Clémence Bataille

Recruitment & talent adviser, University Relations, People & Organisation Support EMEA, France

Masters Human Resources and Communications, University of Sorbonne, Paris (CELSA), France

I first came to Rio Tinto Alcan Packaging in 2007 for a six month internship, before returning to Rio Tinto after finishing my masters degree in April 2008. I'm in charge of University Relations for Europe which means recruiting interns and graduates and implementing university relations across Europe. This is mainly through our graduate recruitment campaign across the region, and involves attending careers fairs and making presentations at targeted schools and universities. I'm based in Paris but have travelled around Europe to visit universities.

When we visit the universities, we explain the history and structure of Rio Tinto to the students, the company's values, and the possibilities we try to create within the organisation for career paths. The candidates have the opportunity to discuss with our Campus Partner who comes with us. This is someone who has been with the company for about five years, and who does the sort of role they have applied for. It's useful for prospective recruits to talk to someone who is close to their age, and who has also come to the organisation as a graduate.

I enjoy the fact that I'm evolving in a dynamic and creative environment. I've been really impressed by how things work here. All ideas are welcomed! Although I've only been here one and a half years, I feel I've already been through a big evolution. I am able to use both the HR and communications sides of my academic training in this role, which is great. Project management, change management and client engagement are also part of our daily activities. I enjoy the challenge of maintaining good communication both internally and externally. I also like the fact that I can be a concrete example to the students I talk to of what it's like to work here.

The atmosphere and the people here are great. I think there is a specific personality that people share. And also, even though I've stayed in Paris and am French, I enjoy the international nature of our company and learning about foreign cultures. Every day I get to work with people from Sweden, Poland, Scotland, Australia and Canada.

I think I will try to evolve into another role after I've spent two years here. I like the fact that within Rio Tinto I could work either in an office or on site. Within the same company you can perform really different roles. I don't know exactly which direction I will go in yet, but I'd like to try and work abroad to see different ways of working within Rio Tinto. When you're a graduate in a company as diverse as Rio Tinto, you are given the opportunity to create your own opportunities, to be proactive.