AFAM: Hello Alain, and thank you for your time! Please tell me, how did you first hear about AFAM?
Alain: I moved to the United States at the end of 2008, the day after the Lehman brother’s bank collapsed. I initially planned to stay for a few years as an expatriate, but I never left New England and eventually relocated with my wife and kids.
At that time, AFAM already had a presence on the internet with an initial website and was contacting the growing population of alumni located within the US through emails and LinkedIn profiles.
AFAM: When did you decide to help AFAM and become our mentor? What was your motivation? Please tell us a few words about your mentorship experience.
Alain: I was contacted by AFAM to support French students who were looking for a US internship. I had paired up with students in the past, and we worked together to equip them for their future challenges. I love to help people discover their calling. Having worked in many different countries (Mexico, Germany, China…), I also gained much cross-cultural experience that can be very useful. In addition, I am deeply involved with the local state universities here in Massachusetts, and I serve as a panelist and help students prepare for the workplace environment.
AFAM: Do you have any previous experience volunteering for any non-profit organization? Any help you provided to non-profits when you were still a student at Arts et Métiers?
Alain: Back in France and starting as a high school kid, I volunteered in many sports and cultural activities. I think it prepares us for life and a career by developing the soft and hard skills needed later to succeed.
Today, being in charge of American operations, I do travel a lot. However, I still try to volunteer as often as I can. I am also involved at a local level in sports activities and several business organizations. It has helped me meet fascinating and diverse people that I would not have met otherwise, and volunteering is very strong here, especially at the community level.
AFAM: What would you like to wish to the AFAM team?
Alain: AFAM has been around for quite a while and has expanded substantially over the last few years. Congratulations to the team, and I wish many others will join the organization and be active. I hope that our alumni and students can enjoy the many services offered by AFAM. With an ever-growing alumni and student population attracted to the USA, AFAM is like a compass and serves anybody who would like to contribute or is just interested in US opportunities.
AFAM: thank you, Alain, for your time!
Photo: courtesy of Alain Mutschler
How you can help AFAM, our community and our students?
You can easily donate to AFAM: here
You can help AFAM: by becoming a Shasta mentor or our expert/referrer
You can share your ideas with
Please read other interviews of "Giving back to your community" series:
With Michel Vulpillat (Ch 183), our new representative in Southern California
With Valentin Fehr (Cl 212), our new representative in Atlanta region
With Jean Pommier (An 183), AFAM board member, Shasta committee member and Shasta mentor
With Jean-Luc Nauleau ( An 81), AFAM board member
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