Management lecturer of mine who had set up his company in Quebec: Thomas Picos. I also met many people from my personal network who were part of the French delegation. It gave me the opportunity to build business relationships with Quebecers.
Can you sum up the week in one hashtag?
Benjamin : #tabbernak
Erwan : #fraicheurdevivre
Hugo : #poutine
Photo: ©Digital Campus — From left to right: Hugo Lebelier, Benjamin Roland, Simon Sequeria, Joffrey Gentreau (top), Erwan Lefevre (bottom).