Parsons Paris

Meet Virginie Grillet – Director of Career Development & Internships | Alumni Engagement

Meet Virginie Grillet, Director of Career Development & Internships | Alumni Engagement.

What do you do at Parsons Paris?
I boost the employability of international Art & Design students and Alumni, with professional development workshops, and employers’ expectations according to the French job market. 

How long have you worked at Parsons Paris?
November 14, 2017 was my very first day at Parsons Paris, and since then, my job has been evolving every day and I am proud to have built this department from scratch. Now I feel even stronger with my new colleague Anthea. We collaborate together to prepare the young generation for the job market with dedication, creativity, engagement and tenacity.

What is your nationality?
French, but exactly north of France. This part of the country used to be the birthplace of the textile industry in the 20th, but not anymore…

How long you’ve lived in Paris?
With my husband & my 3 kids, I lived and worked abroad for 10 years. Hometextile Sourcing Manager in Shanghai, Clown at the hospital in India, Luxury Corporate Gift Manager in Tokyo, Europe Manager of a Japanese recruiting company in Düsseldorf. I have been living in Paris for 8 years now; I almost feel Parisian, with an international perspective.

What is your favorite thing about this city?
Paris is the roundabout of the world. Paris is the place where I always meet my family, and my friends from around the world.

Name some of your favorite places to eat!
Nomad’s is a warm place, either for lunch, goûter or an after-work drink.
Omosubi Gobai the Onigiri place rue des Petits Carreaux
Les Inséparables – a romantic place close to Montmartre
DALIA the Lebanese restaurant Paris 2
Le Gros Bao – Quai de Jemmapes, Paris 10
Le Soma Milton Japanese bistrot.
Otherwise, I bring my snack at the Parc des Tuileries or Palais Royal. I feel special & lucky when I sit there with my sandwich, alone or with a friend.

What is your favorite arrondissement and why?
The 1st is my favorite because it is a “mini” Paris itself, because of the Japanese Izakayas, because of the easy walking distance to any arrondissements, because I can easliy run along the Seine.

Name your favorite cultural spots in Paris.
Musée de la Mode Palais Galliera, Musée Beaubourg (go quickly before its closure in Fall 2024) & Musée Maillol for photography.

Who is your favorite musician or band?
Pab the Kid of course (my son #proudmom), Album “Feel my face” March 15th! Stay tuned.
Jason Glasser, Parsons Paris faculty member!
The Strokes, Aimé Simon, Aupinard, Jain, Charlotte Cardin … 

What is your favorite activity to do in Paris?
Run/Workout very early in the morning when the city is starting to wake up. And obviously, taking photographs of street art & details.

Do you have a secret tip/advice/spot to share with new visitors to the city?
Buy a big paper map of Paris, put it on your wall, understand the snail of arrondissements, become more and more familiar with names, and pin the places you want to go/visit. I highly recommend places where you have the most beautiful view of Paris, such as the restaurant Le Georges and Montmartre, especially with the sunset.